Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri Group company specialized in advanced fuel cell technologies, has inaugurated a new production line at its Bari facility dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Among the first applications is the marinized fuel cell module produced by IFM, which will be installed on board the Viking Libra, the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board and used both for propulsion and for electricity generation. This represents a concrete example of Fincantieri Group’s ability to be the first adopter of its own solutions, implementing a vertical integration model that accelerates the introduction of zero-emission technologies and strengthens its industrial leadership in the ecological transition.
The new line is part of the Innovation and Development Center (CIS) launched in 2023, supported by the European Regional Development Fund – Puglia. It is a key milestone in the transformation of the Bari plant into a cutting-edge Net Zero Technology Hub. Within an integrated industrial ecosystem approach, Isotta Fraschini Motori with an economic commitment of around 30 euro million over five years—partly financed by IPCEI funds—plans to develop innovative zero-emission systems and significantly reduce its carbon footprint, including through energy recovery from production processes.
This commitment is part of Fincantieri Group’s broader focus on sustainable innovation through strategic initiatives such as Wave 2 the Future, part of the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) “Hy2Tech” on hydrogen. The goal is to develop enabling technologies for the use of hydrogen in the maritime sector, promoting the shift toward decarbonized mobility and contributing to the creation of a competitive European industrial ecosystem.
“With the inauguration of Isotta Fraschini Motori’s new fuel cell production line, Fincantieri takes a decisive step toward the future of naval technology,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri.
“This is a commitment that brings our strategic vision to life: leading the sustainable transformation of the industry through our hallmark innovation capabilities and strong local presence. Our goal is to make hydrogen a tangible lever for competitiveness and decarbonization of the European industrial system, and to consolidate our role as a leader in the adoption of pioneering technologies.”
IFM technologies will initially be adopted within the Group, further confirming Fincantieri’s ability to act as the first user of its solutions—generating added value and accelerating the path toward energy transition.
