The Third FREMM Multi Mission Vessel Launched

Italian shipyard Riva Trigoso today launched the frigate “Carlo Margottini”, the third of a series of FREMM vessels - Multi Mission European Frigates - ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French program of cooperation. 

The frigate was named in honour of Captain Carlo Margottini, who was decorated for military valour after the sinking of Nave Artigliere in 1940. 

The vessel, which is due for delivery in early 2014 in Muggiano (La Spezia), will feature a high degree of flexibility, capable of operating in all tactical situations. 144 metres long with a beam of 19.7 metres, the ship will have a displacement at full load of approximately 6,700 tonnes. The “Carlo Margottini” will have a maximum speed of over 27 knots and will provide accommodation for a crew of 200. 

The ships in the FREMM program 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.