The Italian Defense Ministry's Office of Naval Weapons (NAVARM) has signed a contract with the Genoa – based T. Mariotti shipyard for the supply of a new multi-purpose submarine rescue vessel (type SDO-SuRS).
As reported by Mil.Press FLOT with reference to Naval News, the order is related to the need to replace the ship "Anteo", which has been performing similar tasks for more than 40 years.
According to the official statement of the Italian navy, the new vessel should independently search for and determine the location of submarines in distress, as well as provide rescue crews of emergency submarines through the use of a new rescue system that allows operations to be carried out at a depth of up to 600 meters (its development is now being carried out by the Italian companies Saipem and Drass). In addition, the possibility of deploying a system for rescuing NATO submarines as an alternative is indicated.
In addition to its rescue functions, the SDO-SuRS is considered 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 provide assistance to civil services in the aftermath of natural disasters.
According to the plans of the Italian Defense Ministry, the construction of a new rescue vessel will begin near the end of 2022, and the transfer to the fleet is expected in 2025. The project cost is 424 million euros (excluding the development and production costs of the new rescue system).
The company T. Mariotti has not yet disclosed details about the new vessel and equipment, but, according to the documents of the Italian Navy, the lifeguard must have a full displacement of 8,600 tons. The length of the hull will be 120 meters, width-22 meters. Maximum speed-16 knots, cruising range-5000 nautical miles. The crew is 120 people, plus up to 80 additional personnel. The EH-101 multi-purpose helicopter will be able to be based on board.