EDGE has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) involving its European and UAE-based entities to explore the development of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and the integration of Italian-designed engines into vessels built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB).
The agreements, announced on November 3 and 4, 2026, involve Italian boatbuilder Novamarine and Italian propulsion systems developer CMD, both of which are part of EDGE's expanding European industrial network.
Under the first MoU, EDGE Europe and Novamarine will explore the joint development of USVs, combining Novamarine's Italian-built platforms with an autonomous control system developed by EDGE's Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
Novamarine will supply the platforms, manufactured at its production facility in Olbia, Italy, while ADSB, EDGE's naval shipbuilding entity, will handle their integration. TII, the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council, will provide the autonomous navigation and control system.
The second agreement involves ADSB and CMD, which will explore the integration of CMD's engines into vessels built by the UAE shipbuilder.
The MoU follows EDGE's acquisition of a controlling stake in CMD in October 2026. At the time, the group outlined plans to pursue maritime applications for the Italian company's engines in cooperation with ADSB.
Together, the agreements reflect EDGE's efforts to expand cooperation between its European and UAE-based companies in naval shipbuilding, propulsion and autonomous maritime technologies.
Recently, EDGE has launched Angola's second BR71 MK II corvette.