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Fincantieri teams with bank, gas company on LNG port infrastructure

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Fincantieri's Giuseppe Bono, left, with CDP's Fabrizio Palermo, center, and Snam's Marco Alverà
Fincantieri signed a preliminary agreement with Italian investment bank Cassa depositi e prestiti (CDP) and natural gas infrastructure company Snam aimed at identifying and implementing medium-term strategic projects for port facilities in Italy and sustainable technologies for maritime transport.

The agreement was signed today in Rome by the respective CEOs of Fincantieri (Giuseppe Bono), CDP (Fabrizio Palermo) and Snam (Marco Alverà).

Innovative energy sources

Among the focus areas are projects to build infrastructure for the supply, transformation and use of liquefied natural gas and alternative energy sources in maritime transport within port facilities or coastal areas. Research, development and implementation of maritime transport systems based on new technologies (turbines for LNG modules, containment and management of liquid and gaseous methane systems) and innovative energy sources (LNG, hydrogen, fuel cells) are also key.

In the engineering area, the cooperation will share operating models and best practices between the respective engineering and construction departments. And when it comes to energy efficiency, initiatives are envisaged to reduce consumption, with a particular focus on the naval and industrial sectors.

Sharing technical skills

As part of the agreement, Fincantieri and Snam will share their technical skills by launching dedicated workshops. CDP will provide financial support in line with its institutional mission to back projects that have a positive impact on the country.

'Environmental sustainability is fast becoming a significant megatrend,' Bono said. 'This agreement will allow us to enhance our wealth of experience and expertise in such a rapidly growing area. It’s a trend that impacts every industry, including the shipping sector, and as such we welcome this important agreement between three Italian powerhouses, with the aim of increasing the positions of acquired leadership.'

The parties may define subsequent binding agreements.

The collaboration's plans for sustainable technologies applied to maritime transport align with the provisions of Italy's National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan Proposal.