Fincantieri: Technology for the climate

A future based on the firm foundations of a historic yet innovative and ambitious company that looks to the future with entrepreneurial boldness. In 2023, Fincantieri embarked on an evolutionary journey aimed at “future-proofing” its technological and industrial leadership in the light of a new cycle that will be marked by the digital revolution, energy transition and a new defence geo-economy.

Going into the specifics, ecological and digital transition are the two strategic pillars of the company’s 2023-2027 Business Plan because Fincantieri wants to play the role of enabler in the decarbonization strategy and contribute to the fight against climate change through the design and production of eco-sustainable products and services.

The world of navigation, whether cruise, merchant or naval, is going through a process of evolution guided by the principles of sustainability and the circular economy. This is already a consolidated reality and with the projects the Group is developing to redesign the future of navigation, at a strategic and technological level. The ships under construction increasingly resemble a large, hyper-connected, energy self-sufficient, lighter and green or hybrid propellant floating city, capable of recycling up to 90% of the waste produced. With the technologies already normally applied today, Fincantieri can thermally recover up to 20% of the energy contained in the fuel. The efficiency measures recently introduced in non-propulsion systems on board have led to further reductions in consumption. For example, on a ship of about 130,000 GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage), a reduction of up to 1,200 tonnes of fuel a year can be achieved, which corresponds to about 7% of the ship’s annual fuel consumption.

MSC Seascape

In order to respond to ever more stringent environmental regulations, the cruise industry, which produces around 2.8% of maritime transport emissions (IMO – 2020), is highly committed to adopting policies to minimize environmental impact; this is a joint effort implemented by cruise lines and shipbuilders. The regulatory framework, through regulations at a global and local level, requires a rapid reduction of emissions into the air and water. The reduction of environmental impact has become one of the most important drivers for design and innovation in the field of cruise ships. In particular, in July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which oversees safety and environmental regulations in the maritime sector, revised its targets to reduce average CO2 intensity per tonn/mile, compared to 2008: -30% by 2025; -40% by 2030; -70% by 2040. A further objective is the achievement of the Net Zero target by 2050. To achieve these goals, the IMO has mandated that by 2030 at least 5% of the fuels used in the maritime sector should have emissions equal to or close to zero, and has defined a guideline for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of fuels, which allows the use of a different approach for calculating CO₂ emissions, namely Well-to-Wake (WtW).

Carnival Panorama

For more information visit www.fincantieri.com