Following the launch of the Carlo Bergamini in 2011, Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard recently celebrated the launch of the frigate “Virginio Fasan”, which is due for delivery at the end of 2012. The vessel is the second of a series of Fremm vessels – multimission European Frigates – which were ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French programme of cooperation.

Godmother to the ship was Gina Fasan, daughter of the officer Virginio Fasan. The frigate was named in honour of the 3rd Class Chief Mechanic of the Navy who drowned in the waters of Asinara on September 9, 1943, on board the destroyer Vivaldi. Virginio Fasan took part in all the war operations carried out by the vessel and was awarded a silver medal for his service in the waters of Pantelleria in June 1942.

Present at the ceremony were, Gianluigi Magri, Undersecretary for Defence, Vice Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, Commander in Chief of the Navy, Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri and Corrado Antonini, Chairman of Fincantieri.

The vessel, which will be delivered in mid-2013, will feature a high degree of flexibility, capable of operating in all tactical situations. With a length of 139 metres, a beam of 19.7 metres, the ship will have a displacement at full load of approximately 5,900 tonnes. The Virginio Fasan will have a maximum speed of over 27 knots and will provide accommodation for a crew of 145.