Fincantieri, Albanian partners sign training pact to support naval shipbuilding

July 1, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Albanian KAYO and Pavarësia Vocational Institute aimed at developing training activities and educational pathways dedicated to shipbuilding and naval construction.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama; the Albanian Minister of Defense, Ermal Nufi; the CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero; the CEO of KAYO, Ardi Veliu; and the General Manager of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, Eugenio Santagata.

During the ceremony, the name of the Joint Venture established by Fincantieri and KAYO and announced last May, Fincantieri Albania, was also officially unveiled. The JV will lead the relaunch and modernization of the Pashaliman shipyard.

Fincantieri and KAYO launch JV to build and maintain Albanian Navy’s fleet

Industry

The agreement represents a further step in the industrial collaboration path initiated by Fincantieri in Albania and aims to develop the professional skills needed to support the growth of the new local shipbuilding capabilities.

The MoU provides for cooperation between the Parties to launch training modules, internship activities, and educational initiatives dedicated to students of the Vocational Institute, with the possibility, following the pilot phase, of developing a specialized track focused on shipbuilding and naval construction.

Through this initiative, Fincantieri will make its industrial and technological know-how available, contributing to the definition of training content.

The program will involve students from the Pavarësia Vocational Institute enrolled in General Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Thermo-hydraulics, Transport Services, and Information and Communication Technologies. Through specialized modules, hands-on activities, and internship pathways, the initiative aims to foster the development of technical skills directly aligned with the needs of modern shipbuilding, creating new training and employment opportunities for young Albanians.

The training program has been designed in close connection with the industrial development of the PashaLiman site and with the professional profiles that the new production reality will gradually require.

In particular, activities will cover areas such as ship carpentry and hull manufacturing, mechanical and electrical systems, HVAC and air conditioning systems, ship outfitting, painting, insulation, and support activities for the construction and maintenance of naval units.

The goal is to create a base of qualified skills capable of supporting the shipyard’s growth and sustaining the development of the entire local industrial supply chain.

The initiative is part of the broader industrial project developed by Fincantieri and KAYO for the relaunch and modernization of the Pashaliman shipyard, which is set to become a production hub specialized in the construction and maintenance of naval units for the defense industry, with a particular focus on the offshore patrol vessels (OPV) segment.

“Training is the starting point for any sustainable, long-term industrial project. Through this agreement, we aim to contribute to the development of new skills in the Albanian shipbuilding sector by making available the know-how and experience developed by Fincantieri,” Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented.

“Albania is a strategic partner with whom we share a vision of development based on innovation, expertise, and industrial growth. Investing in people means creating the conditions to generate lasting value, strengthening the competitiveness of the Mediterranean maritime system, and supporting the development of a modern and integrated industrial ecosystem, while also contributing to the enhancement of defense capabilities and maritime security.”