Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the Italian Navy’s latest hydro-oceanographic vessel, Quirinale, at its Riva Trigoso facility in northwestern Italy.
The vessel is intended to conduct hydrographic mapping and scientific monitoring in support of the Italian Hydrographic Institute. With accommodation for up to 140 personnel, including scientific teams, the ship is around 110 meters long and displaces approximately 6,000 tons.
Designed for operations in demanding conditions, Quirinale can function in temperatures down to –16°C and is fitted with a comprehensive suite of hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical instruments. The ship also deploys autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, along with dedicated lifting systems and a dynamic positioning capability to support precise research and survey operations.
Sustainability considerations are embedded in the design, including emission-reduction measures, diesel-electric propulsion, optimized hull geometry, and the use of environmentally conscious materials. Fincantieri stated that the vessel underscores its role as a long-term strategic partner of the Italian Navy and its focus on delivering safer, more innovative, and environmentally sustainable platforms.
The launch builds on a period of rapid development for Fincantieri’s naval portfolio. In recent weeks, the company delivered a multi-mission supply ship to the Italian Navy, which will be upgraded at its Palermo shipyard under the Underwater Technology Hub to support roles ranging from logistical support to advanced underwater operations.
Earlier, in October 2025, Fincantieri introduced the DEEP underwater drone system, designed to protect seabed infrastructure and secure ports and coastal regions. The system integrates an underwater sensor network, a real-time command-and-control hub, and a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles capable of missions from deep-sea reconnaissance to environmental monitoring.
