NAVAL ARSENAL – MESSINA
industrial capabilities
a renewed point of reference in the Mediterranean
The Messina Naval Arsenal represents an important support facility for the overhaul, repair and maintenance of military and civilian naval units. Extending over 56,000 square metres, it serves not only as an operational production site but also as a significant technical and logistics structure.
In fact, the Arsenal not only carries out maintenance and repair work on highly technological systems and equipment, but also operates its own materials warehouses and transport, lifting and operational equipment. It is furthermore responsible for providing all services required by naval units during maintenance layovers, including electricity supply, water supply and waste management.
The services provided by the Arsenal primarily concern the execution of high-technology technical interventions related to shipbuilding activities, precision engineering, industrial systems and piping, light and heavy structural fabrication, mechanical, electrical and electronic works, as well as overhaul, inspections and testing.
The Arsenal, enhanced by the presence of a masonry dry dock measuring 125 metres in length and 25 metres in width, also features three berths with a total quay length of approximately 400 metres.
Among the services provided is the complete overhaul of main engines and electric generators manufactured by Wartsila, MTU, MAN, GMT, Isotta Fraschini, Ruggerini, Officine Meccaniche (O.M.), Caterpillar, IVECO/AIFO and Volvo.
Maintenance services also include electric motors (single-phase and three-phase) up to 120 kVA, direct current and alternating current generators up to 250 kVA, electric and engine-driven pumps for various services, electrical machinery, remote starters, main and auxiliary power switchboards, SACE circuit breakers, navigation lights and signalling equipment, motorboats, collective and individual life-saving appliances.
The Arsenal is capable of carrying out maintenance on winches, capstans, cranes, hydraulic systems, oil and diesel purification systems, electric compressors, air-conditioning systems, refrigerated rooms, and ship stabilisation systems. It also performs calibration and testing of control instrumentation, including thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), tachometric dynamos and tachometric alternators up to 3000 rpm (including electronics connected to propulsion control systems).
Testing activities include pressure vessels such as compressed air cylinders for engine starting and ship services, CO₂ cylinders and O₂ cylinders. These activities also extend to load-bearing components and lifting gear, including blocks, hooks, chain stoppers, tie rods and structural elements tested with strain gauges.
certifications
NAVAL ARSENAL – MESSINA
history
historical origins of the plant
Messina’s strategic geographical position has, since antiquity, enabled it to establish itself not only as a primary hub for maritime traffic and routes, but also as a base for ship construction.
Until 1615, an Arsenal was in operation, serving as an infrastructural hub for both the imperial and royal navies. It was initially located in the Darsena area, later near the Royal Palace at Terranova, and finally beside the fortress of the Santissimo Salvatore.
It was precisely this last location, situated close to the defensive batteries of the city’s fortifications, that ultimately led to its demolition, despite its recognised excellence as a shipbuilding facility.
The need to establish a new naval facility in the city arose in 1860, in response to the emerging requirements of the newly formed Italian State. The initiative was promoted by the municipal administration itself, which sought to create in Messina a centre capable of developing the most advanced techniques for the construction of iron ships powered by steam propulsion.
Originally driven by commercial considerations, the Civil Engineering Corps was entrusted with the design of a masonry dry dock. Due to difficulties and delays, construction works effectively began only in 1869.
Upon completion, the facility was placed under private concession, as the Municipality of Messina was unable to manage such complex operations directly.
Partial return to public management occurred in 1924, when control passed to a local consortium. However, this arrangement lasted only eight years, as in 1932 the Arsenal was transferred entirely to the Royal Italian Navy.
The Armed Force upgraded the facilities, which were completely renovated and expanded, identifying Messina as a strategic site for both ship construction and repair. In addition to shipyard activities, the Arsenal also became a permanent base for operational units. During the Second World War in particular, numerous naval units were stationed there, either permanently or temporarily, in response to wartime requirements.
After the period of Allied administration in Sicily and with the onset of the post-war era, the Arsenal resumed its role as an operational base, this time for the Italian Navy.
In the first half of the 1950s, further construction works were undertaken, particularly to adapt the facilities to the increased tonnage of modern vessels. This enabled the Arsenal to meet the diverse maintenance requirements of various types of combat and reconnaissance ships.
The Arsenal also served as an operational base for both coastal and deep-sea minesweeper units and remained the headquarters of the Maritime Military Command of Sicily until the end of 2002, when the command was transferred to Augusta.
Ongoing logistical and organisational changes led, from 2001 onward, to the transfer of the Arsenal under the management of the Defence Industries Agency. The Agency subsequently promoted a revitalisation of shipyard services, extending them to the civilian market and the leisure boating sector.
Today, with an industrial complex covering approximately 55,000 square metres, the Arsenal includes a shipyard, workshops, warehouses and offices, organised into departments responsible for construction, launching, engine testing, and the overhaul of electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, propulsion and mechanical equipment.
Among its principal activities is the demilitarisation and disposal of NATO naval units up to 2,000 tonnes.
Building on this consolidated expertise, similar studies are underway concerning the conversion of land vehicles, with recovery of materials and engines for potential reuse in the civilian energy industry.
Other notable contracts include those concluded between the Italian Coast Guard and its counterpart in Panama, which enabled Italian personnel to export their professional expertise to Central America.
Alongside its industrial functions, the Arsenal has also resumed its role as a multifunctional operational base. Since 2004, it has hosted the Naval Support Unit of the Italian Coast Guard, providing logistical support to the broader civil service of the Port Authorities Corps.
Subsequently, it has also assumed the function of operational base for certain patrol vessels of the Guardia di Finanza.
