Navantia to Build Coastal Survey Vessels for Italian Navy

Navantia has been awarded a contract worth €159 million to construct two coastal hydrographic vessels (BHC) for the Italian Navy.

These new vessels will run on biofuels and replace the Antares vessel, which dates back to the 1970s, and the sole remaining operational ship from the Castor-class quartet.

These vessels are planned to be 47 meters long with an approximate displacement of 900 tons. Thanks to their advanced automation systems, a lean crew of 30 members will suffice. The vessels are equipped with a 3,000-mile operational range, enabling them to navigate shallow waters for up to 15 days. The construction of these ships will occur at the Navantia shipyard in San Fernando. Over the next four years, the project is anticipated to generate around 700 jobs, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced employment opportunities.

The BHCs will be equipped to conduct hydrographic surveys, contributing to cartography preparation, providing the Fleet with essential geographic, environmental, and meteorological data, and safeguarding underwater archaeological treasures. Their arsenal will encompass hydrographic tools such as echo sounders, side scan sonar, and positioning systems to explore water columns and seabeds. Additionally, these vessels will incorporate autonomous resources like a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), and a hydrographic boat. These autonomous tools will independently gather and record data, enhancing hydrographic and oceanic research capabilities.