Fincantieri Bets $100m on Robotics to Build the Shipyard of 2030
Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding giant, is accelerating the transformation of its global shipyards with a $100 million investment in robotics, Physical AI, and next-generation automation. The BOOST² programme, launched three years ago, aims to integrate intelligent systems into production processes without disrupting ongoing operations.
At its core is Physical AI, which enables machines to interact with the physical world, supported by collaborative robotics that assist workers in complex tasks. The programme also includes Digital Twin solutions for asset management, Smart Supply Chain systems, and additive manufacturing to streamline production.
“The next frontier of industrial competitiveness is bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “Through BOOST², we have laid the foundations for embedding new technologies into our processes and have already introduced the first solutions into our shipyards. Today, the challenge is to accelerate their industrial deployment and adoption at scale, turning innovation into greater productivity, safety, and quality.”
What BOOST² means for shipbuilding: Fincantieri
“Our ambition is to build the shipyard of the future, where people and intelligent technologies work side by side, further strengthening Fincantieri’s industrial and technological leadership.”
Pierroberto Folgiero·Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri
The programme has already involved more than 450 employees across 13 shipyards worldwide, including Fincantieri Marinette Marine in the US and the Wisconsin System of Shipyards. The goal is to ensure that new technologies align with the operational needs of each yard while maintaining production continuity.
The first phase of BOOST² focused on technology scouting and experimentation. Now, Fincantieri is shifting gears to accelerate the rollout of these solutions across its global network. The latest update was presented at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard in Italy, marking the transition from innovation to full-scale industrial deployment.
From experimentation to industrial deployment
Fincantieri is also expanding its collaboration with innovation ecosystems. Later this week, the company will host a Dual-Use Hackathon in Silicon Valley to identify cutting-edge technologies for future shipyard applications. This event is part of Fincantieri’s Open Innovation strategy, which involves partnerships with start-ups and SMEs in Italy and abroad to tailor solutions to the shipbuilding industry’s unique demands.
“The direct involvement of people and production teams helps drive rapid field testing,” Folgiero added. “This ensures that technologies can be scaled and replicated across different manufacturing environments.”
The integration of collaborative robotics means that workers will increasingly operate alongside machines designed to handle the most demanding aspects of ship construction.
The next phase of BOOST² will focus on scaling these technologies across all 13 shipyards. The company is also exploring new applications for Physical AI and robotics, with a particular emphasis on enhancing collaboration between human workers and machines. The upcoming Dual-Use Hackathon in Silicon Valley is expected to yield further innovations, which could be integrated into Fincantieri’s operations in the coming years.
For the maritime industry, Fincantieri’s push toward automation and AI represents a broader trend. As shipbuilding becomes increasingly complex, companies are turning to technology to maintain competitiveness. Fincantieri’s leadership in this space could set a new standard for the sector, particularly as it works to deliver nearly half of the world’s new cruise ships over the next 13 years.
The company’s long-term vision is clear: to create a shipyard where innovation is not just a buzzword but a structural driver of competitiveness. With $100 million already committed and a global team of over 450 employees driving the programme forward, Fincantieri is well on its way to achieving that goal.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
