Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has begun constructing a logistics support ship for the Italian navy, the company reports.
The drydock work on the vessel is taking place at a shipyard in Genoa following a keel laying ceremony earlier this week.
The LSS, to be delivered in 2019, will feature a hospital as well as capacity to transport and transfer diesel fuel, jet fuel, fresh water, spare parts, food and ammunitions.
It will also have the capability to perform at-sea repairs and maintenance of other vessels.
Fincantieri said the ship could also be used as an intelligence platform in the future.
The new LSS will be about 541.3 feet in length, have a speed of 20 knots and have space for 200 crew.
Additional details were not disclosed.
