Between the islands of Palmaria and Tino, the Italian Navy and Fincantieri carried out for the first time the hauling of the submarine Scirè onto the Fjord ship, equipped with a semi-submersible platform. The submarine, U 212A class (Todaro), is approximately 56 meters long, 7 meters wide, and weighs 1,450 tons surfaced, increasing to 1,830 tons submerged. It is the sister unit of the submarine Todaro, which SHIPPING ITALY showcased in this video report.
The Scirè stands out for its advanced propulsion system: diesel-electric combined with an AIP fuel cell system. This allows it to remain underwater for weeks at moderate speed, with stealth and concealment capabilities among the best in its class. Its speed reaches about 20 knots submerged, thanks to a 2.85 MW Siemens electric motor and a 3.12 MW diesel-generator set. The vessel is operated by a highly specialized crew of about 27 people. Its armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes, equipped with Whitehead torpedoes, and potential capability to deploy anti-ship mines.
Entrusting the Scirè to the semi-submersible platform Fjord eliminated the need for a traditional dry dock. The operation, requiring precisely calibrated submersion and lifting, demonstrates advanced technical and logistical capabilities: from the platform’s submersion to accommodate the hull, controlled drainage for stabilization, to secure fastening—all the result of close collaboration between the Navy and Fincantieri.
This operation marks a step forward in submarine fleet maintenance. Thanks to this method, repairs, refits, or inspections can be conducted in areas without adequate coastal infrastructure, reducing time and costs. Additionally, it opens new operational options for submarine lifecycle management, with greater flexibility and speed.
“The hauling of the submarine onto the Fjord platform,” writes the Italian Navy on its social media, “represents a maneuver of the highest technical, engineering, and maritime complexity, made possible by the perfect synergy between the Italian Navy and Fincantieri. An operation that combines innovation, experience, and industrial capability.”
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER OF SHIPPING ITALY
SHIPPING ITALY IS ALSO ON WHATSAPP: JUST CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL AND STAY UPDATED
Photos by Flavio Oxilia and Luca Zanti
