Fincantieri launches second multi-purpose ship for Italian Coast Guard

The Italian Coast Guard’s second of two multi-purpose vessels, Ubaldo Diciotti, has been launched at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) Shipyard.

The ship is schedule to be delivered to the Coast Guard by the end of 2013 while the first vessel, Luigi Dattilo was launched in December 2012 and will be delivered within this summer.

Designed to operate in open seas or bad marine weather conditions, the 94m-long ships of this class will be used to support missions including search and rescue, anti-pollution and fire-fighting missions and to control illegal immigration.

Capable of cruising at a top speed of about 18k with a range of more than 3,000 miles, the vessels will have a full load displacement of approximately 3,600t and also be able to conduct complex naval missions for central command.

The ships will also support different types of mission and emergency response using its four fast rigid-hulled inflatable boats, with speeds of up to 35k.

Featuring a landing pad for Agusta-Bell-designed AB212 Twin Huey medium helicopter or AgustaWestland-built AW139 medium sized twin-engined helicopter, the boat is fitted with sophisticated command and control systems as well as latest-generation radar able to find and follow surface marine pollution.

Additional features of the ships include hybrid propulsion system, auxiliary diesel-electric engine for use at the low and very low speeds while conducting surveillance and control missions for long periods.

Image: Italian Coast Guard’s second multi-purpose vessel. Photo: courtesy of FINCANTIERI.