Article Posted on : - Jul 19, 2011

ROME (BNS): Carlo Bergamini, the first of a series of FREMM European multi-mission frigates, ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy has been launched.

The frigate was named in honour of Admiral of the Fleet, Carlo Bergamini, who was decorated for military valour after the sinking of his battleship, the Roma, on 8th September 1943.

The vessel, which is due for delivery in early 2012, will feature a high degree of flexibility, capable of operating in all tactical situations.

The Carlo Bergamini is 139 metres long with a beam of 19.7 metres. The ship will have a displacement at full load of approximately 5,900 tonnes, a maximum speed of over 27 knots and will provide accommodation for a crew of 145.

The ships in the FREMM programme constitute state of the art vessels of European and Italian defence in the Mediterranean and will replace the “Lupo” and “Maestrale” class frigates built by Fincantieri in the 1970s.

Participating in the initiative as prime contractor for Italy is Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (51% Fincantieri, 49% Finmeccanica) and, as prime contractor for France, Armaris (DCNS + Thales).