Fincantieri and Albania’s state-run defense company KAYO have entered into an MoU to form a joint venture aimed at naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Albania.
Revealed at the Italy–Albania Intergovernmental Summit in Rome, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the arrangement covers shipbuilding and repair for the Albanian Navy and potential export production of vessels up to 80 meters and 800 tons. Under the plan, Fincantieri will provide project oversight, expertise, training, and materials, while KAYO will carry out construction at its modernized Pashaliman shipyard in Vlorë.
Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu noted that the summit concluded with 16 cooperation agreements, including eight tied to defense, military industry, and civil protection. KAYO also launched a new partnership with Leonardo on cybersecurity and other classified defense technologies.
According to Albania’s state news agency, Italy will supply patrol boats to enhance the Albanian Coast Guard’s enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime security missions. Rome will also support civil protection upgrades, such as early warning systems, emergency readiness, and rollout of the EU’s 112 emergency number.
The cooperation package includes €30 million in financing for modernization and equipment and a €5 million grant aimed at rapid-response and risk-reduction initiatives.
