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Fincantieri begins construction of offshore patrol boats

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has cut steel for the first of seven offshore patrol boats for the Italian navy.

By Richard Tomkins
Image of the first of seven offshore patrol boats being built for the Italian navy. Image courtesy Fincantieri
Image of the first of seven offshore patrol boats being built for the Italian navy. Image courtesy Fincantieri

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Fincantieri has officially begun construction of the first of seven multipurpose offshore patrol ships for the Italian navy.

The patrol boats will be 434.7 feet in length with a maximum speed of more than 33 knots, and will have a combined diesel and gas turbine plant and an electric propulsion system.

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The ships will be capable of operating rigid hull inflatable boats through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp.

The first vessel will be delivered to the Italian navy in 2021, Fincantieri said.

In addition to the offshore patrol boats, Fincantieri is also building one landing helicopter dock ship and a logistic support vessel for the service.

Fincantieri said the patrol vessels will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano.

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