Fincantieri, Italy’s maritime infrastructure giant, is diving deeper into high-tech innovation with a new partnership with WSense, a rising star in underwater technology. The deal, inked by Giorgio Bellipanni, CEO of Fincantieri Infrastructure Opere Marittime, and WSense CEO Chiara Petrioli, aims to embed real-time underwater sensing and Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) capabilities into major port and coastal projects. This isn’t just about adding gadgets—it’s about redefining how maritime infrastructure operates, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and smart data-driven decisions.
WSense’s underwater acoustic communication networks and advanced sensor platforms will be integrated into Fincantieri’s future projects. These systems are designed to monitor everything from water quality and current intensity to underwater noise and the structural integrity of subsea components. Real-time data and automated early-warning tools will enhance safety and operational control for activities like dredging, breakwater construction, and coastal defense. The partnership also aligns with broader sustainability goals, providing data to track environmental impacts and support responsible infrastructure design.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating, “The application of IoUT represents a decisive step toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable ports. With this agreement, we consolidate a shared vision that unites innovation, environmental protection, and national competitiveness.” This isn’t just corporate speak—it’s a clear signal that Fincantieri is betting big on IoUT to transform Italy’s maritime infrastructure.
WSense CEO Chiara Petrioli highlighted the scalability of their technology, saying, “Our IoUT platform is designed for complex operational environments, supporting infrastructure management with continuous data and advanced tools for control, safety, and sustainability.” The partnership builds on a growing relationship between the two companies. In April, Fincantieri invested €2.5 million in WSense through a convertible loan, with an option to double the commitment. Their collaboration began in December 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has already led to three contract awards from Italy’s National Underwater Domain Hub for advanced subsea communication technologies.
The integration of IoUT systems into port and coastal infrastructure could become a cornerstone of Italy’s maritime digitalization strategy. This partnership positions Fincantieri and WSense at the forefront of next-generation underwater monitoring capabilities. The move reflects a broader trend in the maritime industry, where technology is no longer an afterthought but a core component of infrastructure development. As ports and coastal projects become smarter and more data-driven, the ability to monitor and manage underwater environments in real-time will be a key differentiator.
This collaboration also underscores the growing importance of sustainability in maritime projects. By providing real-time environmental data, the IoUT systems will help ensure that infrastructure development is both efficient and responsible. This is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about setting new standards for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.
In a rapidly evolving industry, partnerships like this one between Fincantieri and WSense are crucial. They bring together the scale and expertise of established players with the innovation and agility of cutting-edge startups. The result is a powerful combination that can drive meaningful change and set new benchmarks for the future of maritime infrastructure.