Italian Navy Launches New Hydro-Oceanographic Ship Quirinale
On January 26, 2026, the Italian Navy unveiled its latest Major Hydro-Oceanographic Ship, named Quirinale, during a launch ceremony at Fincantieri’s integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso. This state-of-the-art vessel is designed to enhance scientific mapping and monitoring activities, thereby bolstering the initiatives of the Italian Hydrographic Institute. The Quirinale aims to strengthen Italy’s maritime research and security capabilities, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s naval technology.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region; Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Undersecretary of State for Defence; and Squadron Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy. Other dignitaries included Senator Isabella Rauti, Mayor of Sestri Levante Francesco Solinas, and Fincantieri executives, including Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and CEO Pierroberto Folgiero. The launch was sponsored by Eleonora Di Paola, granddaughter of the esteemed Squadron Admiral Luigi Di Paola, who was recognized for his military valor.
Specifications and Environmental Commitment
The Quirinale measures approximately 110 meters in length and has a displacement of around 6,000 tonnes. It can accommodate up to 140 personnel, including crew members and scientific staff. The ship features a low-emission electric propulsion system, making it suitable for navigation in environmentally sensitive areas. Designed to withstand extreme climatic conditions, including temperatures as low as -16°C, the vessel is equipped with advanced scientific instruments for hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical surveys. It also includes an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), enhancing its research capabilities.
Fincantieri has prioritized environmental sustainability in the ship’s design, incorporating emission-reduction technologies, diesel-electric propulsion, and optimized hull forms. These features align with Fincantieri’s commitment to ISO 14001-certified environmental management across its Italian facilities. Additionally, the Quirinale includes dedicated technical solutions to ensure the health and safety of personnel throughout its operational life.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, emphasized the significance of the Quirinale, stating that it represents technological and industrial excellence in service of national interests. He noted that the vessel combines advanced operational capabilities with innovation and environmental sustainability, reinforcing Fincantieri’s role as a strategic partner to the Italian Navy. The launch reflects the ongoing commitment of the national system to develop cutting-edge naval solutions that meet scientific, operational, and maritime security needs while enhancing the skills of the industrial supply chain.
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The Italian Navy Hydrographic Institute serves as the State Cartographic Authority, responsible for producing the official national nautical documentation, further underscoring the importance of the Quirinale in supporting Italy’s maritime initiatives.
