RINA to Class Italian Navy Ship

RINA has taken a lead in the warship classification sector with confirmation that it is to class the largest and most complex ship ever built for the Italian Navy. The Genoa-based society's appointment to classify the 26,700 tonne displacement fixed-wing aircraft carrier Andrea Doria is thought to be the first of its kind involving such a complex naval vessel anywhere in the world, and will be carried out under RINA's special rules for naval vessels, which were introduced at the end of 2002. The Andrea Doria is to be built by Fincantieri in Italy, with delivery scheduled for 2007. The 236.5m-long vessel will be built from high-tensile anti-ballistic steel and will include a number of special features, including a rudder roll stabilising system. It will have a maximum speed of 28 knots. Special attention has been paid to environmentally friendly technology in the design including control of fibreglass and CFC usage. RINA was selected to class the aircraft carrier because of its experience in managing the classification of highly complex ships, and in particular its world-leading track record with major cutting-edge cruise ships and fast craft. Ugo Salerno, ceo of RINA, says, "RINA has established a reputation for project management skills, safety, quality and service in classing highly complex commercial ships, and looks forward to bringing those standards of excellence to such a major project in the warship sector. We also expect the commercial sector to benefit from the high technology we can transfer from the military newbuilding programme. This is a win-win situation for the navy and for our cruise ship clients." The Andrea Doria is one of a number of vessels due to be built as part of a naval construction/renewal programme that will take place over the next few years in various European countries, including Italy and France. RINA expects to have a significant involvement in this program.