Fincantieri Australia announced on May 4 that it has awarded a contract to Hofmann Engineering for two transverse tunnel thrusters, to be used in cruise ships built by parent company in Italian shipyards.
The order is valued at up to 1 million euros and two further options could see the company produce up to six thrusters under the agreement. The two transverse tunnel thrusters under the firm contract will be delivered in 2019.
The work follows the awarding of a pilot contract to Hofmann by Fincantieri in October 2017, for the supply of a bow thruster for a landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessel the Italian shipbuilder is constructing for an undisclosed customer in the Middle East.
Fincantieri and Hofmann have also signed an MoU to jointly co-operate in the development of the market for the manufacture of marine systems and components, which the Italian shipbuilder estimates is worth 250 million euros over the next five years.
ADM spoke with Fincantieri Australia chairman Dario Deste this week to find out more.
“We are committed to transferring technology to design, build ships, and the equipment within Australia to create an export market,” Deste said. “By transferring the knowledge and technology directly to Australian workers, management, institutions and businesses, Australia will gain the capability and independent control to design and build new vessels and the advanced equipment within them. Fincantieri’s decision to place additional orders with Hofmann Engineering demonstrates this transfer at work.”
Fincantieri is one of the three shortlisted contenders for Australia’s Future Frigate program, Sea 5000, which will oversee the construction of nine anti-submarine warfare – optimised ships in Adelaide.
Deste told ADM that no matter the outcome of Sea 5000, the work enables Hofmann to join Fincantieri’s network of 80,000 global subcontractors.
“Our commitment is total and we are placing orders regardless of whether we are successful for Sea 5000 or not,” Deste added. “We have been consistent with what we have promised, to create new capabilities and provide a market for them.
“Hofmann began producing a bow thruster for Fincantieri’s naval market and we’re now addressing the civilian cruise ship market.”