The CEO of the Italian state-owned shipbuilder Fincantieri has suggested that the company could play a pivotal role in President Donald Trump’s efforts to revitalize the U.S. naval shipbuilding industry. Pierroberto Folgiero expressed confidence that Fincantieri might help spark a revival of shipbuilding in the United States.
During a discussion with analysts on Monday, Folgiero noted that Trump’s recent executive order aimed at strengthening American shipbuilding would benefit Fincantieri’s Marinette Marine facility in Wisconsin, where the firm is constructing the delayed Constellation-class frigates.
He explained that the order would help alleviate bottlenecks affecting performance at existing U.S. defense shipyards, including Marinette.
On April 9, Trump signed an executive order intended to rejuvenate the U.S. shipbuilding sector, which has faced criticism for falling behind China, amid reports of program delays and budget overruns.
A March report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office criticized the Navy’s shipbuilding acquisition strategy, stating that it does not follow innovative practices needed for timely and reliable development and delivery of fully capable ships.
The report also highlighted that the Navy contracted Fincantieri in 2020 to build the Constellation-class frigates based on the Italian Navy’s Fremm-class design, with about 88% of basic and functional designs completed at that time.
However, after subsequent design modifications, the Navy now reports only 70% design completion and a three-year delay in the program.
The report noted that these changes have significantly altered the frigate from the original design touted in 2020 as a risk-reduction strategy. The redesign has also led to weight increases that exceed acceptable limits, prompting the Navy to consider lowering the ship’s speed as a possible solution.
In a January interview, Trump criticized the Navy for frequently altering the design, claiming that the frigate was initially modeled on a highly successful ship class. He expressed frustration that modifications have made the project more costly and less effective.
Speaking to analysts, Folgiero expressed hope that collaboration between the U.S. and Italy in naval technology could contribute to modernizing the American shipbuilding industry. He referenced a joint statement by U.S. and Italian leaders following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Washington, which affirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting a maritime revival in the U.S. shipbuilding sector.
Folgiero also mentioned the potential for Fincantieri’s Sturgeon Bay shipyard in Wisconsin to expand its role, particularly by focusing on icebreaker vessels, which are increasingly important given the strategic significance of Arctic shipping routes.
Additionally, he suggested that Fincantieri could establish a repair and maintenance center for the Constellation-class frigates at its Jacksonville, Florida facility.
