Fincantieri launches first new generation OPV for Italian Navy

First of four next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) “Ugolino Vivaldi” (P 440) for the Italian Navy, launched on 21 February 2026 from Fincantieri's shipyard in Riva Trigoso. (Fincantieri)

Fincantieri held a launch ceremony for the first of four next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) “Ugolino Vivaldi” (P 440) for the Italian Navy on 21 February 2026 at its shipyard in Riva Trigoso.

The vessels are part of a program assigned to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), by the Italy's Naval Armaments Directorate, part of its Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) National Armaments Directorate.

Ugolino Vivaldi is 95m long, displaces 2,400 tonnes and has a crew of 93, said Fincantieri.

Fincantieri mentioned what it called the vessel's “integrated naval cockpit”, developed for the Multi Purpose Combat Ships (Pattugliatore Polivalenti d'Altura: PPA) of the Italian Navy, which is the result of collaboration between Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo. This cockpit allows the control of engines, rudders, and platform systems, as well as some combat system functions, by just two operators—the pilot and co-pilot, Fincantieri added.

For more, please see: Fincantieri cuts steel for first next-generation OPV for Italian Navy