Intermarine: Specialists in Military Shipbuilding and Composite Hulls
Intermarine is a distinguished Italian shipbuilding company renowned for its expertise in the design and construction of specialized military vessels. As a subsidiary of the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Group, Intermarine blends traditional naval craftsmanship with advanced materials science to deliver high-performance ships for global navies.
Company History and Evolution
Founded in 1970, Intermarine established its reputation by specializing in vessels featuring fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) hulls. These composite materials offer unique advantages in durability and weight reduction compared to traditional shipbuilding materials.
A significant shift in the company's trajectory occurred in September 2002 when it was acquired by Rodriquez Cantieri Navali, a leader in high-speed vessel construction. This acquisition expanded Intermarine's technical capabilities, allowing the company to integrate steel and aluminum construction into its portfolio using the parent company's advanced technology. Today, Intermarine leverages access to four shipyards operated by Rodriquez on Italy's west coast to facilitate its production needs.
Historically, the company expanded its reach to North America through Intermarine USA, which operated a shipyard in Savannah, Georgia, following the 1987 purchase of the Sayler Marine Corporation. However, this facility was no longer owned by the company following the 2002 acquisition by Rodriquez.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Parent Company: Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Group.
- Core Specialization: Military ships with composite, steel, and aluminum hulls.
- Key Markets: Italian Navy and Finnish Navy.
- Notable Achievement: Construction of 38 minesweepers for seven different customers.
- Material Expertise: High-elasticity composite hulls designed to absorb mine blast energy.
Product Portfolio and Naval Engineering
Intermarine focuses exclusively on the military sector, developing three primary categories of vessels designed for specific operational roles.
Minesweepers and Mine Countermeasures
Minesweepers are designed for the detection and disposal of naval mines. Intermarine utilizes composite construction for these vessels because the high elasticity of the hull allows it to absorb the energy of a close-range mine blast without sustaining significant structural damage. To date, the company has built 38 minesweepers for seven customers, including the Katanpää-class mine countermeasure vessels for the Finnish Navy.
Hydro-oceanographic Catamarans
The company has developed specialized catamarans for the Italian Navy, specifically designed for hydro-oceanographic tasks such as charting the seafloor.
High-Speed Patrol Boats
Intermarine has expanded into the production of patrol boats featuring either aluminum or composite hulls. These vessels are engineered for high performance, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 50 knots.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Current Projects and Major Contracts
As of December 2015, Intermarine's operations are centered around several high-value international contracts:
- Italian Navy: A 176 million euro contract for the modernization of eight Gaeta-class minesweepers.
- Finnish Navy: The supply of three minesweepers along with a comprehensive logistics package.
- Orizzonte Sistemi Navali: The provision of a navigating platform and associated logistics.
| Vessel Type | Key Material | Primary User/Client | Notable Class/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minesweepers | Composite (FRP) | Italian & Finnish Navies | Lerici-class / Katanpää-class |
| Hydro-oceanographic | Composite | Italian Navy | Seafloor charting |
| Patrol Boats | Composite or Aluminum | Military | Speeds over 50 knots |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Intermarine's composite hulls ideal for minesweepers?
The high elasticity of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) allows the hull to be flexible enough to absorb the energy from a mine blast at close range, preventing significant damage to the ship.
Who owns Intermarine?
Intermarine is owned by the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Group, which acquired the company in September 2002.
Does Intermarine build civilian boats?
No, Intermarine builds exclusively military ships, focusing on minesweepers, hydro-oceanographic vessels, and patrol boats.
What is the maximum speed of Intermarine's patrol boats?
Intermarine's patrol boats are designed to be capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots.
Which navies have used Intermarine vessels?
The Italian Navy and the Finnish Navy are primary users, though the company has served a total of seven different customers for its minesweeper program.