ENS BERNEES (FFG 1003) is a modern Egyptian Navy FREMM / Bergamini-class multi-purpose frigate, built in Italy by Fincantieri and originally intended for service with the Italian Navy as EMILIO BIANCHI.
Launched in 2020, the frigate was one of the final two Italian FREMM units originally destined for the Marina Militare but subsequently sold to Egypt before entering Italian service. Renamed BERNEES, she joined the Egyptian Navy in April 2021, becoming the second Italian-built Bergamini-class FREMM acquired by Egypt after AL GALALA (FFG 1002).
The vessel was built at Fincantieri's integrated Riva Trigoso–Muggiano shipyards. She measures approximately 144 metres in length, with a beam of 19.7 metres and a full-load displacement of around 6,700 tonnes. Her CODLAG propulsion system allows a maximum speed in excess of 27 knots, while her operational range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.
Vessel Details
Current Name: ENS BERNEES
Former / Intended Name: EMILIO BIANCHI
Pennant Number: FFG 1003
Type: Multi-Purpose Frigate
Class: Bergamini-class / FREMM
Variant: Italian General Purpose configuration
Operator: Egyptian Navy
Country: Egypt
Homeport: Alexandria
Built: Italy
Builder: Fincantieri
Shipyards: Riva Trigoso / Muggiano, Italy
Laid Down: January 2018
Launched: 25 January 2020
Transferred to Egypt: April 2021
Entered Egyptian Service: April 2021
Length Overall: approx. 144 m
Beam: 19.7 m
Full Load Displacement: approx. 6,700 t
Propulsion: CODLAG
Gas Turbine: 1 × GE/Avio Aero LM2500+G4, approx. 32 MW
Electric Propulsion Motors: 2 × approx. 2.2 MW
Propellers: 2 × controllable-pitch propellers
Maximum Speed: over 27 knots
Range: approx. 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots
Maximum Accommodation: approx. 200 personnel
Aircraft Facilities: Flight deck and double helicopter hangar
Current Status: Active with the Egyptian Navy
Originally EMILIO BIANCHI
The frigate was originally constructed as the tenth FREMM ordered for the Italian Navy and was to carry the name EMILIO BIANCHI, honouring the Italian naval serviceman and recipient of the Gold Medal of Military Valor.
Construction began in 2018, and the vessel was launched at Riva Trigoso on 25 January 2020. Following the launch, she was transferred to Fincantieri's Muggiano shipyard at La Spezia for fitting out.
However, the ship never entered service with the Italian Navy.
Italy subsequently approved the sale of two almost-completed General Purpose FREMM frigates to Egypt. The ninth unit, originally SPARTACO SCHERGAT, became AL GALALA (FFG 1002), while EMILIO BIANCHI became BERNEES (FFG 1003).
The verified identity history is therefore:
EMILIO BIANCHI → ENS BERNEES (FFG 1003)
Unlike the case of an ordinary second-hand naval vessel, BERNEES was transferred to Egypt essentially as a newly built frigate before having been commissioned into her originally intended navy.
From Italy to Egypt
By February 2021, the former EMILIO BIANCHI had received her Egyptian identity and pennant number FFG 1003.
Sea trials with Egyptian markings were carried out from La Spezia, and the frigate was subsequently handed over to Egypt in April 2021.
BERNEES arrived at the Alexandria Naval Base on 15 April 2021, officially joining the Egyptian fleet alongside her sister ship AL GALALA.
Before transfer, some electronic-warfare and communications equipment originally intended for Italian service was reportedly removed, although the vessel retained the main characteristics of the Italian General Purpose FREMM configuration.
Armament and Capabilities
The Italian General Purpose FREMM design on which BERNEES is based combines surface-warfare, air-defence, anti-submarine and command capabilities.
The configuration includes a 127 mm main gun, a 76 mm gun, two 25 mm remotely operated guns, vertical-launch cells for Aster surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedo-launching capability.
The frigate also features a large flight deck and two helicopter hangars, allowing embarked naval helicopters to significantly extend her surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities.
With a range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles, speeds exceeding 27 knots and accommodation for around 200 personnel, BERNEES is designed for prolonged operations away from her home base.
A Second EMILIO BIANCHI
The history of the name can occasionally cause confusion.
After the original EMILIO BIANCHI was sold to Egypt and became BERNEES, the Italian Navy ordered a replacement frigate carrying the same name.
Construction of the new EMILIO BIANCHI began in 2021, and the replacement vessel was launched in 2024 before being delivered to the Italian Navy in 2025.
Therefore, photographs of an EMILIO BIANCHI after 2021 do not necessarily depict the future BERNEES. They may instead show the completely separate replacement frigate constructed for the Italian Navy.
Piraeus Connection
ENS BERNEES has a particularly well-documented connection with Piraeus.
On 23 November 2021, shortly after completing her participation in the multinational exercise MEDUSA 11, BERNEES entered the Port of Piraeus together with the Egyptian Navy amphibious assault ship ENS GAMAL ABDEL NASSER.
The Egyptian vessels were accompanied into Piraeus by the Hellenic Navy frigate KANARIS.
BERNEES remained in Piraeus until 24 November 2021, during an official visit which also involved training activities for Egyptian naval cadets at facilities of the Hellenic Naval Academy and the PALASKAS Training Centre.
The visit came only around seven months after BERNEES had entered Egyptian service, making her appearance in Piraeus one of the earliest documented foreign port visits of the newly delivered frigate.
PiraeuShips Record
ENS BERNEES was recorded at Piraeus by PiraeuShips in November 2021, only months after joining the Egyptian Navy. Originally launched by Fincantieri in 2020 as EMILIO BIANCHI for the Italian Navy, the frigate was sold to Egypt before entering Italian service and subsequently commissioned as BERNEES (FFG 1003). Her visit to Piraeus following Exercise MEDUSA 11 documents one of the early stages of the operational career of one of the Egyptian Navy's most modern major surface combatants.
Original video footage © PiraeuShips. All rights reserved.
