The Italian Navy’s newest logistic support ship (LSS), the Atlante, has concluded a series of sea trials in the Gulf of Naples, marking a significant phase in its journey toward its official delivery, scheduled by the end of the year.
Built by the temporary consortium composed of Italian shipbuilding major FINCANTIERI and defense company Leonardo and managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), the Atlante is the second vessel in a program aimed at enhancing the Italian Navy’s logistical capabilities. These trials, known as sea acceptance trials (SAT), are designed to rigorously assess the ship’s performance, including propulsion, navigation, and communication systems, as well as its core support functions, such as refueling and resupplying other naval units at sea.
The sea trials are crucial to ensure that Atlante meets all operational requirements before its delivery to the fleet, according to OCCAR. The trials provided the Atlante with the unique opportunity to cross paths with the Italian Navy’s training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, which is currently concluding its world tour that began in July 2023.
“The Atlante stands as a testament to Italy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and modern naval fleet. The ship’s advanced capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s operational endurance and global reach, ensuring readiness for a wide range of missions,” the OCCAR noted.
The LSS program involves the development and production of six ships, as well as their in-service support (ISS). The OCCAR manages the program for Italy and France.
LSSs will be interoperable double-hull support ships designed to abide by current environmental regulations to replace the aging naval tanker fleet. The vessel has been designed from the outset with enhanced “dual use” support capacities and capabilities for:
LSS will be capable of supporting multiple missions, ranging from naval joint task force to HQ afloat operations, providing medical support and transporting naval and aviation fuel, fresh water, ammunitions, lubricating oil, food, spare parts, and ISO containers.