They will be destined for naval and land-based solutions
Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technologies and a historic brand of Made in Italy, has inaugurated a new production line at its Bari facility dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen fuel cell systems that will be destined for naval and land-based solutions.
Among the first applications is the marinized fuel cell module produced by IFM, which will be installed onboard the Viking Libra, the world’s first cruise ship powered by onboard-stored hydrogen, used for both propulsion and electricity generation. The ship is under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and will be completed by the end of next year.
The new production line is an integral part of the Innovation and Development Center (CIS) launched in 2023 with the support of the Puglia Regional European Development Fund and aligns with the transformation of the Bari facility into a cutting-edge technological hub focused on net zero.
As part of an integrated industrial ecosystem approach, Isotta Fraschini Motori, with an investment of approximately €30 million over five years—partially funded through IPCEI funds—aims to develop zero-emission innovative systems and significantly reduce its carbon footprint, including through energy recovery from the production process.
«With the inauguration of Isotta Fraschini Motori’s new fuel cell production line—highlighted Fincantieri’s CEO and General Manager, Pierroberto Folgiero—Fincantieri takes a decisive step toward the future of naval technology. This commitment realizes our strategic vision: leading the sustainable transformation of the industry through our distinctive innovation capabilities and local roots. We aim to make hydrogen a concrete lever for the competitiveness and decarbonization of the European production system and to strengthen our leadership in adopting pioneering technologies.»
