The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) has made a significant move by signing two important agreements with the renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and the additive manufacturing company Roboze. These partnerships aim to enhance Bahrain's role in naval construction, maritime repair, and advanced industrial production in the Gulf region.
The agreements were signed in a ceremony that featured Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the importance of these deals beyond ordinary business transactions, as they contribute to state-level maritime strategy.
Through the agreement with Fincantieri, ASRY is set to collaborate on the joint development and possible construction of naval surface vessels up to 80 meters long, which will serve the Bahrain Navy and Coast Guard. This partnership goes beyond just building ships; it includes exploring offshore patrol vessels and export initiatives in the Gulf, along with long-term cooperation in maintenance, design, and shipbuilding technology. For a region that has relied on foreign warship purchases, this shift towards local design and construction is significant.
The second agreement may hold even greater potential. ASRY and Roboze are working together to establish Bahrain's first advanced additive manufacturing facility. This smart plant will focus on producing high-performance polymers and composite components essential for modern naval, aerospace, and energy systems. Unlike basic 3D printing, Roboze specializes in precision components that can replace metal, endure marine environments, and significantly reduce repair times. Bahrain has already recognized advanced additive manufacturing as a "Strategic Technology of Interest."
Moreover, the two companies plan to cooperate on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for naval, commercial, and offshore vessels, as well as share knowledge in ship design and production optimization.
ASRY's CEO, Dr. Ahmed Al Abri, stated that these partnerships strengthen the company's position as the top fabrication and repair yard in the Arabian Gulf. Roboze's CEO, Alessio Lorusso, emphasized that their collaboration focuses on practical operations rather than just pilot projects.
Overall, Bahrain is not only investing in ships but also building its industrial capacity. As competition for influence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean intensifies, having local manufacturing, modern repair capabilities, and the ability to keep vessels operational without relying on external spare parts becomes increasingly critical.