Fincantieri has successfully launched the Italian Navy’s new hydro-oceanographic vessel Quirinale at its Riva Trigoso shipyard in northwestern Italy, marking an important milestone in Italy’s maritime research and naval support capabilities. The vessel is designed to carry out advanced mapping, monitoring, and scientific missions in support of the Italian Hydrographic Institute.
The ship measures approximately 110 meters in length and has a displacement of around 6,000 tons, with accommodation for up to 140 personnel, including naval crew and scientific specialists. Built to operate in demanding environments, Quirinale is capable of functioning in temperatures as low as –16 degrees Celsius and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical sensors. The platform also supports autonomous underwater and surface vehicles for expanded data collection.
To enable precise research operations, the vessel features advanced lifting systems for scientific equipment and a dynamic positioning system that allows stable and accurate station-keeping. Its design emphasizes environmental sustainability, incorporating diesel-electric propulsion, optimized hull forms, emission-reduction technologies, and low-impact construction materials to minimize its ecological footprint.
The launch of Quirinale follows a series of recent naval initiatives by Fincantieri, including the delivery of a new supply ship to the Italian Navy and the unveiling of the DEEP underwater drone system in late 2025. Together, these developments underscore Fincantieri’s expanding role in advancing Italy’s naval, underwater, and maritime security capabilities.
