Mumbai: After a six-day-long stopover, the Amerigo Vespucci, the historic training vessel of the Italian Navy, departed from the port of Mumbai shortly after midday on Monday. The vessel’s next scheduled appointment is on December 16, when it will reach Doha, Qatar.
According to Ansa News Agency, the farewell ceremony was a significant event attended by notable figures such as Admiral Antonio Natale, commander of the Navy’s schools, and Italy’s Consul General in Mumbai, Walter Ferrara. The ceremony featured the Italian Navy’s band playing the national anthem and the Indian band performing the anthem of the host country. Admiral Natale emphasized the ongoing “naval diplomacy” mission of the Navy’s iconic vessel.
This journey marks the second world tour in the Vespucci’s history. Before returning to Genoa in 2025, the ship will visit a total of 30 ports across 20 countries on five continents, serving as an itinerant ambassador of Made in Italy. Ferrara highlighted that this was the first time the ship docked
in India, expressing hope for a “new season” in Italy-India relations.
During the stopover in Mumbai, the Vespucci received an overwhelming number of visitors, a testament to its popularity. Captain Giuseppe Lai, the commander of the Vespucci, expressed his surprise and delight at the high interest shown by visitors. He also noted the success of the nearby Villaggio Italia, which further showcased Italy’s involvement in the Vespucci’s journey.
As the ship sets sail for the Persian Gulf, it embarks on a new chapter with significant stops planned in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah, Aqaba, and Alexandria of Egypt, before returning to the Mediterranean. Captain Lai emphasized the vessel’s preparedness and professionalism as it navigates through the Gulf of Aden and the strait of Bab el-Mandeb to reach the Red Sea.
