The keel laying and coin ceremony for the new oceanographic ship Arcadia, intended for the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), took place today at the Piombino Industrie Marittime (PIM) shipyards. The event was attended by local authorities, representatives from ISPRA and the Italian Navy, and the management of the T. Mariotti S.p.A. – Shipyard and Piombino Industrie Marittime.
The Arcadia represents a new generation of vessels dedicated to scientific research and the protection of the marine environment. Approximately 70 metres long, it will be equipped with latest-generation technological systems: autonomous underwater vehicles (ROVs) capable of operating at depths of up to 4,000 metres, modular laboratories, and onboard spaces designed to accommodate up to 18 researchers, in addition to the crew.
The construction of the Arcadia will contribute to the industrial enhancement of the Piombino site and the development of highly technological skills, with a positive impact on the local area and employment. This project unites institutions, research, and industry in a shared commitment to the knowledge and protection of the sea, in line with the objectives of the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and the ecological transition.
