Fincantieri - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced Fincantieri, one of the world’s pioneering shipbuilding groups, as the Diamond Sponsor for the ninth edition of the show scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The four-day event is held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Head of State and Supreme Commander of Qatar Armed Forces, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces. Latest technological advancements DIMDEX is positioned as a premier platform for expertise and commercial exchange among pioneering defence companies, international investors, and key decision-makers. It offers participants exclusive access to the latest technological advancements, next-generation defence systems, and state-of-the-art maritime equipment, enabling them to assess innovations that are shaping the future of global security and defence. Beyond serving as a gateway to advanced solutions in the maritime defence sector, the event will not only highlight Qatar’s pivotal role in advancing global defence cooperation, but also create an environment that stimulates investment, innovation, and long-term partnerships across the sector. Critical security challenges  In addition, DIMDEX 2026 is recognised as a comprehensive forum that fosters high-level discussions and strategic dialogue on critical security challenges arising in an increasingly complex global landscape. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, and high representatives from the two parties, including Mr. Aldo Zizzo, Qatar Country Manager at Fincantieri. The agreement was signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee and Mr. Mauro Manzini - SVP Director Sales Naval Vessel at Fincantieri. Investment in advanced technologies HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, said: “In an era defined by rapid change and technological advancement, Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping the defence and security landscape of tomorrow with foresight and determination." "The challenges of the future call for relentless innovation and adaptability, and through sustained investment in advanced technologies, the exchange of knowledge, and strategic cooperation with our international partners, we aim to strengthen collective capabilities and enhance global stability. Our vision is to help build a safer, more resilient world defined by economic growth, progress and peace.” Future naval advancements Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee, said: "We are thrilled to once again welcome Fincantieri as our Diamond Sponsor for DIMDEX 2026, a partnership that truly elevates the exhibition's stature." "Their consistent support and participation are a testament to the exhibition's growing significance as a premier platform for maritime defence and security, embodying a shared vision for advancing global maritime capabilities." "Fincantieri's global leadership in naval shipbuilding brings invaluable expertise and innovation to DIMDEX, further enriching the experience for all attendees and contributing significantly to the dialogue on future naval advancements.” Evolving geopolitical dynamics and emerging challenges Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “We are honoured to renew our participation in DIMDEX as a Diamond Sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to supporting one of the most prestigious events in the global defence and security landscape." "In a time marked by evolving geopolitical dynamics and emerging challenges, DIMDEX stands out as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, building strategic partnerships, and promoting innovation across the maritime domain and beyond." Resilient and forward-looking defence ecosystem Folgiero added: "Fincantieri’s longstanding collaboration with the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces remains one of our most significant international engagements, rooted in shared objectives and mutual trust. The naval construction programme and the local after-sales infrastructure we have developed in Qatar are tangible expressions of this partnership, reflecting a common vision for technological excellence and operational capability." "By actively contributing to DIMDEX 2026, we continue to play a key role in shaping a resilient and forward-looking defence ecosystem, while strengthening our ties with the State of Qatar and the broader international community”. Deep commitment to supporting maritime security Fincantieri has delivered a total of seven state-of-the-art naval vessels to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, supported by comprehensive In-Service Support, Integrated Logistic Support, and Industrial and operative training programmes for the crew. This enduring partnership reflects Fincantieri’s commitment to long-term collaboration and operational excellence and stands as a cornerstone of its strategic presence in the region. Fincantieri’s continued sponsorship underscores its deep commitment to supporting global maritime security, fostering technological advancements, and strengthening strategic partnerships within the region. As a global pioneer in the design and construction of high-tech naval vessels, Fincantieri, now a sponsor of the previous four editions, will showcase its cutting-edge capabilities and innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern navies. Maritime defence and security landscape With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri is a pioneer in the construction of cruise ships, naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defence, and dual-use sectors. From the very beginning, DIMDEX has played a pivotal role in shaping the global maritime defence and security landscape. The show continues its mission to provide a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic dialogues essential for bolstering security and defence at both national and international levels.

Fincantieri, a pioneer in complex shipbuilding, presented a series of papers focused on research and innovation activities in the maritime sector at the 21st edition of NAV, the International Conference on Ship and Maritime Research, held in Messina. These studies highlighted the company's role as a pioneer in the industrialisation of new digital solutions for the shipping industry, which, in addition to improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its operations and products, contribute to building a more digital and sustainable future for the entire sector. Complementary technological solutions Fincantieri is also developing a range of complementary technological solutions for the energy transition As part of the “clean” solutions, studies were presented on the shipboard use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, HVO and ammonia. Fincantieri is also developing a range of complementary technological solutions for the energy transition, including 'methanol-ready' ships that have the capability to be powered by both methanol and traditional fuels and biofuels, with deliveries expected starting from 2027.  Net Zero goal by 2035 A further confirmation of Fincantieri's role as a pioneer in the ecological transition of maritime transport, underscoring the Group's commitment to achieving the Net Zero goal by 2035, 15 years ahead of the International Maritime Organization's target. Innovative solutions related to structural, acoustic and hydrodynamic optimisation of hulls and propellers, in addition to “clean” ones, were also illustrated. Integrated digitalisation journey Fincantieri aims to create a maritime digital ecosystem that covers the entire life cycle of ships Among the digital projects presented, Fincantieri illustrated, within a dedicated workshop, "Connect 2 the Future", a program aimed at initiating an integrated digitalisation journey for its processes and products. This program is part of the broader European common project IPCEI Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI CIS), the first realised in the field of cloud and edge computing. With this project, Fincantieri aims to create a maritime digital ecosystem that covers the entire life cycle of ships, integrating and orchestrating information from shipyards, ships, and ports. Interoperable data processing "Connect 2 the Future" has been selected by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) among those worthy of being evaluated by the European Commission, due to its contribution to creating the first European ecosystem of interoperable data processing. Following the Commission's approval, the project is benefiting from funds provided by MIMIT and the European Union under the PNRR/NextGenerationEU program.

VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, and a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, is proud to announce that it has delivered two of the world's first vessels with cyber notation according to the new mandatory regulations from July 1st, 2024. Both the CSOV Grampian Kestrel to North Star and the CSOV Purus Chinook for Purus are delivered in accordance with the new mandatory cybersecurity requirements and class notation. VARD’s shipbuilding process Enhancing the vessels’ capability to withstand cyberattacks, to operate while under attack Cybersecurity notations provide demonstrated cybersecurity readiness where cyber resilience is integrated into every stage of VARD’s shipbuilding process, from concept to delivery. Enhancing the vessels’ capability to withstand cyberattacks, to operate while under attack and the ability to recover from an attack. New standards for the offshore industry "At North Star, digital resilience is as critical as operational reliability. The Grampian Kestrel reflects our commitment to pioneering secure, future-ready vessels that protect both our people and our operations. Working closely with VARD and Lloyd’s Register, we’ve ensured that cyber security is not an afterthought but a core element of the ship’s DNA; designed, integrated, and tested from the outset." "This milestone underscores our dedication to safety, innovation, and setting new standards for the offshore industry," says James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer, North Star. Dedication and strength These two vessels were contracted in 2023, before the cybersecurity notations became mandatory Both cybersecurity notations are aligned with the unified requirements UR E26 and E27 issued by the International Association of Class Societies (IACS), which became mandatory for newbuilds contracted after 1st July 2024.   These two vessels were contracted in 2023, before the cybersecurity notations became mandatory. This shows the dedication and strength in the work done by Fincantieri subsidiary VARD, Purus and North Star. Technological transition in maritime operations "The delivery of the two vessels represents an historical milestone for the maritime industry and for VARD and our owner Fincantieri, enhancing the group’s pioneering position for the technological transition in maritime operations," says CEO in VARD, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti. "The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation based on the increased use of digitally connected systems. These notations are essential for establishing baseline requirements and best practices to protect maritime operations from evolving and dynamic cyber threats." "The delivery of these vessels shows VARD’s and Fincantieri’s commitment and willingness to set new standards and explore new ways of building cyber resilient platforms which allow our customers to manage cyber threats to the vessels," Marti continues.   VARD value chain "Cyber resilience underpins much of our vessel focus today. We took a position early to discuss this topic with customers, ahead of the regulations coming into effect. During these two deliveries, we have developed a competency across the VARD value chain and worked together with the supply chain to create a ship-wide mindset on cyber resilience." "Collectively, this gives North Star and Purus a platform that can improve their ability to manage cyber risk," says SVP Business Development & Group Innovation in VARD, Amrit Bhullar. SeaQ products A significant share of the systems onboard these vessels are delivered from Vard Electro’s SeaQ portfolio A significant share of the systems onboard these vessels are delivered from Vard Electro’s SeaQ portfolio. To ensure cyber resilience in line with the latest regulatory standards it has required close collaboration with both customers and classification societies. Vard Electro has taken full responsibility for the cyber integration testing across all onboard systems, demonstrating their role as a trusted product supplier, but also as a forward-leaning system integrator with the expertise required to meet the evolving cybersecurity requirements.  Shipboard systems "Cyber notations are key to setting baseline requirements and best practices for protecting maritime operations against evolving threats. As shipboard systems become increasingly digital and complex, this places high demands on system integrators like Vard Electro." "With our SeaQ technology, we ensure our customers are equipped with cyber-resilient solutions from the ground up," says SVP Ship Technology in Vard Electro, Thomas Pedersen. Integrity of critical operations A key aspect of this integration is ensuring that plans are linked in a secure and controlled manner A key aspect of this integration is ensuring that systems are connected in a secure and controlled manner. As vessels become interconnected, linking systems create vulnerabilities. Each connection must be carefully designed to prevent unauthorised access, minimise attack surfaces, and maintain the integrity of critical operations. Cybersecurity industry standards Henning Karleif Øye is VP Cyber Resilience in VARD and says the accomplishment is guided by VARD’s corporate security principle which is to have secure products from a secure house in a secure supply chain network:  "We are constantly aiming at fostering a robust security culture through our entire value chain. Our focus is not only cyber defence, but to grow and deliver the strategic and proactive mindset of cyber resilience. We need to manage current cyber risks and be able to effectively adapt to mitigate yet unknown security threats." "This strategy, matched with cybersecurity industry standards and best practice technical aspects, strengthens our corporate security posture, and extends it to the ships we build and the products and services we deliver for our customers such as North Star and Purus." Cybersecurity maturity The strictest comfort class notations reflect VARD’s, North Star’s and Purus’ dedication to health, safety Duncan Duffty, Global Head of Digitalisation, Technical Directorate, Lloyd’s Register, says: "Cyber security maturity will become essential to shipping as the maritime value chain continues its digitalisation journey. VARD and North Star recognised the need for cyber resilience long before IACS UR E26 and UR E27 were formalised and had already set clear ambitions to protect ships from evolving threats." "The successful implementation of LR’s Cyber Resilience Rules for the first time reflects the high-level collaboration between North Star, Vard and Lloyd’s Register." Two of the world’s first on performance and comfort Purus Chinook for Purus is the world’s first Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) to receive a COMF C2 V1 class notation for climate, noise and vibration. Grampian Kestrel for North Star has received Lloyd’s Register's highest notation for noise and vibration, CAC1. This sets a new global benchmark for offshore working conditions. The strictest comfort class notations reflect VARD’s, North Star’s and Purus’ dedication to health, safety, and well-being at sea. It ensures optimal onboard temperature regulation, reduced noise and vibration throughout the vessels, directly supporting crew welfare and long-term performance.