Fincantieri Establishes Strategic Partnerships in Saudi Arabia

• Fincantieri signs a series of MoUs in Saudi Arabia, expanding its presence in the region.
• The agreements align with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and industrial development.
• CEO Pierroberto Folgiero emphasizes opportunities in defense and maritime technology.
• A notable collaboration with KAUST targets cybersecurity advancements for naval applications.

Fincantieri, a global leader in shipbuilding, has announced the signing of a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Saudi Arabia. These agreements signify the company’s commitment to enhancing its regional presence, building on the foundation of its subsidiary, Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services, established in 2024.

The partnerships highlight Fincantieri’s strategic focus on fostering innovation, sustainability, and industrial development. Collaborating with Saudi and international partners, the company aligns its objectives with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and technological advancement. Leveraging its vertically integrated business model, Fincantieri maintains its position as the only shipbuilding group operating across all high-tech marine sectors, including cruise, offshore, and defense markets.

CEO’s Perspective on the Agreements

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “These agreements reaffirm our strong commitment to the region and our readiness to explore new business opportunities across our three core segments, with a primary focus on defense. Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global hub for maritime technology, and we are proud to collaborate with Saudi entities to leverage our extensive capabilities. Together, we aim to foster innovation and sustainability while contributing to the ambitious Vision 2030 agenda.” 

Cybersecurity Collaboration with KAUST

A key initiative among the MoUs is Fincantieri’s collaboration with King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST). This partnership focuses on addressing cybersecurity challenges in naval applications, including securing communications, preventing cyberattacks, and safeguarding onboard automation systems.

KAUST, an internationally recognized research university, is regarded as a center of excellence in technological innovation. By leveraging KAUST’s academic expertise and Fincantieri’s industry leadership, the collaboration aims to develop advanced solutions for cybersecurity in the naval sector. This initiative underscores the potential of merging academic research with industrial expertise to address complex challenges in maritime security.

Through these strategic agreements, Fincantieri solidifies its role as a key contributor to Saudi Arabia’s maritime ambitions, supporting Vision 2030’s broader goals of sustainable development and technological innovation.