As part of the comprehensive fleet review initiated by the U.S. Navy “aimed at a transition towards a future model oriented towards technological excellence, manned and unmanned units, and long-term sustainability,” Fincantieri and the U.S. Navy have reached an agreement that provides for the redefinition of the future of the Constellation Program currently under construction in the United States at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyards in Wisconsin.
A note explains that, in close collaboration with the U.S. Navy, Fincantieri will contribute to the realization of new classes of naval units. For Fincantieri “new orders are planned for the construction of units in segments that best respond to the country’s immediate interests and the revival of U.S. shipbuilding, such as icebreakers, amphibious operations and special missions.”
The agreement ensures the continuation of work on the two Constellation-class frigates currently under construction, while the contract for the other four already commissioned units is expected to be discontinued, in line with the U.S. Navy’s new strategic priorities. “In addition to the assignment of future orders,” to cover the other canceled orders “the agreement provides for compensation in favor of Fincantieri Marine Group through specific compensatory measures, regarding the economic commitments and industrial impacts resulting from the U.S. Navy’s contractual decision, made for its own convenience.”
According to market sources, the value of the order related to the Constellation program (5 billion dollars) would be ‘recovered’ thanks to the 3 billion for the first two units already under construction, to which compensation for the choice to renegotiate the agreements is added, and a further 2 billion will return to Fincantieri in the form of orders for future ships.
This new arrangement guarantees continuity and visibility on workloads for Fincantieri personnel and for the Wisconsin shipyard system, a fundamental pillar of the U.S. naval industry, enhancing the investments and competencies developed to date. In recent years, Fincantieri has invested over 800 million dollars in its four American shipyards: Marinette, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Jacksonville.
Fincantieri Marine Group currently employs approximately 3,750 highly specialized workers in the United States, with a recent increase of 850 units to support growth and strengthen its industrial base.
“The agreement with the U.S. Navy marks a new chapter in our strategic partnership, founded on mutual trust, shared vision and the pursuit of excellence,” said George Moutafis, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marinette Group. “The path defined for the Constellation program guarantees the necessary stability for our teams and the entire Wisconsin Shipyard System, allowing us to continue investing in innovation and skills. As the Navy prepares for new types of units, we are ready to support its evolving needs, leveraging the strength of our American facilities and the experience gained. Our investments in U.S. shipyards are proof of our long-term vision: to be a point of reference for the American naval industry and an engine to support the revival of national shipbuilding.”
