Edge, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world, have signed an agreement formalising the launch of Maestral an Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture (JV) between both companies.

The JV, which was first announced in February of this year, will capitalise on global opportunities for the design and manufacture of advanced naval vessels. Edge holds a 51 per cent stake in the venture, which will be awarded prime rights to non-NATO orders, and a number of strategic orders placed by selected NATO member countries, with a commercial pipeline of orders valued at approximately Є30 billion. 

The signing of the agreement was followed by the announcement of a large order by UAE Coast Guard Forces for ten technologically advanced 51m offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), valued at Є400 million. 

The P51MR Class 51m OPVs, based on the mission-proven Saettia Class, are state-of-the-art vessels characterised by their high modularity, stability in rough sea conditions, low radar signal signature, and high operational flexibility. 

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and was attended by H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, chairman of Edge Group; the Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Italian undersecretary of state for defense; H.E Admiral OF-9 Enrico Credendino, chief of the Italian navy; Hamad Al Marar, managing director & CEO, Edge Group; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO & managing director, Fincantieri Group; and Dario Deste, general manager of the naval vessels division, Fincantieri. 

His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, chairman of Edge Group, says: “In just three months since first announcing the creation of this unique venture with Fincantieri, we are now announcing a significant national order for these sophisticated OPVs, to be built both here at our shipyards in Abu Dhabi, and in Italy. Not only does this demonstrate the speed with which Edge and its partners can operate, and the resources we can mobilise, but fully underscores our strategy of international export growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and the continued pursuit of technological excellence through innovation. It also opens up opportunities for Maestral to promote an extensive portfolio of diverse maritime solutions, including a complete series of technologically advanced vessels, to navies and coast guards around the world.” 

Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO and managing director, says: “We are proud to announce the creation of Maestral and a first major order since the start of our collaboration with Edge Group. Today’s signing represents concrete evidence of how this joint venture is an industrial platform of great value, which will allow us not only to seize the opportunities arising in a strategic market such as the UAE, but also to further develop our commercial capabilities, thus creating new and important opportunities for growth and expansion in the international defence sector in connection with Abu Dhabi export platform.” 

Maestral will concentrate on sales, commercial operations, and engineering for design and service, while providing valuable employment opportunities for highly skilled local and international talent. 

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