Ugolino Vivaldi baptized. A 95-foot patrol vessel opens a new series for Italy

On February 21, the Fincantieri shipyards in Riva Trigoso held a baptism ceremony for a prototype patrol vessel (OPV) Ugolino Vivaldi – the first of four new generation units built for Marina Militare.

Is this just a symbolic celebration? Or is it a real signal that the Italians are entering a new phase in the reconstruction of marine capabilities?

Over a billion euro programme

New patrol ships are created under a contract implemented by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali – a joint venture company Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%). The order includes four units with an option for two more. The value of the first tranche, together with the package of logistical support, amounts to EUR 1.2 billion.

It is part of a broader renewal plan for Marina Militare, which involves replacing older vessels with more autonomy and high automation capable of operating in a broad spectrum of today's naval operations.

Work at Vivaldi began on September 24, 2024 with sheet metal cutting. The navel was laid on December 12, 2024. Parallel construction in shipyards Riva Trigoso The second unit – her keel was laid in December 2025.

95 metres long and crew below hundreds

The new patrol vessel is approximately 95 metres long and buoyancy of 2,400 tons. The crew will count to 93. The structure combines the features of a patrol unit with solutions known from larger battleships – especially in the field of system integration and platform management.

One of the key elements of the equipment is an integrated bridge derived from solutions developed for PPA units (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura). The system, developed by Fincantieri NexTech in collaboration with Leonardo, allows the operation of the gym, steering system and selected functions of the combat system by only two crew members.

Is this the direction in which more European fleets will follow – fewer people, more automation?

History Name

The godmother was Alessandra Marsigli Cavriani, granddaughter of Lieutenant Commander Alessandro Cavriani – commander of the destroyer Ugolino Vivaldi of the Navigatori type, sunk on September 10, 1943 by Luftwaffe. The choice of patron is a clear reference to the tradition of Marina Militare and the continuity of names in the history of the Italian fleet.

Symbolics matter, but an industrial dimension is equally important. Fincantieri maintains a high rate of ship production for its own fleet and foreign customers, and the segment of medium patrol units remains an important component of the group's order portfolio.

New patrol boats are not just water surveillance units. These ships are designed for long-term presence at sea and for carrying out a wide range of tasks – from protecting the interests of the state to supporting maritime operations.

Will the Italian model of naval modernisation – combining tradition, industry and automation – become a reference point for other European fleets?