Fincantieri press release
The vessel is the fifth of seven vessels to be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano with deliveries expected until 2026.
The PPAs are part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament and started in May 2015 (“Naval Act”) under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).
At the ceremony, among others, the Undersecretary of Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago, the Governor of Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, the Chief of the Italian Navy, Adm. OF-9 Enrico Credendino, OCCAR-EA Director, Adm. Matteo Bisceglia, were received by Gen. Claudio Graziano and Pierroberto Folgiero, respectively Chairman and CEO of Fincantieri, as well as the General Manager Naval Vessels Division of the Group, Dario Deste.
Marcantonio Colonna, who lived between 1535 and 1584, was one of the most illustrious land and sea captains of the 16th century, also protagonist of the battle of Lepanto in 1571. The godmother of the launch was Jeanne Colonna Pavoncelli, descendant of the distinguished family.
Vessel’s characteristics: PPA – Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Ship
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a highly flexible ship, fit to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and, in its most highly equipped version, first line fighting vessel. For the seven vessels of the program there will be indeed different configurations of combat system: starting from a “soft” version for the patrol task, integrated for self-defence ability, to a “full” one, which means equipped for a complete defence ability. The patrol ship is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern.
- 143 meters long overall
- Speed up to 32 knots according to vessel configuration and operational conditions
- Approx. 135 crew members and accommodation capacity up to 181 beds
- Combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, i.e. with electric motors for low speeds
- Capacity to supply drinking water, electricity and health support to land
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Naval News comments:
The Marcantonio Colonna (P433) is a PPA in “Light+” configuration featuring more weapon systems compared to the two first ships-in-class. To learn more about the Paolo Thaon di Revel class, check out this article.
However, our Italian contributor, Luca Peruzzi, who attended the launch ceremony, informed Naval News of two important announcements:
- The Chief of the Italian Navy announced the plan to transform the two PPA “Light” into PPA “Full” configuration. The Thaon di Revel class will then consist in four PPA Full and three PPA Light+ ships.
- It was also announced that PPA Morosini (second ship in class) will conduct a long cruise in the Pacific in the second half of 2023
