Italian Navy Enters New Horizon with OPV Contract Signed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali
As part of the Italian Navy OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) procurement initiative, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the partnership between Fincantieri and Leonardo, with respective ownership of 51% and 49%, has formalized a contract with the Italian General Secretariat of Defence and National Armaments Directorate for the development of three next-generation patrol ships, with options for an additional three vessels and necessary enhancements for the naval facilities in Augusta, Cagliari, and Messina, where the ships will be stationed.
The overall contract value for the initial three units amounts to €925 million, inclusive of the associated integrated logistical support. In the forthcoming days, OSN will conclude sub-contract agreements with Fincantieri and Leonardo, valued at approximately €540 million and €255 million, respectively. The contract with Fincantieri constitutes significant related party transactions executed in compliance with applicable legislation. For Leonardo, the aforementioned supply agreement, to be finalized between Leonardo and OSN, is classified as a related party transaction of “lesser importance,” taking into account the contract value and the relevant indices.
The transactions benefit from exemptions from procedural requirements that apply to dealings with (even jointly) subsidiaries, as per current regulations and corresponding procedures in place.
The OPV initiative addresses the necessity to ensure sufficient capabilities for presence and surveillance, maritime reconnaissance, management of merchant traffic, safeguarding lines of communication and the exclusive economic zone, as well as tasks aimed at shielding against threats related to marine pollution, such as hazardous liquid spills.
With an approximate length of 95 meters, a displacement of 2,300 tonnes, and the ability to accommodate 97 crew members on board, the upcoming patrol vessels will be distinguished by their advanced array of technological solutions, as well as elevated standards concerning automation and maneuverability, making them apt for operations in a diverse array of tactical scenarios and climatic conditions.
One of the most groundbreaking features is the “naval cockpit,” devised for the Italian Navy’s Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (PPAs), based on a genuinely revolutionary requirement: an integrated workstation was crafted, co-produced by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, which enables the command of ship and aeronaval operations by merely two personnel, the pilot and copilot, who fulfill the responsibilities of officer of the watch on the bridge and commander. Indeed, from this position, located in the command bridge, it becomes possible to oversee the machinery, rudders, and platform systems, along with several functions of the combat management system.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, remarked: “This contract recognizes and unites the pinnacle of Italian technology. Leonardo and Fincantieri, through OSN, can provide cutting-edge solutions for national defense. This is the result of a robust and forward-looking synergy. The Navy is assured the support of a long-term capability.”
According to Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri: “The signing of this agreement signifies a substantial milestone on a commercial front, considering that the OPVs belong to the FCX family, the foundation of Fincantieri’s new global Defense offering. It also reaffirms the Group’s managerial abilities to assume the role of strategic ally to our Navy, one of the most sophisticated globally. Last but not least, the program, through the revival of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, further reinforces our partnership with Leonardo, allowing us to concentrate on our ship system integration proficiency and, more broadly, reaffirming the significance of our national economic framework.”
