Fincantieri Unveils the Impressive Fourth PPA: The “Giovanni delle Bande Nere” at Riva Trigoso
Today, the operational debut of the fourth Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship (PPA – Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) “Giovanni delle Bande Nere” commenced at Fincantieri’s shipbuilding facility in Riva Trigoso (Genoa).
This PPA, slated for delivery in 2024, represents the inaugural “full” variant, indicating it is equipped for comprehensive defense capabilities, and is the first to be fitted with generator systems from Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary renowned for diesel engine manufacturing.
The vessel is part of the revitalization strategy of the operational fleet of the Italian Navy, sanctioned by the Government and Parliament, commencing in May 2015 (“Naval Act”) under the auspices of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international body for arms cooperation).
Specifications of the Vessel: PPA – Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Ship
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a remarkably versatile craft capable of fulfilling various roles, ranging from patrol with maritime rescue functions to Civil Protection missions and, in its most extensively outfitted version, first-line combat vessel. For the seven ships in the program, different configurations of the combat system will indeed be available: starting from a “soft” edition for the patrol duty, enhanced for self-defense capability, to a “full” version, as mentioned above. The patrol vessel can also operate high-speed crafts such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters in length using lateral cranes or a retrieval ramp positioned at the rear.
- Length of 133 meters
- Speed exceeding 31 knots, depending on ship configuration and operational circumstances
- 145 crew members with accommodations for up to 181 beds
- Hybrid diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, utilizing electric motors for low-speed operations
- Ability to provide potable water to shore
The PPAs will be constructed at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries anticipated to continue until 2026.
