At DEFEA 2023, the ongoing defense exhibition in Athens, Fincantieri, and ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group have unveiled their joint strategy if the Italian Group, as the prime contractor, is selected for the Hellenic Navy corvette program by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence.
Model of the FCx30 corvette at DEFEA 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
Fincantieri proposes the FCx30, a cutting-edge, sea-tested corvette with exceptional performance across all warfare areas. The design is based on the Doha class for the Qatari Emiri Navy.
With a full load displacement of 3,200 tons, an overall length of 107 meters, and a top speed exceeding 26 knots, the vessels can operate in the most demanding and hostile conditions, offering high performance in all weather, as well as exceptional anti-submarine warfare capabilities such as low acoustic signature and low noise electrical drive.
The vessels will feature advanced hybrid propulsion technology. They will run on an innovative electric drive system at low speeds and switch to internal combustion engines at high speeds.
The machinery configuration also grants the ships excellent survivability, with 50% of propulsion power and 50% of electrical power available even when two adjacent compartments are flooded.
Last December, Fincantieri signed an official agreement with ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group to establish a corvette production line and life-cycle support base at Onex Naval and Maritime Elefsis Shipyards. The agreement:
• outlines collaboration terms for constructing 2+1 high-tech, top-standard corvettes at Onex Elefsis Shipyards, along with necessary upgrades, improvements, knowledge transfer, and technology/equipment estimated at around €80 million;
• anticipates the creation of 2,500 direct and indirect new jobs in the shipbuilding industry;
• fosters cooperation with numerous benefits for the Greek economy and defense sector, while enhancing prospects for further collaboration between the two Groups in future warship and commercial ship construction programs.
This agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening domestic defense production. The knowledge gained from the ONEX-Fincantieri partnership, encompassing the entire Italian industrial ecosystem, will be crucial for developing competitive products that meet various market defense needs, further invigorating the Elefsis Shipyards' revival and ONEX's comprehensive upgrade and modernization plan.
The new corvette production line and life-cycle support base will involve several Greek companies, encouraging the growth of an industrial and high-tech ecosystem surrounding the Elefsis Shipyards and Western Attica region.
The MoUs signed between Fincantieri and other industrial partners, including Greek companies, establish the foundation for long-term business relationships.
