Two months after the final acceptance of the FoC ASW Virginio Fasan the Italian Navy has enlarged the existing fleet with the third FREMM Frigate, Carlo MARGOTTINI.
The ceremony was held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia (Italy).
The FREMM Margottini is in Anti Submarine Warfare configuration as well as Fasan.
The delivery of three ships fully operational in nine months is the result of the synergy among OCCAR, Italian Navy and national Industries. The whole Programme for Italy includes the production of up to 10 ships, 8 already funded. The Programme is in line with the contractual schedule. The next mission, on the 29th of March, is the launch of the CARABINIERE, the third frigate in ASW version.
Italian FREMM are intended to operate at National level and at integrated cooperation within international missions, contributing to European, NATO and United Nations operations. Main Characteristics: – Length, overall: 144 m – Displacement (around): 6,700 t – Crew + extra Personnel: 145+55 – Propulsion: CODLAG – Speed: > 27 kts
OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) is the contracting Authority for the FREMM Programme, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (51% Fincantieri, 49% Selex ES) is the Prime Contractor for Italy.
[mappress] Press Release, February 28, 2014, 2014; Image: Wikimedia