On the occasion of EURONAVAL, the world’s most important exhibition in the naval defence sector, now in its 22nd edition, Fincantieri has announced the setting up in the UAE of ETIHAD SHIP BUILDING, a Joint Venture with Melara Middle East and Al Fattan Ship Industries.

The main objectives of the new ESB Company are the design, production and sale of both naval vessels and merchant ships, together with maintenance and refitting activities.

At present Fincantieri is engaged in the realisation of two programs for the UAE Navy regarding the construction of “Abu Dhabi Class” Offshore Patrol Vessels and “Falaj 2 Class” Inshore Patrol Vessels.

The CEO of Fincantieri, Mr. Giuseppe Bono, commented “Today, more than ever, the acquisition of foreign orders means that the ships are built locally. Therefore, we need to equip our shipyards adequately in order to guarantee quality and reduced delivery time to the client. The strategy we are pursuing allows us to build the first units for the UAE Navy in Italy and provide technology transfer.” Mr. Bono ended: “We are particularly satisfied because this agreement offers interesting future business potential both in the naval and civil sectors.”