Simest and Fincantieri have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost investment, competitiveness and market growth for shipbuilding supply chain companies, according to a press release.

The agreement, signed by Simest CEO Regina Corradini D’Arienzo and Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, aims to enhance supplier innovation, supporting international expansion, and strengthening the supply chain’s global profile.

Key provisions include support for investments in digital and ecological transitions, process improvements, safety, certifications, patents and international expansion, aligned with Fincantieri’s industrial goals and market diversification strategies.

Folgiero said: “It is a pleasure for us to sign this agreement with Simest, in Milan, during our second suppliers’ Summit. Fincantieri wanted to introduce a new and practical way of working with all partners, focused on innovation and competitiveness, also in view of the strong growth we are experiencing.  Simest’s innovative tools, available to the entire supply chain, are a major boost for our supplier system in terms of internationalization and sustainable innovation”.

D’Arienzo added: “Supporting companies in the supply chain is one of the main objectives behind Simest’s efforts. For this reason, the first “Filiere d’impatto” supply chain agreement signed today is of particular importance to us. This agreement is a concrete initiative that brings together Fincantieri, as the lead company, and its suppliers to assess the most appropriate industrial investments needed for sustainable competitiveness.

“Simest positions itself as a partner that not only finances these investments, but also helps companies in the supply chain – especially SMEs – to identify and select the most suitable international markets for their growth. This approach facilitates the process of choosing the internationalization tools we provide to thousands of small and micro enterprises, including non-exporting companies within Fincantieri’s supply chain. With this support provided to the supply chain, many of these businesses, particularly those located in southern Italy, will be able to make effective use of initiatives such as the ‘Africa Measure,’ implemented in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, and part of the Mattei Plan. Initiatives that will enable sustainable and innovative investment, as well as the training of qualified workers from the African continent, helping businesses to grow while supporting a region with significant growth potential such as Africa.”