Fincantieri delivers fourth PPA Giovanni delle Bande Nere to Italian Navy at Muggiano Shipyard.

According to a PR published by Fincantieri on October 2, 2024, the firm completed the delivery of the fourth Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA), Giovanni delle Bande Nere, at its shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia. It's the first of its class in the “full” combat configuration. Fincantieri is scheduled to deliver additional PPA vessels by 2026.

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Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessel Giovanni delle Bande Nere. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

The delivery ceremony saw the attendance of high-ranking officials, including Vice Admiral Andrea Gueglio, Director of the Italian Navy Military Personnel Directorate, Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate (NAVARM), and OCCAR Director Mr. Joachim Sucker. They were welcomed by Attilio Dapelo, Senior Vice President of Operations for Fincantieri's Naval Vessels Division, and Antonio Quintano, Director of the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso-Muggiano.

The Giovanni delle Bande Nere is part of the Italian Navy’s fleet modernization plan, approved by the Italian government and parliament under the auspices of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement), which oversees collaborative European defense programs. This vessel stands out for its adaptability, equipped for both patrol missions, civil protection roles, and high-intensity combat scenarios.

The PPA measures 143 meters in length and can reach speeds exceeding 31 knots. Its crew of 171 will operate using a sophisticated propulsion system combining diesel, gas turbines (CODAG), and an electric drive, allowing for versatile operational deployment. The ship can support high-speed rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and provide essential services such as electricity and potable water in humanitarian missions.

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The Italian Navy is in the midst of a significant modernization effort, aligning its strategic goals with the broader national defense agenda and NATO obligations. These assets are crucial for ensuring Italy's maritime security, particularly in the Mediterranean, where the Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding trade routes and protecting the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Navy is also committed to humanitarian operations, particularly in the Mediterranean. Operations like Mare Nostrum and Sophia have demonstrated its capacity for search and rescue missions, helping manage the ongoing migration crisis and disrupting human trafficking networks. Additionally, the Navy plays a critical role in disaster response, deploying swiftly to provide aid and logistical support in natural disaster situations