Tenth FREMM vessel launched for Italian Navy
The tenth FREMM vessel to be built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy has been launched at the integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso, Genoa.
This is the final Multi Mission European Frigate that will be commissioned within the framework of Italo-French cooperation programme under the coordination of OCCAR.
The vessel’s fitting out will now continue at the integrated naval shipyard of Muggiano, La Spezia, ahead of delivery scheduled for 2021.
Named Emilio Bianchi, the vessel will be capable of operating in a wide range of tactical scenarios. The vessel is 144m in length with a beam of 19.7m, and a displacement at full load of approximately 6,700 tonnes. It will have a maximum speed of over 27 knots and a maximum accommodation capacity for a 200-person crew.
Under the FREMM programme the Italian Navy is replacing its Lupo and Maestrale class firgates. The first two vessels, Carlo Bergamini and Virginio Fasan were delivered in 2013, with Carlo Margottini following in 2014, Carabiniere in 2015, Alpino in 2016, Luigi Rizzo in 2017, Federico Martinengo in 2018 and Antonio Marceglia in 2019.
Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (51% Fincantieri, 49% Leonardo) acts as prime contractor for Italy in the initiative, while Armaris (Naval Group and Thales) is prime contractor for France.
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