IM-NGM 63

IM-NGM 63

The New Generation Minehunters - NGM - have been commissioned, both design and construction, to Intermarine from the Italian Navy, to replace the Lerici and Gaeta Classes (built by Intermarine since the 1980s’).

Due to their technical and operational features, the New Generation Minehunters are the most innovative Mine Countermeasures Units in the world, reaffirming Intermarine’s role as a leading company in the sector of Mine Warfare and the Underwater Domain.

Thanks to the exclusive characteristics of the hull in FRP-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (resistance to shock generated by non-contact underwater explosions and low magnetoacoustic signature) and to the operational potential offered by the most modern combat system technologies, such as mine-hunting sonar and multi-domain command and control systems, the new vessels will be able to perform a wide spectrum of missions.

In addition to the constabulary roles of search and clearance operations, the modern assets will carry out the so-called seabed surveillance operations for the control and protection of critical underwater infrastructures (i.e. oil & gas pipelines and maritime data networks) and the protection of cultural heritage and the marine environment.

With a length of approximately 63 meters and a displacement of approximately 1,300 tonnes, the NGM will stand out for their capability to conduct mine countermeasures operations within minefields, guaranteeing crew safety and using different types of autonomous vehicles as force multipliers and capability gap fillers.

The propulsion and dynamic positioning system is based on two cycloidal propellers and two bow thrusters used for both operational transits and mine countermeasures operations inside the minefields.

The Minehunters will be able to perform Mine Countermeasures and Seabed Surveillance Operations thanks to organic systems and a massive use of unmanned assets such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and One Shoot Mine Killers (OSMKs).

The Command Bridge design is based on the innovative concept of a naval cockpit that will allow navigation and management of the platform and combat system through an integrated bridge console.

Finally, the New Generation Minehunters are designed to be interoperable and flexible platforms thanks to a modular approach of the hangar and aft deck capable of embarking up to two ISO 20” container-standard modules for additional assets/systems (e.g., hyperbaric chamber, logistic modules, non-organic UXVs, etc.).

The most prestigious Navies around the world have chosen Intermarine technology for their fleet of Minehunters (Italy, USA, Australia, Finland, Algeria, Malaysia, Thailand, and Nigeria) thanks to its innovative solutions in operational capabilities and cutting-edge technologies in the specialist sector of mine warfare, seabed surveillance, and protection of critical underwater infrastructures.