Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder responsible for U.S. Navy Constellation-class frigates, hosted a high-profile “Full Speed Ahead: The U.S. Shipbuilding Renaissance” event in Washington, D.C. Leaders from government, defense, and industry gathered to discuss the urgent need to revitalize America’s maritime-industrial base.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s CEO, emphasized this moment as decisive for U.S. shipbuilding. He stated the company aims to invest not only in shipyard infrastructure but also in maritime security, innovation, and the skilled workforce driving it forward.
Fincantieri operates a sprawling U.S. “System of Shipyards” across Wisconsin and Florida, employing over 3,000 people and partnering with more than 900 suppliers in 43 states. The firm has poured over $800 million into these operations and plans to integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital technologies across its yards to enhance productivity and efficiency.
A panel moderated by Vice Admiral Rick Hunt (retired), President of Fincantieri Marinette Marine, included experts from CSIS, Atlantic Council, and CNAS. The discussion revolved around the need for resilient, sovereign U.S. shipbuilding capabilities.
Fincantieri’s U.S. operations are critical to modernizing the Navy’s frigate fleet. However, the Constellation-class program has encountered delays—the lead ship slipped from an original 2026 delivery to mid‑2029—after a Government Accountability office flagged incomplete design and weight concerns.
Amid growing geopolitical tensions and heightened Arctic naval activity, the event’s message was clear: revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding is a national security imperative. Earlier this year, an executive order sought to reduce dependency on foreign-built vessels and rebuild domestic maritime industrial capacity.
🔍 Interesting Fact:
Fincantieri’s investment has created a network of shipyards that not only support naval programs but also anchor over 900 suppliers across 43 states—positioning it as a pillar of America’s industrial renewal
