Fincantieri And Teijin Automotive Technologies Partner to Develop Composite Bulkheads for Maritime Vessels
BY Composights
Published: 28 May 2026
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Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has signed an agreement with Teijin Automotive Technologies to develop advanced composite bulkheads for maritime vessel applications, expanding the use of lightweight composite structures in shipbuilding and naval platforms.
The collaboration will focus on engineering composite bulkhead systems intended to reduce vessel weight while improving structural efficiency and enabling greater design flexibility compared with conventional steel-based structures. The companies aim to advance adoption of high-performance composite materials in both commercial and naval maritime applications.
Composite bulkheads can provide significant weight reduction while offering corrosion resistance, improved durability, and greater freedom in structural integration. The use of lightweight composite structures is increasingly being explored in maritime platforms to improve fuel efficiency, operational performance, and payload optimization.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated that the agreement supports broader efforts to integrate next-generation material systems into future shipbuilding programs. This agreement confirms our role as a pioneer in driving the evolution of shipbuilding towards the best available technologies and high-performance solutions beyond steel, said Folgiero. By advancing the adoption of next-generation materials, we are enabling lighter vessels with enhanced performance, while opening the way to new design possibilities that were not previously achievable, particularly in the naval domain.
He added that the collaboration represents an important step toward broader industrial transformation in maritime manufacturing. This marks the beginning of new horizons for the industry, where innovation and operational excellence come together to shape the future of maritime capabilities. Working with leading partners like Teijin Automotive Technologies allows us to accelerate this transformation and deliver tangible value for our customers and the broader ecosystem, Folgiero said.
Teijin Automotive Technologies specializes in advanced composite manufacturing technologies and lightweight structural systems for transportation applications. The partnership reflects increasing crossover of composite material expertise from automotive and aerospace sectors into marine and naval engineering programs.
The agreement highlights growing industry focus on lightweight composite ship structures, as maritime manufacturers increasingly explore advanced materials to improve vessel efficiency, corrosion resistance, and next-generation naval platform performance.
Source: Fincantieri | News
