Fincantieri - Experts & Thought Leaders
Latest Fincantieri news & announcements
During the DEEPDIVE - Analyst and Investor Underwater Day held today in Milan, Fincantieri presented its long-term strategic vision for the development of its underwater segment to the financial community, outlining a clear, ambitious, and already well-advanced path of industrial growth. Accounting for about 4% of Group revenue in 2024, the segment is set to double in 2027, reaching 8%, with expected revenue of approximately 820 million euros and estimated EBITDA of 152 million euros, with an EBITDA margin approaching 19%. Traditional shipbuilding activities Fincantieri aims to be a pioneering player in the development of this new strategic infrastructure Forecast results for 2025 and 2026 confirm the strength of this trend, with respective revenue projected at around 660 million and 720 million euros and EBITDA margins of 17.4% and 18.0%, well above the Group’s traditional shipbuilding activities. Now, the underwater domain is a strategic area for security, energy, environmental monitoring, and underwater communications. Fincantieri aims to be a pioneering player in the development of this new strategic infrastructure, leveraging its ability to integrate complex capabilities and high-tech industrial assets. Submarine design and construction To oversee this transformation with consistency and vision, the Group has established the Underwater Technology Hub, an integrated industrial structure that coordinates all civil, military, and dual-use system activities through a single command capable of ensuring market presence and internalisation of proprietary technologies with high added value. The underwater segment brings together under one management the Group’s capabilities in submarine design and construction, WASS Submarine Systems' technologies in effectors and acoustic sensors, IDS - Ingegneria dei Sistemi’s expertise in unmanned, radar, and advanced communication systems, and Remazel Engineering’s know-how in topside systems for the deployment, recovery, and operational interfacing of autonomous vehicles. Driver of underwater transformation Group positions itself as a driver of underwater transformation, offering integrated solutions The global market for the underwater sector is estimated at approximately 50 billion euros per year, with a component accessible to Fincantieri of about 22 billion euros yearly. In this context, the Group positions itself as a driver of underwater transformation, offering integrated solutions ranging from defense to infrastructure security, offshore energy, aquaculture, and deep-sea mining. Integrated operating model Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, stated: "The consolidation of cross-sector demand in defense, dual-use, and civilian applications is making underwater technology a strategic priority for governments and industries. Fincantieri is thus ready to turn its competitive advantage into industrial leadership, capitalising on the Group’s long-standing experience, clear vision, and integrated operating model." "Our unique positioning as a full-line player enables us to generate scale, cross-segment synergies, and the optimisation of our industrial footprint. We’re already shaping a portfolio aligned with the operational needs of both the national system and our international partners. Our course is set: strengthen critical capabilities, lead the sector’s evolution, and contribute – responsibly and ambitiously – to building the underwater ecosystem of the future.” Autonomous underwater vehicles Fincantieri has now also announced the signing of an MoU between IDS and Graal Tech S.r.l Further strengthening this technology platform, Fincantieri now also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IDS and Graal Tech S.r.l, a pioneering Italian company in underwater mechatronics. The agreement entails exclusive collaboration for the development and commercialisation of small and medium-sized autonomous underwater vehicles, their control and simulation systems, and the creation of a national centre for testing, qualification, and training, intended to become a benchmark for developing new professional skills in underwater robotics. Advancing the national system The agreement reinforces Fincantieri’s role as both a system integrator and a developer of enabling proprietary technologies. With this agreement, Fincantieri reaffirms its ability to leverage the industrial ecosystem it operates in and contributes to maintaining and advancing the national system by involving highly specialised local firms across multiple key sectors in large-scale, high-value projects.
Fincantieri, a pioneer in complex shipbuilding, and Accenture, one of the world’s pioneering professional services companies, have signed an agreement to establish Fincantieri Ingenium, a new joint venture. The company will be owned 70% by Fincantieri NexTech – a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group – and 30% by Accenture. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s technological expertise in the naval sector with Accenture’s advanced digital capabilities and digital engineering and manufacturing expertise. The project is subject to customary regulatory clearances. Fincantieri Group’s Industrial Plan Fincantieri Ingenium has been created to accelerate digital transformation across the cruise industry Fincantieri Ingenium has been created to accelerate digital transformation across the cruise, defence, and port infrastructure sectors. It will play a key role in executing the strategy outlined in Fincantieri Group’s Industrial Plan. The goal is to enhance the offering of digital services and systems based on recent advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence by optimising the entire value chain through data utilisation and process transformation. Accenture’s extensive experience in digital platforms The joint venture will integrate Accenture’s extensive experience in digital platforms, AI, connectivity and IoT, cybersecurity, and service design with Fincantieri’s deep technological know-how in the naval and defense industries. This powerful combination will enable the development of new technological capabilities and skills, while also attracting and training new talent. Next-generation ships and existing fleets The first ship equipped with Navis Sapiens is expected to enter service by the end of 2025 Among the first strategic initiatives of the new company is the development of Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem designed for next-generation ships and the upgrade of existing fleets. The project spans three key dimensions: the creation of a portfolio of application services to optimise operational efficiency and lifecycle management for ships and onshore infrastructure; the development of a digital platform enabling these applications and advanced AI-driven functionalities, with a strong focus on cybersecurity; and a marketplace to facilitate the exchange of solutions - including those from third parties - to deliver high value-added services and enable new business models across the maritime ecosystem. The first ship equipped with Navis Sapiens is expected to enter service by the end of 2025. Ships and onshore ecosystems In synergy with Navis Sapiens, the joint venture also plans to enhance real-time data exchange and connectivity between ships and onshore ecosystems - including ports and shipyards - through a sea-to-shore interoperability solution to increase cross-functional process efficiency. This project will help improve the competitiveness of Italian ports by optimising performance across the entire maritime and land-based value chain. National maritime ecosystem The plans will be designed to reduce environmental impact via data-driven energy optimisation All initiatives will be promoted with sustainability as a core pillar. The systems will be designed to reduce environmental impact through data-driven energy optimisation, supporting shipowners in reducing fuel consumption. The initiatives already underway, as well as those to come, will generate significant value for Fincantieri, the national maritime ecosystem, and the country as a whole, with a positive impact on a global scale. Fincantieri technological innovation Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, said: "With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry. This joint venture represents a strategic step forward in accelerating the digitalisation of the sector, leveraging artificial intelligence and the most advanced technologies." "Thanks to the synergy with Accenture, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that will make our ships and infrastructures increasingly connected, efficient and sustainable, consolidating Fincantieri's role as a pioneer in the sector." Step forward in maritime innovation Teodoro Lio, MU Lead for ICEG and CEO of Accenture Italy, commented: “We are excited about this joint venture with Fincantieri, which marks a significant step forward in maritime innovation and is a tangible example of collaboration between two organisations committed to transforming the market and creating new value." "With Fincantieri Ingenium, we are combining our respective strengths to shape new operating models that will transform maritime operations through innovative technologies.”
Fincantieri and Viking announced the first cruise ship in the world to be powered by hydrogen stored onboard for both propulsion and onboard electricity generation, the “Viking Libra”. The vessel is currently under construction at the Fincantieri Ancona shipyard, with delivery scheduled for late 2026. Operating with zero emissions Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship will be capable of navigating and using with zero emissions With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons and a length of 239 metres, the “Viking Libra”, will accommodate up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship will be capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, allowing it to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Advanced fuel cell technology This marks a new state-of-the-art hydrogen propulsion system that, combined with advanced fuel cell technology, will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power, and will set a new benchmark for the industry's decarbonisation efforts. Viking’s subsequent ocean ship, the “Viking Astrea”, which is also currently under construction at the Ancona shipyard and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered. Integrate disruptive new technologies Viking is made possible by Fincantieri’s capability to integrate disruptive new technologies on board The success of this joint initiative with Viking is made possible by Fincantieri’s capability to integrate disruptive new technologies on board. A key contributor to this effort is Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology, which will provide tailor-made solutions for the “Viking Libra”. Adoption of green fuels The vessel will feature first-of-a-kind solutions to load and store hydrogen directly onboard the ship thanks to a containerised system to overcome supply chain constraints. Hydrogen will power polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells system specifically optimised for cruise operations, designed and produced by IFM. This achievement reinforces IFM’s role as a pioneer in the adoption of green fuels and cutting-edge energy systems for the maritime and land application sectors. Latest environmental rules and navigation regulations The value of this deal, subject to financing and other typical terms and needs, is considered large Fincantieri and Viking also announced that they have signed an agreement for the construction of two new cruise ships for delivery in 2031, plus an option for two additional vessels, based on the successful features of the previous units, which Fincantieri has already built for this shipowner in its Italian yards. The value of this agreement, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered as large. The new ships will be built according to the latest environmental rules and navigation regulations and will be equipped with the most modern safety systems. The new vessels will be placed in the small cruise ship segment, the gross tonnage is about 54,300 tons and they will accommodate 998 passengers on board in 499 cabins. Future of sustainable maritime transportation "With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world's first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation," said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. Pierroberto Folgiero adds, "This milestone marks a defining moment in our journey towards net-zero, fully aligned with our Business Plan, and underscores Fincantieri’s role as a catalyst for the industry's green transition. Beyond shipbuilding, we are driving a systemic evolution by integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering supply chain innovation, and creating a model for the widespread adoption of hydrogen in the maritime sector." New standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding Pierroberto Folgiero continues: "Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership, and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding." Zero-emission solution "From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud that the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea, will be even more environmentally friendly," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. Torstein Hagen adds, "Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026."