Fincantieri advances Italian navy research

Designed specifically to support the Italian Navy Hydrographic Institute, Quirinale will play a central role in scientific mapping and the production of official national nautical documentation.

“The Quirinale represents technological and industrial excellence in the service of the national interest,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive and general manager of Fincantieri.

“It combines advanced operational capabilities, innovation and environmental sustainability.”

“This platform strengthens Italy’s maritime research and security capabilities, while showcasing the high level of expertise and know-how within our national industrial supply chain.”

With an overall length of around 110 metres and a displacement of around 6,000 tonnes, Quirinale is capable of accommodating up to 140 people, including crew members and scientific personnel.

The ship is equipped with a low-emission diesel-electric propulsion system, allowing operations in environmentally sensitive areas while significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Its design enables missions in extreme climatic conditions, with operational capability down to temperatures of -16°C.

The vessel is equipped with both an autonomous underwater vehicle and an unmanned surface vehicle, expanding its ability to collect high-quality data across complex and challenging maritime environments.

Dedicated lifting systems support scientific operations, while a DP2 dynamic positioning system ensures exceptional precision and stability during research activities.

Environmental sustainability has been a key design driver throughout the project. The ship features optimised hull forms, low-impact materials and emission-reduction technologies, reflecting Fincantieri’s commitment to ISO 14001-certified environmental management across its Italian sites.

Fincantieri featured in Maritime Journal’s latest Special Report on Autonomy at Sea – read here.