Italian Navy strengthens logistic capabilities: LSS Atlante completes sea trials
The Italian Navy (Marina Militare) has successfully completed a critical phase in its naval modernization programme: the sea trials of the second Logistic Support Ship (LSS), Nave Atlante. The vessel is currently being outfitted at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, with operational support provided during trials by her sister ship, Nave Vulcano, which entered service in 2021.
In brief
The Italian Marina Militare has completed sea trials of the second LSS logistic support ship, Nave Atlante, built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia. The trials were conducted with the participation of the first ship of the class, Nave Vulcano, in service since 2021. LSS Atlante is about 193 metres long, has a full load displacement of over 27,000 tonnes, a range of over 7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots, a crew of about 200, and can carry 8,000 cubic metres of fuel and 230 tonnes of ammunition. Commissioning of the ship is planned for 2025.
The completion of trials marks a significant step towards the integration of Atlante into the Navy’s fleet. Like Vulcano, the new unit is designed to provide broad-spectrum logistical support to naval task groups, including the transfer of fuel, ammunition, spare parts, medical assistance, and technical support at sea.
Key specifications of LSS Atlante:
- Overall length: approx. 193 m
- Full load displacement: over 27,000 tonnes
- Operational range: 7,000+ nautical miles at 16 knots
- Top speed: approx. 20 knots
- Crew: approx. 200 personnel, including medical and logistics staff
- Logistic capacity: 8,000 m³ of fuel, 230 tonnes of ammunition, modular cargo systems
- Medical facilities: Role 2 hospital capabilities including surgery and intensive care
- Aviation support: flight deck and hangar for EH-101 class helicopters
The LSS programme is part of the Italian Navy’s broader strategy to enhance operational endurance and autonomous expeditionary capabilities, especially in high-risk and multi-domain maritime theatres. The Atlante and Vulcano classes are also intended to contribute to NATO and EU missions requiring sustained naval presence and humanitarian support.
Delivery of Nave Atlante is scheduled for 2025. The project is co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Defence under its Naval Law and has received support from the European Defence Agency (EDA) as part of efforts to develop shared naval capabilities among EU member states.
With the addition of Atlante, the Italian Navy further consolidates its ability to conduct extended operations, respond rapidly to crises, and project maritime logistics in the wider Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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