Abu Dhabi Joint Venture Secures €500 Million Contract to Support UAE Navy Fleet

MAESTRA - the Abu Dhabi-based joint venture between Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri and UAE’s defence technology leader, the EDGE Group - has been awarded a significant contract to provide in-service support for the UAE Navy's fleet. 

The agreement, valued at approximately €500 million, will span a five-year period and marks a critical step in strengthening naval operations in the region.

The Tawazun Council, an independent government entity that works closely with the UAE Ministry of Defence and security agencies, is set to formalise the contract, further solidifying MAESTRAL’s role as the UAE Navy’s industrial strategic partner. 

Under this expansive agreement, MAESTRAL will assume responsibility for the comprehensive maintenance and management of the navy's fleet, assuring the operational readiness and logistical capabilities essential for the UAE’s maritime security initiatives.

At the heart of this collaboration is the ISS Strategic Partnership Project, which will facilitate close cooperation between Fincantieri and the EDGE Group’s Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding business unit through the MAESTRAL joint venture. 

Together, these entities aim to improve fleet performance, streamline maintenance protocols, and implement advanced technologies to further boost naval efficiency.

Founded in May 2024, MAESTRAL has become a key name in the defence sector, specialising in the design and manufacture of naval vessels. This latest contract increases their efforts in bolstering regional maritime security. 

“This contract award underscores the trust placed in MAESTRAL’s advanced capabilities by our major customer, and important stakeholders worldwide,” said EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, Hamad Al Marar. 

“Together with Fincantieri, we are fully confident that these capabilities will provide valuable opportunities from which this unique joint venture can utilise its vast resources and pool of experience available to deliver superior maritime vessels, turnkey solutions, and lifecycle maintenance services, to deliver commercial successes to all partners involved”.

Leveraging Fincantieri’s decades of shipbuilding expertise and the EDGE Group’s advanced technological solutions will put MAESTRAL in a position to address the evolving needs of modern naval operations. 

“This contract marks a pivotal step in Fincantieri’s growth in the region and reinforces our long-standing commitment to fostering industrial partnerships that deliver excellence,” said Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero. 

“It also reflects the shared vision and synergy between Fincantieri and EDGE through the MAESTRAL joint venture. We are proud to stand alongside the UAE Navy as a trusted partner, ensuring sustained support, cutting-edge technology, and world-class maintenance services that meet the evolving needs of modern naval operations”.

The contract also marks a turning point for Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding. The partnership is expected to bring long-term benefits to the region, from job creation to advancements in naval engineering.

With the formalisation of this €500 million agreement, the joint venture cements its role as a cornerstone of the UAE's naval strategy over the coming years.

Brookes Bell’s marine design experience

Here at Brookes Bell we offer an extensive range of marine design services that can support ship owners, yards and operators from concept/feasibility through to vessel operation and site attendances.

The years of experience accumulated in state of the art assessment means our naval architecture team is able to propose innovative solutions to complex problems.

Our extensive design experience also allows our team to assist in disputes where design defects are present, or where vessel specifications have not been met. 

To find out more about Brookes Bell’s marine design services, contact us today

Contact our team today

For more maritime industry insights, news and information, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

Cashew nut biofuel blends present major operational challenges for vessels | Infrastructure challenges remain as FuelEU Maritime looks to boost green fuel adoption | DP World Invests in Fleet of 47,000 Containers