Fincantieri and the United States Navy (U.S. Navy) have reached an agreement that provides for the redefinition of the future of the Constellation Program, currently under construction at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) shipyard in Wisconsin. With this, the Italian group consolidates its strategic alliance with the U.S. Navy.
“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 foreseen for the construction of units in segments that better respond to the country’s immediate interests and the relaunch of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, such as icebreakers, amphibious operations, and special missions,” the company reported.
“Fincantieri is prepared to execute the planned contracts in coordination with the U.S. Navy. Looking to the future and in line with the Group’s capabilities and industrial potential, Fincantieri will support the U.S. Navy in redefining strategic decisions in the segment of small surface combat vessels, both manned and unmanned,” it added.
The agreement guarantees the continuation of work on the two Constellation-class frigates currently under construction, while the contract for the other four already ordered units is expected to be terminated, in line with the U.S. Navy’s new strategic priorities.
In addition to the allocation of future orders to cover the above, the agreement provides for compensation in favor of Fincantieri Marine Group, through specific indemnity measures, regarding the financial commitments and industrial impacts resulting from the U.S. Navy’s contractual decision, made for its own convenience.
“This new framework guarantees continuity and visibility on the workload for Fincantieri personnel and for the Wisconsin shipyard system, a fundamental pillar of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, enhancing the investments and competencies developed to date. In recent years, Fincantieri has invested more than 800 million dollars in its four U.S. shipyards – Marinette, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Jacksonville – with the aim of ensuring maximum productive efficiency, flexibility, and technological innovation,” Fincantieri noted.
“These investments have made it possible to consolidate a state-of-the-art industrial chain, capable of responding to the new priorities of the U.S. Navy, including speed of delivery, modularity, and scalability of naval platforms,” it added.
Fincantieri Marine Group currently employs approximately 3,750 highly specialized workers in the United States, with a recent increase of 850 people to support growth and reinforce its industrial base. “This significant expansion demonstrates the Group’s commitment to supporting the local economy and the broader national naval chain,” the entity emphasized.
For his part, George Moutafis, Chief Executive Officer of FMG, stated that “the agreement with the U.S. Navy marks a new chapter in our strategic alliance, founded on mutual trust, shared vision, and the pursuit of excellence. 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 competencies.”
“As the Navy prepares for new types of units, we are ready to support its evolving needs, leveraging the strength of our U.S. facilities and the expertise acquired. Our investments in the U.S. shipyards are proof of our long-term vision: to be a point of reference for the American shipbuilding industry and an engine to support the rebirth of national shipbuilding,” he concluded.
