Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technologies, has inaugurated a new production line at its Bari facility dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen Fuel Cell systems.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nicola Bonasia, Mayor of Modugno; Antonio Decaro, President of the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee; and delegated representatives from the President of the Apulia Region, the Mayor of Bari, and the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy. Representing Fincantieri were Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, Group CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, as well as Isotta Fraschini Motori’s Chairman Sergio Razeto and CEO Andrea Bochicchio.
“A strategic investment, this new production line strengthens Isotta Fraschini Motori and the Fincantieri Group’s role in technological innovation for the energy transition, with applications in both civil and defense sectors,” stated a Fincantieri release. “The developed systems will serve naval and terrestrial solutions, contributing to the decarbonization of transport and industry.”
Among the first applications is IFM’s marinized fuel cell module, which will be installed aboard the *Viking Libra*—the world’s first cruise ship powered by onboard hydrogen for both propulsion and electricity generation. “This exemplifies Fincantieri Group’s ability to be the first adopter of its own solutions, implementing a vertical integration model that accelerates zero-emission technology deployment and reinforces industrial leadership in the ecological transition.”
Integrated into the Innovation and Development Center (CIS) launched in 2023 with support from the Apulia Regional Development Fund, the new line advances Bari’s transformation into a cutting-edge Net Zero Technology Hub. “As part of an integrated industrial ecosystem, Isotta Fraschini Motori—with a €30 million investment over five years, partially funded by IPCEI—aims to develop innovative zero-emission systems and significantly reduce its carbon footprint, including through energy recovery from production processes.”
“The inauguration of Isotta Fraschini Motori’s fuel cell production line marks Fincantieri’s decisive step toward the future of naval technology,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s CEO and General Manager. “This commitment embodies our strategic vision: leading sustainable industrial transformation through our distinctive innovation capabilities and local roots. We aim to make hydrogen a tangible lever for European industrial competitiveness and decarbonization while solidifying our leadership in pioneering technology adoption.”
IFM’s technologies will initially be deployed within the Fincantieri Group.
