(Adnkronos) – Fincantieri has struck a “significant” accord with the United States navy for new kinds of vessels such as amphibious, icebreaking and other special missions, amid a drive to make technological excellence, manned and unmanned crafts and long-term sustainability the navy’s future model, the Italian shipbuilder said Wednesday in a statement.
Fincantieri and the US navy “have reached a significant agreement that provides for reshaping the future of the Constellation-class Programme, currently under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), in Wisconsin,” said the statement.
“Fincantieri is expected to receive new orders to deliver classes of vessels in segments that best serve the immediate interests of the nation and the renaissance of US shipbuilding, such as amphibious, icebreaking and other special missions,” the statement said.
“Fincantieri will support the US navy, as it redefines strategic choices in the Small Surface Combatants segment, manned or unmanned,” the statement noted.
Under the deal, Fincantieri will continue to build two Constellation-class frigates currently under construction, while the contract for four other such vessels will be cancelled, reflecting the US navy’s “evolving strategic priorities,” the statement continued.
The accord “indemnifies Fincantieri Marine Group on existing economic commitments and industrial impacts through measures provided by the US Navy Fincantieri,” said the statement.
“This new arrangement guarantees continuity and workload visibility for Fincantieri’s personnel and the Wisconsin System of Yards – a vital pillar of the US maritime industrial base – capitalizing on the investments and expertise developed to date,” the statement went on.
Fincantieri “is consolidating its strategic partnership with the Navy, confirming its role as a key player in defining the future of American maritime defence through advanced industrial capabilities and long-term investments,” the statement underlined.
In recent years, Fincantieri has invested over 800 million dollars in its four US shipyards, including Marinette, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Jacksonville, with the aim of ensuring maximum production efficiency, flexibility, and technological innovation, the statement pointed out.
“These investments have enabled the consolidation of an advanced industrial supply chain, capable of meeting the US Navy’s new priorities, including rapid delivery, modularity, and scalability of naval platforms,” the statement added.
Fincantieri Marine Group currently employs around 3,750 highly skilled workers in the US, having recently increased its workforce by 850 workers to meet demand and strengthen its industrial base, according to the statement.
“This significant expansion underscores the Group’s commitment to supporting the local economy and the broader national maritime supply chain,” the statement concluded.
