Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has appointed RINA as technical partner in the risk reduction and design study (RRDS) and prospect classification society for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) next generation frigates – SEA 5000 program.
“We are delighted to extend our naval portfolio and increase our footprint in the Australian market. Being fully recognised by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to act on behalf of the Australian Flag administration, we are already providing classification and statutory surveys for commercial ships,” Paolo Moretti, CCO Marine & Trasport for RINA Services , said.
RINA is a founding member of the Naval Ship Classification Association (NCSA) and the International Naval Safety Association (INSA). The company is directly involved in the classification and statutory certification of the Italian FREMM multi-mission frigates – Bergamini class.
The Australian Government’s SEA 5000 Future Frigate program will replace Australia’s existing fleet of eight Anzac class frigates with a new fleet of nine anti-submarine warfare frigates.
The program is estimated to be worth more than AUD 35 billion. The future frigates will be required to conduct a range of missions, with a particular focus on anti-submarine warfare.
Three designers including Fincantieri are participating in the SEA 5000 Future Frigates bid process to be decided next year. The construction of the vessels is expected to commence in Adelaide, South Australia, in 2020.