Fincantieri and Accenture have formalised a partnership to create a new joint venture (JV) named Fincantieri Ingenium.
Fincantieri NexTech, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, will hold 70% ownership in the JV and Accenture will hold the remaining 30%.
The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in July 2024.
The establishment of this JV is pending standard regulatory approvals.
Fincantieri Ingenium aims to drive digital transformation within the cruise, defence, and port infrastructure sectors.
The initiative aligns with the strategic objectives outlined in Fincantieri Group’s Industrial Plan, focusing on enhancing digital service offerings and systems through advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
The collaboration will merge Accenture’s expertise in digital platforms, AI, connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and service design with Fincantieri’s technological proficiency in naval and defence sectors.
One of the initial projects under Fincantieri Ingenium is the creation of Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem aimed at next-generation ships and the modernisation of existing fleets.
This initiative encompasses three main areas, including the development of application services to enhance operational efficiency and lifecycle management.
The establishment of a digital platform that supports these applications and incorporates advanced AI functionalities with a focus on cybersecurity is another area of focus.
It will also include the creation of a marketplace for solution exchange, including third-party offerings, to provide “high-value” services and facilitate new business models within the maritime sector.
The first vessel featuring Navis Sapiens is projected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Fincantieri CEO and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero said: “With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry.”
In conjunction with Navis Sapiens, the JV intends to improve real-time data exchange and connectivity between vessels and onshore systems, including ports and shipyards.
This interoperability solution aims to enhance process efficiency across maritime and land-based operations, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Italian ports.
Accenture Italy CEO Teodoro Lio said: “We are excited about this joint venture with Fincantieri, which marks a significant step forward in maritime innovation and is a tangible example of collaboration between two organisations committed to transforming the market and creating new value.”
In January this year, Fincantieri acquired the Underwater Armaments & Systems (UAS) business line from Leonardo by purchasing the entire share capital of WASS Submarine Systems (WASS), a newly formed entity that previously encompassed the UAS division.