Donn'Anna, Piloda Shipyard's new dock transforming refits in the Mediterranean

Donn'Anna, Piloda Shipyard's new floating dock, has come into operation in Naples. Measuring 143 meters long, 30 meters wide, and with a lifting capacity of 6.000 tons, the dock is designed to serve a previously underserved segment of the Mediterranean: vessels between 130 and 143 meters. This infrastructure aims to make the Port of Naples a strategic hub for next-generation naval refits.

Donn'Anna is equipped with autonomous systems for energy, movement, and safety. On board are two rail-mounted cranes, six capstans (a vertical winch to assist in positioning and securing vessels within the dock, facilitating maneuvers during hauling, launching, or positioning for refitting), generators, independent electrical systems, and drydock water collection tanks. The technological heart of the vessel is proprietary software that manages tacking and ballast in real time, reducing downtime and improving operational safety. An internal bilge water treatment system is also available, allowing for the management of up to 50 liters without the need for external support.

"Towing a 143-meter-long structure with a capacity of 6 tons," stated Gian Paolo Russo, CEO of the Cafimar Group, "is a complex and highly specialized operation. The dock was set up in dry tow mode, with a precise distribution of ballast within the longitudinal tanks, maintaining trim and stability within sub-centimeter tolerances. The crossing, conducted at a controlled speed of 5 knots, included constant weather monitoring, active control of the pumps, and management of the structural reinforcement systems. This team effort demonstrates the experience and reliability gained by Cafimar over decades of complex operations."

The dry dock arrived in Naples from Turkey after a complex crossing of over 1.000 nautical miles, managed by Cafimar and its subsidiary Somat, a company specializing in technical naval towage. The dry tow operation required pinpoint precision in ballast distribution and continuous stability control during the 5-knot tow.

Thanks to its design, Donn'Anna can also be used for simultaneous work on multiple vessels. It is designed for military vessels, ferries, superyachts over 70 meters, public transport, and offshore units. During peak operation, it can employ up to 180 people, including direct and indirect personnel.

"The arrival of the Donn'Anna dock," comments Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard, "represents a turning point for the Port of Naples and the entire Campania industrial system. Thanks to this infrastructure, our port will acquire unprecedented capacity in the Mediterranean for the refit of medium-to-large vessels, improving the port's competitiveness and attractiveness. We expect a significant increase in technical and maintenance traffic, with significant and positive economic benefits for related industries and employment. This strategic choice positions Naples as a true hub of the maritime economy."

With a private investment of over €15 million, Piloda Shipyard consolidates its industrial vision in the naval segment and paves the way for further developments already announced, including the new hub for large vessels up to 250 meters currently being planned in the port of Brindisi.

"The strategic decision to invest in the Donn'Anna basin," Di Palo adds, "also responds to the growing need for infrastructure dedicated to the military sector, which is currently experiencing strong growth thanks to the awarding of new and significant contracts in the naval defense sector. Piloda Group intends to provide concrete solutions to this rapidly growing demand, equipping the country with modern, autonomous, and sustainable infrastructure capable of quickly and efficiently serving military and institutional fleets as well." 

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