KAUST, Fincantieri Sign MoU to Enhance Maritime Cybersecurity

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian shipbuilding firm Fincantieri to advance cooperation in maritime cybersecurity, focusing on the monitoring and protection of onboard automation systems.
The agreement brings together KAUST’s expertise as a leading international research institution with Fincantieri’s industrial capabilities to address growing cybersecurity challenges in the maritime sector. The collaboration will explore solutions for securing naval communications, detecting and preventing cyber threats, and safeguarding vessel automation systems.
Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, has signed a series of MoUs in Saudi Arabia as part of its commitment to the region. The agreements follow the recent establishment of Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services in 2024, underscoring the company’s expanding presence in the Kingdom.
The partnerships align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, with a focus on fostering innovation, sustainability, and industrial development. Fincantieri, the only shipbuilding group operating across all high-tech marine sectors, is leveraging its expertise in cruise, offshore, and defence markets to strengthen its regional engagement.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “These agreements highlight our commitment to Saudi Arabia and our intent to expand opportunities across our core business areas, particularly in defence. The Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a global hub for maritime technology, and we are eager to collaborate with Saudi partners to drive innovation and sustainability in line with Vision 2030.”
KAUST, located in Thuwal, Jeddah, is recognised as a centre of excellence in technological research and innovation. The MoU with Fincantieri is expected to enhance cybersecurity measures for naval applications by integrating academic research with industrial best practices.