The T. Mariotti company launched the Olterra submarine rescue diving vessel at the shipyard. According to Naval News, this is the first vessel of the SDO–SuRS (Special and Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship) program, designed for the Italian Navy.
In addition to the name, the new vessel also received the motto Per Atra Aequora Fulgor, which means "In the name of Light."
Launching of the new rescue vessel Olterra, Italy
T. Mariotti
Design of the rescue vessel SDO-SuRS, Italy
T. Mariotti
The launching ceremony was attended by representatives of the Italian navy, national and local authorities, including the Governor of Liguria, Marco Bucci, and the Mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis, as well as the management of T. Mariotti and the shipbuilding industrial group Genova Industrie Navali (GIN).
In June 2021, T. Mariotti signed a contract to supply the Italian Navy with a new submarine rescuer to replace the Anteo diving vessel, which has been performing similar tasks for more than 40 years. At that time, it was assumed that the construction of a new rescue vessel would begin towards the end of 2022, and the transfer to the fleet was expected in 2025. As a result, the laying of the Olterra took place in April 2023. According to current plans, the vessel will be handed over to the fleet in 2027.
The new rescuer must independently search for and determine the location of submarines in distress, as well as ensure the rescue of crews of emergency submarines through the use of a new system that allows operations to be carried out at depths up to 600 meters. In addition, the Olterra vessel is designed to protect critical underwater infrastructure in the Mediterranean and beyond.
In addition to rescue functions, it is considered as a training vessel for training divers and naval special forces units and a basic platform for managing expeditionary forces in support of national operations and NATO missions. The vessel will also be able to assist civil services in dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.
The length of the new vessel is 128 meters, the width is 24 meters, and the total displacement is 8,600 tons. It will be equipped with an integrated electric propulsion system (IFEP) and the latest generation DP3 dynamic positioning system, which will allow it to operate with maximum accuracy even in difficult weather conditions.
The Olterra will be able to reach speeds of up to 16 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The crew consists of 120 people, plus up to 80 additional personnel. An EH-101 multi-purpose helicopter is provided on board.
