The launch of the second Vulcano-class Logistic Support Ship LSS Atlante (A 5336) took place at the Fincanteri shipyard, hosted by Fincantieri’s Chairman Claudio Graziano and CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero. The event was attended by OCCAR-EA Director Mr. Joachim Sucker and the Chief of the Italian Navy Admiral Enrico Credendino. The LSS Atlante represents an example of modern naval engineering, developed through the industrial joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo for the Italian Navy. Its management falls under OCCAR within the framework of Italian-French international cooperation. The ship offers extensive dual-use capabilities, ranging from its vast logistical capacity and cutting-edge technologies to its commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, it is equipped with state-of-the-art hospital facilities and resources for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
The event featured a traditional launch, with the Vulcano-class Logistic Support Ship LSS Atlante (A 5336) sliding into the water from the slipway where she was built and assembled. The ship was entrusted to the sea by the godmother Mrs. Federica Gargano, niece of Vice Admiral Romeo Oliva, recipient of the Silver Medal for Military Valour. The launch ceremony wasn’t merely a celebration of technological achievement, but, as indicated by the OCCAR-EA Director during his speech, “..it represents a starting point for Industry and OCCAR to keep working together with even greater commitment in order to deliver the ITS Atlante”. It served as a testament to the cooperative efforts of OCCAR and the Italian Defence System, marking a significant milestone for the OCCAR LSS Programme Division.
The Vulcano class is a class of replenishment oiler used by the Italian Navy, with lead ship Vulcano of the class entered service on 12 March 2021. The ships are designed to support fleet operations with fuel and dry stores and expected to replace the Stromboli class, another class of replenishment oiler from the Navy. Vulcano was financed under the 2014 Naval Law, for €346 million, then increased to €374.6 million, when the length was extended by 12 metres (39 ft). A second ship Atlante was ordered in January 2022 for projected delivery in 2025. The Navy also had an option for a third ship of the class. However, under the Italian MoD’s Multi-Year Defence Planning Document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale della Difesa, DPP) for the 2023-2025 timeframe, a fourth ship was added to the program.
The Vulcano-class LSS Atlante, constructed for the Italian Navy with steel cut in July 2022, is a versatile support ship engineered to sustain a large naval squadron at sea. It possesses comprehensive capabilities including refueling vessels, generating fresh water, transporting cargo, and providing medical services in line with NATO Role 2 LM standards. Additionally, it can perform at-sea repairs through its integrated maintenance workshops. The ship boasts a substantial cargo capacity of up to 15,500 tons, which includes: 7,655 tons of NATO F76 diesel fuel, 3,240 tons of NATO F44/JP5 aviation fuel, 830 tons of fresh water, 220 tons of ammunition, 40 tons of provisions,
3 m³ of gasoline stored in barrels, 15 tons of lubricants in barrels, 20 tons of solid goods and up to 8 ISO1C standard containers, each with a capacity of 28 tons. The Atlante’s design emphasizes robust logistical support, ensuring that naval operations can be sustained over extended periods without needing to return to port.
