The Italian Navy OSV Tritone has deployed the new-generation SAVER submarine rescue suite for the first time, initiating sea acceptance trials.
The Italian Navy multi-purpose OSV Tritone (A 5341) has deployed for the first time the new generation SAVER (Submarine Assistance, Ventilation, Equipment Rescue) submarine rescue suite on the occasion of its participation in the Italian Navy’s XV edition of the Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium (T-RSS) in the ancient Venice Arsenal (6-7 October).
Following its appearance in Venice, Tritone returned to La Spezia on 14 October to complete Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT) for the rescue component of the SAVER system, according to information obtained by Naval News.
Platform & Strategic Procurement
Delivered to the Italian Navy on 14 April 2026 following market acquisition and customization under a contract with Fincantieri, Tritone enables the service to directly test systems and operational procedures designed for underwater environments.
According to the Italian Navy, the acquisition reflects a streamlined procurement model—buying or chartering state-of-the-art civilian platforms directly from international markets to rapidly insert them into operational testing cycles. Trials conducted aboard Tritone will inform operational requirements for future Multi-role Underwater Surveillance Units (UPSDS – Unità Polivalenti per la Sorveglianza della Dimensione Subacquea), scheduled to enter service starting in 2031.
The SAVER Architecture: Intervention & Rescue
Developed and supplied by DRASS, with Saipem integrating its advanced Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle (WROV) technology, the SAVER system is a modular, air-transportable capability covering the complete submarine intervention and recovery sequence.
The system is split into two specialized suites:
1. The Rapid Intervention Suite (Up to 300m)
- WROV Support: Driven by a Saipem Innovator 2.0 WROV equipped with a dedicated Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for initial survey and work on the distressed submarine (DISSUB).
- Ventilation System (VS): A containerized DRASS system capable of operating down to 300 meters (with a design ceiling of 600 meters) to maintain air exchange and monitor internal atmospheric conditions.
- Submarine Rescue Chamber (SRC): A DRASS McCann-type chamber rated beyond 300 meters, capable of recovering eight personnel plus two operators per cycle.
- Ballast Blow System (IZ): An independent system designed to supply breathable air directly to the DISSUB’s ballast tanks or refill system to restore positive buoyancy, provided the crew can assist.
2. The Deep Rescue Suite (Up to 600m)
- Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV): Built around a tethered Saipem Innovator 2.0 WROV mechanically coupled to a DRASS Rescue Capsule. The tethered configuration delivers continuous power, control, and high-bandwidth data links from the mother ship, enabling unlimited operational time in strong currents without battery constraints.
- Capacity & Mating: The capsule carries 17 survivors and 2 operators per dive, featuring an articulated mating skirt for landing on DISSUBs resting at severe angles.
- Surface Recovery & Decompression: System launch and recovery uses a Portable Launch and Recovery System (PLARS) mounted on the stern. Survivors are transferred under pressure directly into containerized Deck Decompression Chambers (DDC) accommodating 60 survivors and 6 operators (expandable to 66+6).
- Auxiliary Support: Supported by the Fast Auxiliary System Deploy (FASD) module, providing autonomous power, air, and water to the suite aboard any host platform.
Intermodal Mobility and the Olterra Roadmap
SAVER is designed to function under the “Vessel of Opportunity” (VoO) concept. Housed entirely within standard 20-foot and 40-foot ISO containers, the entire suite can be rapidly transported via strategic airlift and mounted on commercial or military vessels with adequate aft deck space, drastically reducing emergency response times worldwide.
While Tritone serves as the initial testbed, SAVER’s primary permanent installation will be aboard the Italian Navy’s future Special Diving Operation-Submarine Rescue Ship, Olterra (SDO-SuRS). Currently undergoing outfitting at T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa following construction by the GIN Group, Olterra is slated for delivery in the first half of 2027. Upon commissioning, it will replace the aging Anteo within COMSUBIN’s (Comando Subacquei ed Incursori) Special Naval Group based in La Spezia.
