The contract was officially awarded at IDEX/NAVDEX in Abu Dhabi. Credit: © EDGE Group PJSC.

Maestral, the joint venture (JV) between Fincantieri and EDGE, is set to secure an in-service support strategic (ISS) partnership project contract from the Tawazun Council for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy fleet. 

Valued at approximately €500m ($522.87m), the contract was officially awarded at International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. 

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The Tawazun Council is an independent government entity collaborating with the Ministry of Defence and security agencies in the UAE. 

As the Industrial Strategic Partner, Maestral JV will be responsible for the extensive maintenance management of the UAE Navy.  

This aims to address critical operational and logistical requirements while advancing the UAE Navy’s capabilities over the next five years. 

EDGE group managing director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said: “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.” 

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The ISS Strategic Partnership Project will foster collaboration between Fincantieri and the EDGE Group entity, Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding, under the Maestral JV.  

This partnership aims to combine the strengths of both national and international shipyards, providing technical, engineering, and management expertise to elevate the UAE Navy’s performance. 

Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: “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. It also reflects the shared vision and synergy between Fincantieri and EDGE through the Maestral joint venture.” 

Formally launched in May 2024, the Maestral JV seeks to leverage global opportunities in commercialisation, design, and manufacturing of advanced naval vessels and services.  

EDGE holds a 51% majority in the JV and the remainder is held by Fincantieri. 

In 2024, the two companies secured a contract with the UAE Coast Guard Forces for the construction of ten offshore patrol vessels. 

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