Panarea

The Panarea class consists of auxiliary coastal water tankers operated by the Italian Navy (Marina Militare). These vessels are primarily designed for the transport and distribution of fresh water to naval bases, other ships, and isolated island communities.

Developed in the mid-1980s to modernize the Italian Navy's auxiliary fleet, the class leader Panarea (A 5370) was commissioned in 1986, followed by her sister ship Lipari (A 5371). Throughout their service lives, these tankers have provided critical logistical support, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Both vessels remain active, serving as vital assets for both military logistics and humanitarian support to remote Italian islands.