Fincantieri launches Italian Navy’s new hydro-oceanographic ship

January 27, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Italian shipbuilding major Fincantieri has held a launching ceremony for the Italian Navy’s new major hydro-oceanographic ship (N.I.O.M.) named Quirinale.

As informed, the ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso on January 26, 2026. Designed for scientific mapping and monitoring activities, the vessel will support the initiatives of the Italian Hydrographic Institute, strengthening the country’s maritime research and security capabilities.

Approximately 110 metres long with a displacement of around 6,000 tonnes, Quirinale can accommodate up to 140 people, including crew and scientific personnel.

The vessel is equipped with a low-emission electric propulsion system, also suitable for navigation in environmentally sensitive areas.

Designed to operate in extreme climatic conditions, down to -16°C, the ship features advanced scientific instrumentation for hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical surveys and is equipped with both an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), acording to Fincantieri.

The technical outfit also includes lifting systems dedicated to scientific operations and a DP2 dynamic positioning system, ensuring high precision and stability during research activities.

Fincantieri highlighted that the ship has been designed with the utmost attention to environmental sustainability, adopting emission-reduction technologies, diesel-electric propulsion, optimised hull forms and low-impact materials, in line with the company’s commitment to ISO 14001-certified environmental management across all the Group’s Italian sites. A further key driver is health and safety, with dedicated technical solutions aimed at ensuring personnel safety throughout the vessel’s operational life.

“The Major Hydro-Oceanographic Ship ‘Quirinale’ represents technological and industrial excellence in the service of the national interest. This vessel combines advanced operational capabilities, innovation and environmental sustainability, confirming Fincantieri’s role as a strategic partner of the Italian Navy in the construction of highly technological platforms,” Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, stated.

The Italian Navy Hydrographic Institute is the State Cartographic Authority responsible for the production of the official national nautical documentation.