Intermarine, part of the IMMSI Group, has been awarded the contract issued by the Italian General Command of the financial police (Guardia di Finanza) for the construction of two vessels with a total value of €28.2 million.
As disclosed, the contract, which will be signed once the technical and administrative procedures set out in the tender specifications have been completed, provides for the immediate start of construction of the first two vessels in the class.
It also includes an option for a further 15 vessels plus the associated logistical support, for an additional value of €260 million.
The new vessels, designed to minimize their environmental impact, will be fitted with a modern hull capable of delivering ‘excellent performance and superior seaworthiness’, according to Intermarine.
The technical solutions adopted include modern systems and components, such as a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that will help significantly reduce emissions.
With these new Coast Guard-type vessels, the Guardia di Finanza is renewing a strategic class of ships that plays a vital role in countering illegal activities, ensuring a significant presence in Italian territorial waters and an even more rapid response capability.
Intermarine CEO Livio Corghi said : “The award of this contract recognises the company’s ability to address the modern challenges facing the shipbuilding sector, confirming its status as a leading player in the design and construction of not only minehunters, but of technologically advanced patrol vessels too. “Thanks to its efforts to maximise operational capacity whilst reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the company has reaffirmed its competitive edge in the highly competitive shipbuilding market, thereby strengthening its strategic partnership with the Guardia di Finanza.”
In February this year, Intermarine started development of an innovative unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with modular capabilities that will allow the integration of multiple and different types of systems and sensors for the Italian Navy.