Today, the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia hosted the launching ceremony for the Logistic Support Ship (LSS) ‘Atlante,’ a key element in the Italian Navy’s fleet renewal initiative.
The event was attended by notable figures including the Navy’s Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino. He was welcomed by Fincantieri’s President, General Claudio Graziano, CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, and the General Manager of Fincantieri’s Military Ships Division, Dario Deste. Also present were Joachim Sucker, Director of the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), and Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate – NAVARM. Mrs. Federica Gargano, niece of Admiral Romeo Oliva, a decorated former Commander of the Naval Forces, served as the Godmother of the new vessel.
The ‘Atlante,’ slated for delivery in 2025, is the second ship of its kind for the Italian Navy, following the ‘Vulcano,’ which was delivered by Fincantieri in 2021. This ship will bolster the Navy’s logistical support capabilities, providing versatile operational support in areas such as national defense, Euro-Atlantic security, international peacekeeping, and disaster relief.
These logistic support ships, developed by the Temporary Grouping of Companies (RTI) formed by Fincantieri and Leonardo, are characterized by their high level of innovation. They are designed to be highly adaptable and efficient in various operational scenarios. Additionally, these ships can support non-military activities, such as civil protection and humanitarian aid, and feature environmentally friendly technologies, including low-pollution generators, electric propulsion motors, and biological effluent control systems.
Technical Specifications of the Logistic Support Ship (LSS):
- The LSS serves as a logistic support unit with hospital and medical facilities.
- It can transport and transfer liquid (diesel oil, aviation fuel, fresh water) and solid (spare parts, food, ammunition) supplies to other naval units, and perform repair and maintenance at sea.
- The ship features defense systems for command and control in tactical scenarios, communications, and non-lethal deterrents. It can also support advanced defense systems, intelligence, and electronic warfare equipment.
Specifications include:
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- Displacement: approximately 27,000 tonnes
- Length: 193 meters
- Speed: approximately 20 knots
- Crew: 235 personnel, including specialists
- Capabilities: sea rescue, vehicle and material recovery from the surface and seabed, and support for helicopter and special boat rescue operations.