Italian shipyard Fincantieri has launched the last of four U212A Todaro-class submarines ordered by the central unit for naval armament (NAVARM) for the Italian Navy.
The new submarine, Romeo Romei, will now undergo outfitting works at the Integrated Naval shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia.
Delivery of the submarine is expected to be in the second half of 2016.
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Powered by a silent propulsion system based on fuel cell technology, which generates energy through a oxygen-hydrogen reaction, the new 183ft-long vessel features highly innovative technological solutions.
The submarine, with a surface displacement of approximately 1,600t and a submerged speed of more than 16k, will be capable of accommodating a 27-member crew.
In addition, Romeo Romei will be constructed with a magnetic material, using advanced silencing techniques to minimise its acoustic signature, Fincantieri stated.
In October last year, Fincantieri launched the third U212A Todaro-class submarines, Pietro Venuti, at its Muggiano shipyard. Pietro Venuti is scheduled to be delivered this year.
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By GlobalDataAfter delivery, these new submarines are expected to replace the navy’s ageing Sauro-class Prini and Pelosi vessels.
The shipyard previously delivered the Todaro and Scirè submarines as part of the submarine construction project launched in 1994 with the German Submarine Consortium.
The Italian Navy recently awarded a €1.1bn contract to Fincantieri and Finmeccanica for the construction and equipment of one multipurpose amphibious unit (LHD).
This contract is part of a multi-year programme worth €5.4bn for the renewal of the navy’s fleet.
