Fincantieri lays keel for second Italian Navy’s OPV

December 19, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has held the keel-laying ceremony for the second of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Italian Navy at its Riva Trigoso shipyard.

The ceremony took place on December 18, 2025. The ceremony was attended by Shipyard Director Antonio Quintano, among other officials.

The program, contracted by ORIZZONTE SISTEMI NAVALI (OSN), the Fincantieri-Leonardo joint venture, envisages the construction of four vessels, with an option for two additional ships. The first delivery is scheduled for 2027.

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali inks deal to build up to six next-gen OPVs for Italian Navy

Vessels

Designed to modernize and renew the Italian Navy’s capabilities, the OPVs will perform a wide range of missions, including maritime patrolling, merchant traffic control, surveillance, protection of lines of communication, and safeguarding the nation’s exclusive economic zone. The vessels are also expected to support operations against marine pollution threats.

The new ships will incorporate advanced technological solutions and high standards of automation and maneuverability, enabling them to operate effectively across diverse tactical scenarios and weather conditions.

“Through this program, we are further consolidating our position as a global leader in naval defense, delivering advanced units that reinforce Italy’s strategic naval capabilities,” Fincantieri stated.

“These vessels demonstrate the country’s expertise in defense technology and advanced naval integration, confirming our role as a trusted partner of the Italian Navy.”

To remind, the steel-cutting ceremony for the first OPV was held last September. The unit is expected to enter service in 2027, marking a significant step forward in Italy’s naval modernization efforts.