Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Fincantieri and Snam have signed a preliminary collaboration agreement aimed at identifying, defining and implementing medium-term strategic projects for the innovation and development of port facilities in Italy, as well as for the development of sustainable technologies applied to maritime transport, in line with the provisions of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan Proposal (PNIEC).

Fincantieri announced the signing of the agreement on January 14 in Rome by the CEOs of CDP, Fabrizio Palermo, of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono, and of Snam, Marco Alverà.

The agreement focuses on projects for building infrastructure in ports and coastal areas for the supply, transformation and use of LNG and alternative energy sources in maritime transport within port facilities or coastal areas.

Another focus will be on new technologies and innovative energies – research, development and implementation of maritime transport systems based on new technologies (turbines for LNG modules, containment and management of liquid and gaseous methane systems), innovative energy sources (LNG, hydrogen, fuel cells).

In addition will also be an engineering focus, sharing operating models and best practices, and energy efficiencies, to increase consumption efficiency, with particular concentration on naval and industrial sectors, according to Fincantieri.

As part of the agreement, Fincantieri stated that the shipbuilding company and Snam will share their technical skills by launching dedicated workshops. CDP will support these initiatives from an economic and financial point of view, in line with its institutional mission to support projects that have a positive impact on the country.

Fabrizio Palermo, CEO of CDP, said in a prepared statement: “The agreement signed today is part of the path laid out in our new business plan towards a full collaboration between the Group companies to further the country’s growth. Under this CDP agreement, Fincantieri and Snam will share their knowledge and technical expertise to make a concrete contribution to the competitiveness of maritime transport, a key sector for both the Italian and wider European economies”.

Fincantieri CEO, Giuseppe Bono, declared: “Environmental sustainability is fast becoming a significant megatrend. This agreement will allow us to enhance our wealth of experience and expertise in such a rapidly growing area. It’s a trend that impacts every industry, including the shipping sector, and as such we welcome this important agreement between three Italian powerhouses, with the aim of increasing the positions of acquired leadership.”

Snam CEO, Marco Alverà, commented: “With this agreement, thanks to the support of CDP, we join forces with Fincantieri to contribute to reducing energy costs and increasing the environmental sustainability of the Italian maritime sector and our cities. LNG and bio-LNG represent the future of sustainable mobility, particularly for the heavy and maritime transport sectors. As such, Snam will share its expansive knowledge and expertise in these areas with the Italian port system.”