Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups, and BQ Solutions (BQ), a Qatari company dedicated to providing strategic value to Qatar’s military and security forces, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha. This agreement aims at developing Italian-led education and training programs for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.
The signing ceremony took between Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Abdulrahman Darwish Fakhro, Chief Executive Officer of BQ Solutions during the 14th Edition of MILIPOL Qatar, the Global Exhibition & Conference for Homeland Security and Safety, which took place in Doha on 29-31 October 2024.
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework through which the two companies will work together to enhance Qatar's naval capabilities through advanced training solutions. Building on the contract signed with the Qatar Armed Forces back in 2016, which included the construction of seven surface vessels and extensive support services, including crew training, in-service support and integrated logistic support, the new agreement with BQ Solutions will focus on elevating the quality and breadth of training programs available to Qatari personnel.
“This agreement testifies Fincantieri’s dedication to expanding our contributions through valuable partnerships,” stated Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division.
The two companies will explore program enhancements that leverage Fincantieri’s extensive shipbuilding and defense expertise, with initiatives covering industrial, operational, and language training to equip Qatar’s naval forces with cutting-edge operational, technical, and logistical skills.
Commenting on the significance of this partnership, Abdulrahman Fakhro, CEO of BQ Solutions, said: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement which will strengthen our relationship and enhance the defense capabilities of the State of Qatar”.
To date, Fincantieri has delivered six of the seven contracted surface vessels, with the final unit scheduled for delivery this year. Several key training components, including operational and integrated logistics support, have also been successfully completed.
Incorporated in October 2017, BQ Solutions QSTP-LLC is a Qatari company created to deliver advantage and value to Qatar’s military and security forces through expert and specialist defense consultancy and services.
BQ Solutions’ aim is to accelerate the effectiveness of Qatar’s defense and security forces, and for Qatar to become a recognized centre for defense and security cutting-edge technologies, with the capability and ingenuity to compete internationally.
Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems.
With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centers in Italy, where it employs 10,000 workers and creates around 90,000 jobs, doubling the employment figure worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating on three continents employing over 21,000 direct workers.
