The ceremony was attended according to images, by Fincantieri, Italian MoD (NAVARM through local UTNAV office) and New Ships Outfitting Centre (MARINALLES) of the Italian Navy and other representatives.
“Intended for mapping and scientific monitoring activities, as well as supporting the initiatives of the (Italian Navy) Hydrographic Institute”, the ship was “conceived with the utmost attention to green aspects, thanks to technologies for the containment of emissions, a diesel-electric propulsion to optimize consumption, hull form optimization for reduced resistance and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
Through its multiple scientific capabilities, NIOM is qualified as a means of direct support of the UN’s sustainable development objectives at sea. A ship that makes us increasingly proud of the historic collaboration with the (Italian) Navy, at the service of innovation and research for the protection of our seas,” said Fincantieri on its X account.
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Being built at Riva Trigoso-Muggiano integrated shipyard under a €284 million contract awarded to Fincantieri through a EU tender, including also integrated logistics support and temporary support services for a duration of six years (with option to extend it for another four years), the NIOM is the major asset of the renewal plan of the Navy’s hydrographic service. The new platform will replace the aged Magnaghi (A 5303) which entered into service in 1975, while two new smaller vessels will replace the two Aretusa-class survey vessels. A funding agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has been reached.
To be delivered in 2026 and designed to operate in the Mediterranean and new Arctic frontiers, the NIOM will have a length and beam of respectively circa 110 and 20 metres. With a full load displacement of circa 6,100 tonnes, the new hydro-oceanographic ship will be equipped with scientific plants and equipment to perform bathymetric, topographical and geodetic surveys, acquire hydro-oceanographic, marine and meteorological geophysical data in a 5,000-7,000 meters range depths (with bottom and natural/artificial features survey up to 10,000 meters), magnetic anomalies surveys and conduct Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) operations mainly for security and military purposes with unmanned vehicles. The NIOM will be equipped to operate autonomous underwater vehicles for over 3,000 meters depth surveys, alongside surface and air unmanned platforms in addition to remotely operated vehicles and two 7.33 meters RHIBs.
Equipped with an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) plan and an IMO DP2 dynamic positioning system, the NIOM will feature an innovative underwater operational centre to be a key node of a future underwater operative network to be developed by Italian Navy. It will feature an elevated amidship flight deck for day/night operations for a NH90-type helicopter and at-sea vessel refuelling and replenishment stations, alongside two main areas in the bow and especially at the stern for the hydro-oceanographic survey equipment accommodation and handling. The new ship will have accommodations for a total of 140 elements between crew and scientific personnel. It will also have NATO Role 1 – level 1 and 2 medical facilities.