The ''San Giorgio'' class are
amphibious transport docks (LPD) built by
Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. These ships can carry a battalion of troops, and up to 36 armored vehicles. The stern floodable dock can accommodate three landing craft. The ships are based at the
Brindisi
Brindisi ( ; ) is a city in the region of Apulia in southern Italy, the capital of the province of Brindisi, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, the city has played an essential role in trade and culture due to its strategic position ...
naval base on the Adriatic coast.
''San Giorgio'' and ''San Marco'' have been modified with longer full-length
flight decks with four landing spots. ''San Giusto'', the third vessel, has not been modified since construction, however, it featured an improved design, and is normally employed as a
training ship.
Ships
Replacement class
The two oldest vessels of this class are scheduled for replacement. The Italian Navy has received the go-ahead to procure two 16,500-ton amphibious assault ships. According to the Italian MoD’s Multi-Year Defence Planning Document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale della Difesa, DPP) for the 2023-2025 timeframe, these ships are to be able to accommodate two LC-23 heavy landing craft for battle tanks or other vehicles and flight deck with multiple helicopter spots alongside extensive hangar and personnel accommodation facilities. A contract is possible in 2024 and delivery is anticipated in the 2028-2030 period.
Improved ''San Giorgio'' or Landing and Logistic Support Ship
In July 2011 the
Algerian Navy placed an order with
Fincantieri for an improved version of the ''San Giorgio'' class amphibious transport ships classified as ''Bâtiment de Débarquement et de Soutien Logistique'' (BDSL). On 8 January 2014 the BDSL was launched on a
barge
A barge is typically a flat-bottomed boat, flat-bottomed vessel which does not have its own means of mechanical propulsion. Original use was on inland waterways, while modern use is on both inland and ocean, marine water environments. The firs ...
at the Fincantieri shipyard in
Sestri Levante.
is fitted with
Aster 15 behind the island superstructure, with one
OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid at the bow and with two 25 mm remote weapon stations.
The BDSL can accommodate three
landing craft mechanized, three small
landing craft vehicle personnel, one large landing craft personnel and two semi-rigid boats. The
hangar can accommodate up to 15 armoured vehicles.
The crew will consist of 150 sailors while the ship may accommodate a landing force of 440 soldiers.
See also
*
Mistral-class amphibious assault ship
References
External links
San Giorgio – Naval Technology
{{Portal bar, Italy, Engineering
Amphibious warfare vessel classes
San Giorgio class
Amphibious warfare vessels of the Italian Navy
Helicopter carrier classes
Ships built by Fincantieri