Fincantieri Unveils the Third PPA Vessel “Raimondo Montecuccoli” in Muggiano
The handover of the third Multipurpose Offshore Patrol vessel (PPA), “Raimondo Montecuccoli,” occurred at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano on 27 SEPTEMBER 2023.
The event was graced by notable figures such as Vice Admiral Antonio Natale, Commandant of the Naval Academies and Institutions, Emanuele Coletti, Deputy Director of Naval Armament – NAVARM, and Mr. Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR, all welcomed by the General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division, Dario Deste.
This ship is a significant element of the modernization initiative for operational fleets of the Italian Navy, endorsed by both the Government and Parliament, which commenced in May 2015 (“Naval Act”) under the auspices of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, an international body for defense cooperation).
Specifications of the Vessel: PPA – Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a remarkably versatile craft capable of fulfilling various roles, from patrols with maritime rescue capabilities to civil protection tasks, and in its most advanced configuration, serving as a frontline combat ship. Different setups will support its combat systems: starting with a “soft” version for patrol duties, enhanced for self-defense, to a “full” version designed for comprehensive defense abilities.
The vessel is also equipped to operate high-speed crafts such as RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) up to 11 meters in length via lateral cranes or a retrieval ramp situated at the aft.
• Length: 133 meters
• Speed: exceeding 31 knots depending on vessel configuration and operational circumstances
• Crew capacity: 171 personnel
• Propulsion: combined diesel and gas turbine plant (CODAG) alongside an electric system
• Capability: provision of potable water to land
The Multipurpose Offshore Patrol vessels are being constructed at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with completion dates anticipated through 2026.
Raimondo Montecuccoli, hailing from Modena, served as a general in the Austrian Empire. He distinguished himself with notable success in numerous conflicts across Europe from 1625 to 1675, as part of the Habsburg monarchy’s campaigns against the Dutch, Swedes, Turks, and French. Originally inclined towards a clerical career, he resolutely opted for military service, excelling in various operations during the Thirty Years’ War. From 1648 onwards, he held a range of significant diplomatic roles in Italy and Europe. At the zenith of his career, he achieved the rank of General Lieutenant of the Empire (1609-1681).
He was a man of exceptional intellect, a distinguished military author (the first to deeply investigate personnel and logistics), and was referenced by Ugo Foscolo as one of the most exceptional and scholarly military figures from Italy.
His name was previously assigned to a light cruiser of the same classification, renowned for its reputation as a fortunate vessel, gracing the headlines since 1937 when it was dispatched to China on just twenty-four hours’ notice. This ship was notably involved in the Battle of Pantelleria on June 15, 1942, resulting in the loss of the destroyer “Bedouin,” the “Kentucky” tank, as well as inflicting damage on the cruiser “Cairo,” the destroyers “Ithuriel” and “Partridge,” and the minesweeper “Hebe.”
