“Fincantieri Unveils the Next-Generation FRMM Frigate: Introducing ‘Emilio Bianchi'”

The inauguration event of the frigate “Emilio Bianchi,” the final vessel in a sequence of 10 FREMM – European Multi Mission Frigates – units contracted from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy pursuant to the Italian-French collaborative agreement, coordinated by OCCAR, the joint agency for European defense cooperation, took place today at the Riva Trigoso integrated shipyard.

The launch godmother was Mrs. Maria Elisabetta Bianchi, offspring of Gold Medalist for Military Valor Emilio Bianchi.

The occasion was graced by the Navy’s Chief of Staff, Admiral Enrico Credendino, who was greeted by the President of Fincantieri, General Claudio Graziano, along with the General Manager of Fincantieri’s Military Ships Division, Dario Deste. Among notable attendees were the President of the Regional Council, Gianmarco Medusei, the Director of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), Joachim Sucker, as well as various civil and military dignitaries.

After the launch, the vessel will proceed with outfitting processes at the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia and is scheduled for delivery in 2025. “Emilio Bianchi” will possess, akin to the other FREMMs, exceptional operational versatility and will be equipped to function in diverse tactical scenarios. It boasts dimensions of 144 meters in length, 19.7 meters in width, and a full load displacement of approximately 6,700 tons, with the capability to exceed speeds of 27 knots while accommodating about 200 personnel onboard.

In the maritime defense domain, FREMM – European Multi Mission Frigate stands as the most significant collaborative venture among European enterprises. The FREMM initiative, epitomizing the pinnacle of Italian and European defense capabilities, arises from the necessity to modernize the fleet of Navy vessels, including the “Lupo” and “Maestrale” classes, erected by Fincantieri during the 1970s and 1980s.

Carlo Bergamini was handed over in 2012, Virginio Fasan in 2013, Carlo Margottini in 2014, Carabiniere in 2015, Alpino in 2016, Luigi Rizzo in 2017, Federico Martinengo in 2018, Antonio Marceglia in 2019, and Spartaco Schergat, presently under construction at the Muggiano site with a projected delivery in April 2025.