Gulf
of Naples/Castellamare di Stabia, 13 May, 2025 - The Italian Navy’s newest
Logistic Support Ship (LSS), the Atlante, has successfully concluded a series
of sea trials in the Gulf of Naples, marking a significant phase in its journey
toward its official delivery, scheduled by the end of the year. Built by the
Temporary Consortium composed by Fincantieri and Leonardo industries, managed
by OCCAR, the Atlante represents the second vessel in a programme aimed at
enhancing the Navy’s logistical capabilities.
These
trials, known as Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT), are designed to rigorously assess
the ship’s performance, including propulsion, navigation, and communication
systems, as well as its core support functions such as refuelling and
resupplying other naval units at sea. The ongoing sea-trials are crucial to
ensure that Atlante meets all operational requirements before its delivery to
the fleet.
The
trials provided the Atlante with the unique opportunity to cross paths with the
iconic training ship, the Italian Navy´s training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, which
is currently concluding its world tour that began in July 2023. The encounter
in the Gulf of Naples was more than a mere meeting of two ships; it symbolized
a bridge between the Navy’s storied past and its forward-looking future.
The
Amerigo Vespucci, launched in 1931 from the same Castellammare di Stabia
shipyard where the Atlante was built, serves as a floating ambassador of
Italian maritime tradition. Its return to the Gulf, coinciding with Atlante’s
sea trials, highlighted the continuity and evolution of naval craftsmanship and
heritage.
The
Atlante stands as a testament to Italy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and
modern naval fleet. The ship's advanced capabilities are expected to
significantly enhance the Navy's operational endurance and global reach,
ensuring readiness for a wide range of missions.
The
LSS programme, managed by OCCAR, includes the development and production of six
ships in cooperation with France. The Atlante is ready to play a key role in
future Italian Navy operations. The ongoing trials not only serve to validate
the ship’s systems, but also reinforce the enduring legacy of Italian naval
excellence.
Once OCCAR
has successfully delivered the, Atlante to Italy, the vessel will join the
fleet, representing a blend of tradition and innovation that defines the
Italian Navy's approach to maritime operations.