Fincantieri lays keel of new Italian Navy oceanographic vessel NIOM.

According to information published by Fincantieri on May 13, 2024, a day at the Riva Trigoso shipyard marked the keel-laying of the new Major Hydro-Oceanographic Vessel (N.I.O.M.) for the Italian Navy. This vessel is designed for mapping and scientific monitoring activities, as well as supporting the Hydrographic Institute's initiatives.
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Keel laying ceremony of the new Major Hydro Oceanographic vessel, N.I.O.M. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

The Hydro Oceanographic Ship Major (NIOM) is a new project of the Italian Navy, built by Fincantieri. This ship, destined to replace the historic Magnaghi ship, will be crucial for mapping operations and scientific monitoring of Italian and international maritime spaces. Construction began on Dec. 19, 2023 at Fincantieri's Riva Trigoso shipyard, with delivery scheduled for 2026.

The NIOM is designed to be a technologically advanced platform with a focus on environmental sustainability. It will be equipped with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion to reduce emissions and improve energy consumption, and will use environmentally sustainable materials. These features will enable the ship to operate in adverse weather conditions, ensuring high operational performance.

In addition to its advanced operational capabilities, NIOM will support the National Antarctic Research Project and the HighNorth Pole Research Project. The ship will be configurable for different missions due to its modularity and flexibility, making it a versatile tool for scientific research.

This project is part of the Italian Ministry of Defense's 2023-2025 Multi-Year Defense Planning Document, which includes a significant investment in the renewal of naval units and the modernization of the country's hydro-oceanographic capabilities.