As part of its Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program, the Italian Navy has communicated to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo, the notification relating to the exercise of the option for the construction of the fourth new generation patrol vessel and its logistical support. The total value of the transaction is equal to approximately 236 million euros. In the coming days, OSN will conclude sub-contracting contracts by notifying the exercise of the options to Fincantieri and Leonardo, which will respectively have a value of about 163 million euros and about 70 million euros.

The OPV programme, which contributes to the modernisation and renewal of the units of the Italian Navy, responds to the need to ensure adequate capacities presence and surveillance, maritime surveillance, merchant traffic, protection of lines of communication and exclusive economic zone, as well as activities to protect against threats from marine pollution, such as the spillage of toxic liquids.

With a length of about 95 meters, a displacement of 2,300 tons and capacity to accommodate 97 members of the crew, the new patrol boats, which will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano in Fincantieri, will stand out for the concentration of solutions as well as standards of excellence in terms of automation and manoeuvrability, which will make them suitable for operate in a wide range of tactical scenarios and conditions Atmospheric.