Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is making significant strides in the burgeoning underwater technology sector by announcing an initial €600 million investment to acquire majority stakes in four specialized companies. These firms focus on marine surveys, autonomous vehicles, and subsea communications. The acquisitions of Next Geosolutions, WSense, Graal Tech, and Defcomm signal a strategic expansion beyond traditional shipbuilding, positioning Fincantieri as a vertically integrated operator in commercial, offshore energy, and defense markets.
This move follows Fincantieri’s earlier purchases, including underwater defense expert WASS in 2025 and engineering firm Remazel in 2024, creating a comprehensive underwater technology hub that spans across several nations, including Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UAE. The company’s strategy is driven by the increasing need for technologies that safeguard vital subsea infrastructure, such as pipelines and undersea communications cables.
Chief Executive Pierroberto Folgiero stated that these acquisitions represent a pivotal transformation for Fincantieri and will enhance profitability while tapping into a growing market characterized by increasingly important dual-use technologies. With an expected revenue jump in its underwater operations, Fincantieri anticipates that revenues will exceed €1.1 billion by 2026, significantly outpacing initial growth objectives set for 2030.
The acquisitions, primarily financed through a €500 million capital raise earlier this year, are also projected to contribute over €60 million to the group’s net profit by 2026. Fincantieri identifies strong long-term demand in defense, offshore energy, and environmental monitoring, especially in the Mediterranean region, where critical networks intersect and require enhanced protection.
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