Italy seeks new research vessels
The Italian Navy wants to replace its hydrographic research vessel Ammiraglio Magnaghi. (Photo: Italian Navy)
The Italian Navy is inviting industry bids for feasibility and design studies in a programme for new hydrographic and oceanographic research vessels.
The Directorate for Naval Armaments (NAVARM) in the Italian MoD has issued a tender for research studies into the potential procurement of three hydrographic research vessels.
Bids are due by 28 June, according to a notice on the official EU tenders database.
NAVARM intends to issue a risk-reduction contract in two lots: one for a feasibility study worth an estimated €1.45 million ($1.78 million) and the other for project definition (€1.35 million) with a basic design including platform systems, sensors and communications.
The project envisages the construction of three vessels (one large and two smaller ships) tasked with hydrographic dual-use research activities for the Italian Navy Hydrographic Office in Genoa.
The large vessel (NIOM) will perform hydrographic activities in oceans and is meant to operate widely, including in the Arctic. NIOM replaces the 1,744t hydrographic research vessel Ammiraglio Magnaghi.
The two smaller vessels (NIOC1 and NIOC2) will operate closer to home in the Mediterranean.
Financial backing for the €444 million programme will come from the European Investment Bank, which in July 2020 proposed €220 million support for construction costs until 2027.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
