By Monsi A. Serrano
Almost 100 years since it was launched, the Italian naval training ship Amerigo Vespucci, christened as the most beautiful ship in the world made its historical visit to the Philippines and on a four-day port call at South Harbour Pier 15 Manila.
Speaking to the media, Captain Giuseppe Lai, the commander of the vessel briefly shared their navigation experience on their way to the Philippines and noted that they narrowly avoided a typhoon after a two-week journey from Tokyo.
He also said that apart from strengthening Italy’s naval presence and promoting bilateral maritime cooperation with the Philippines, the historical visit of Amerigo Vespucci in the Philippines also aims to enhance cultural exchanges between the Italians and Filipinos which is done through maritime training.
Filipinos are free to visit and take a tour inside the Amerigo Vespucci and appreciate it and find for themselves why our ship is called the World’s most beautiful ship even after almost 100 years.
Captain Lai also said that the visit of their ship to the Philippines is a significant milestone for Italy’s maritime engagement in Southeast Asia.
“Italy has strong ties to the region, including the Philippines. And for us, this world tour was important, especially with growing maritime cooperation.”
Beyond its training mission, the ship also acts as a “floating embassy,” showcasing Italian culture, values, and design to the world.
The commander of “the most beautiful ship in the world” boasted this compliment given by the U.S. Navy’s USS Independence in a 1962 encounter with them.
“When we identified ourselves, the Americans responded with that comment, and it has stuck with the ship ever since,” Lai said.
While the ship is almost 100 years old, the structures of the ship remain the same, but the upgrade of several necessary navigation equipment had to be done to ensure its operability to navigate.
“The sails are still made from traditional tela olona material, and while we’ve updated the engine to an electric one and installed a satellite system, but the upgraded did not affect the true heritage of Amerigo Vespucci,” Lai explained.
Captain Lai added that the recent deployments of Italian naval assets in the region, including ITS Cavour and ITS Alpino are part of the increasing cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, particularly in the area of maritime security.
“This visit is an extension of Italy’s commitment to working with the Philippines in maritime security and broader naval cooperation,” Captain Lai added.
Apart from being touted as the most beautiful ship in the world, Amerigo Vespucci was also named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador with a message of peace and hope for the millions of boys and girls that UNICEF helps so that it can spread throughout the world.