The launch ceremony of the next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Ugolino Vivaldi was held today at the Riva Trigoso shipyard, representing an important milestone in the modernization of the Italian Navy’s patrol and surveillance capabilities. The vessel is the first of four OPVs currently under construction by Fincantieri, within a broader naval program entrusted to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, the joint venture formed by Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), and overseen by the Naval Armaments Directorate of Italy’s National Armaments Directorate.

The event brought together senior military, institutional, and industrial representatives, reflecting the strategic relevance of the program. Among those in attendance were Vice Admiral Fabio Gregori, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy; Massimiliano Nannini, Chief of Staff of the Liguria Region, representing the regional president; Francesco Solinas, Mayor of Sestri Levante; and Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. Fincantieri was represented by Attilio Dapelo, Operations Director of the Naval Vessels Division, and Antonio Quintano, Director of the integrated Riva Trigoso–Muggiano Shipyard.

The launch was also marked by a strong historical dimension. The vessel’s godmother, Alessandra Marsigli Cavriani, is the granddaughter of Lieutenant Commander Alessandro Cavriani, posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor after being lost at sea in September 1943 while scuttling the destroyer Ugolino Vivaldi. The choice of name thus links the new patrol vessel to a legacy of service and sacrifice within the Italian naval tradition.

From a technical perspective, the OPV “Ugolino Vivaldi” reflects a high concentration of advanced design and automation solutions. Measuring approximately 95 meters in length with a displacement of around 2,400 tons, the ship is designed to accommodate a crew of 93 while maintaining flexibility for a wide range of operational profiles. Particular emphasis has been placed on maneuverability, seakeeping, and automation, allowing the vessel to operate effectively in diverse weather conditions and complex tactical environments.

One of the most significant innovations is the integrated naval cockpit, a system originally developed for the Italian Navy’s Multi-Purpose Combat Ships (PPA). Created through close collaboration between Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo, this cockpit represents a generational shift in ship management. By enabling just two operators—a pilot and co-pilot—to control propulsion, steering, platform systems, and selected combat system functions, the solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces crew workload, and improves overall safety.

The OPV program has been conceived to address a broad spectrum of maritime security requirements. These include persistent presence and surveillance, maritime patrol, merchant traffic monitoring, protection of sea lines of communication and the exclusive economic zone, as well as environmental protection tasks such as responding to marine pollution and hazardous spills. In this context, the new vessels are intended to bridge traditional naval roles with emerging constabulary and environmental missions.

For Fincantieri, the OPV initiative represents a key step in consolidating its position as a global leader in naval defense and shipbuilding. The vessels form part of the FCX product family, reinforcing the company’s export-oriented portfolio while further deepening its long-standing partnership with the Italian Navy.