German shipbuilder TKMS and its Italian counterpart Fincantieri have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening their long‑standing partnership and strengthening European industrial cooperation in the submarine and underwater domain.
The two companies intend to establish a Collaboration Framework by the end of the year, subject to the completion of all applicable regulatory processes.
The agreement marks a significant step toward enhancing the European naval defense industrial base through closer cooperation between the firms. By leveraging complementary technological strengths, the partnership aims to address the current fragmentation of the European naval industry, particularly in the submarine and underwater domain, and promote a more integrated, competitive and efficient approach to future programs, in accordance with applicable laws. This will support the realization of new projects and cost synergies on both sides.
"Our partnership with Fincantieri demonstrates what European industrial collaboration can achieve when it is built on trust and shared technological excellence. This Memorandum of Understanding once again underscores our commitment to expanding international cooperation amongst the European maritime industry and reaffirms the strengthening of our partnership. By combining our complementary expertise, we can drive innovation, create new opportunities for our customers, and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy," Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, said.
“Together with TKMS, we are building on a longstanding partnership to create new opportunities in innovation, industrial efficiency and technological development. At a time when Europe is called upon to strengthen its defense capabilities, de-fragmentation represents a concrete and pragmatic path towards a more competitive and integrated industrial base. This agreement is designed to leverage complementary strengths and expertise to better serve our customers while contributing to the long-term development of Europe's underwater capabilities.” Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated.
The envisaged partnership is designed to explore future opportunities and does not include any merger or acquisition. Both companies will continue to operate independently, with all existing contracts, programs, and projects remaining unaffected.
Fincantieri and TKMS are building on decades of successful industrial and operational collaboration on the 212A and 212NFS submarine classes.