Construction of the fourth Fremm vessel under the European multimission frigate construction programme has begun at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso, Sestri Levante, Genoa, Italy.

The 139m-long ship has a full load displacement capacity of 5,900t and is capable of cruising at a speed of 27kt.

The ship will be designed to operate in a wide range of scenarios, especially in patrolling and safeguarding the Mediterranean region.

The vessel will be delivered in the first quarter of 2015.

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali is the prime contractor and about ten vessels will be constructed for Italy under the Fremm programme.