The launch ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Fabio Gregori, alongside representatives of regional and local authorities. Among those present were Massimiliano Nannini, Chief of Staff of the Liguria Region representing the President of the Region, the Mayor of Sestri Levante Francesco Solinas, and Giovanni Sorrentino, Chief Executive Officer of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali.
For Fincantieri, the Operations Director of the Naval Vessels Division, Attilio Dapelo, and the Director of the Integrated Riva Trigoso-Muggiano Shipyard, Antonio Quintano, took part in the event. The vessel’s godmother was Alessandra Marsigli Cavriani, granddaughter of Lieutenant Commander Alessandro Cavriani, who was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor and lost at sea while scuttling the ship Ugolino Vivaldi in September 1943.
With a length of around 95 metres and a displacement of approximately 2,400 tonnes, the “Vivaldi” can accommodate a crew of 93. The vessel is characterised by a concentration of technological solutions and high standards of automation and manoeuvrability, enabling operations across a broad range of tactical scenarios and weather conditions.
Among the main innovations is the integrated naval cockpit, developed for the Italian Navy’s Multi Purpose Combat Ships (PPA) through collaboration between Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo. The system enables two operators, the pilot and co-pilot, to control engines, rudders, platform systems and certain combat system functions, with the aim of optimising efficiency and safety.
The OPV programme is designed to ensure capabilities for presence and surveillance, maritime patrol, merchant traffic control, protection of communication lines and the exclusive economic zone. It also supports activities to counter threats such as marine pollution, including the spillage of toxic liquids.
For Fincantieri, the programme represents a significant milestone and further strengthens its position in naval defence through the FCX product family, of which the new patrol vessels form part. The project also confirms the company’s role as a strategic partner of the Italian Navy.
