On 9 October 2025, at the “T. Mariotti” shipyards of the GIN (Genova Industrie Navali) group, Nave Olterra, the new auxiliary unit of the Italian Navy intended to replace the Nave Anteo which, after more than forty years of service, is close to the end of its operational life, was launched in Genoa.
The ceremony, in the presence of military, civil and religious authorities, was presided over by the Logistics Commander of the Navy, Admiral Salvatore Vitiello who, during his speech, recalled that “the launch of a new unit is always an act of faith in the future, the concrete testimony of a journey made up of professionalism, technology, skills and passion”.
Present at the ceremony, H.E. Monsignor Gianfranco Saba, Military Ordinary for Italy, who gave his blessing.
A special thought was addressed to the godmother of the ship, Dr. Corinna Ramognino, granddaughter of the Genoese Capo di 3rd cl. Antonio Ramognino, one of the most ingenious and active technical collaborators of the assaulters of the Regia Marina and creator of the most daring actions in the Mediterranean conducted by the operators of assault vehicles during the Second World War.
Admiral Vitiello then wanted to underline the deep bond between the Armed Forces and the city of Genoa, recalling how it was in the city, last June, that the world tour of the Vespucci on the occasion of Navy Day ended in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella: “Genoa is the cradle of maritime, shipbuilding tradition and port of shared values between the Navy and the civil community”.
With its 128 meters in length, 24 meters in width and a full load displacement of about 12,000 tons, Olterra is the new SDO-SuRS (Special and Diving Operation-Submarine Rescue Ship) unit, designed to be able to quickly reconfigure itself in different modes of use and for a variety of operations such as the rescue of personnel of damaged submarines not only national, support to the operations of the Underwater Components and Special Forces of the Navy and research and inspections on medium and high seabeds.
Equipped with integrated electric propulsion, integrated hyperbaric systems for saturation diving up to 300 meters, autonomous and wire-guided underwater vehicles and latest generation sonar systems, it represents one of the most advanced naval platforms on the European scene in the underwater maritime context.
The launch of Nave Olterra confirms, in full sharing of intentions and synergy between Defense and Industry, Italy’s ability to innovate while respecting tradition, combining technology, interoperability and a spirit of service. “Every ship – concluded the admiral – without its women and men would remain only steel and technology. He would not have a soul! It is the heart of sailors that transforms it into a family, into a house by the sea”.
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