On December 3, 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, presided over the signing of a groundbreaking shipyard agreement in Manama, Bahrain. This event, held on the sidelines of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, marks a new era of strategic industrial and defence collaboration between Italy and Bahrain.
Key Details of the Shipyard Agreement
The agreement was formalized between ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard) and Fincantieri, Italy’s renowned shipbuilding group. The partnership aims to:
- Jointly develop and potentially construct naval surface vessels up to 80 meters, including platforms for the Bahrain Navy and Coast Guard.
- Explore the design and construction of offshore patrol units and export programs across the Gulf region.
- Establish long-term cooperation in maintenance, overhaul, design, and shipbuilding process technology.
- Exchange know-how in naval design and production process optimization.
This collaboration is not just a commercial deal—it is a state-level maritime strategy that positions Bahrain as a future hub for advanced shipbuilding and naval innovation in the Gulf.
Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
A second agreement was also signed between ASRY and Roboze, an Italian leader in industrial additive manufacturing. This partnership will:
- Establish Bahrain’s first advanced industrial 3D printing facility inside ASRY.
- Focus on high-performance polymers and composite components for naval, aerospace, and energy systems.
- Enable rapid, local production of precision components that replace metal and withstand harsh marine environments.
- Support maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for naval, commercial, and offshore vessels.
Bahrain has designated advanced additive manufacturing as a “Strategic Technology of Interest,” signalling its commitment to industrial modernisation.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The agreements reinforce Bahrain’s and Italy’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing regional security and economic growth. For Italy, the deal opens new export and industrial opportunities in the Gulf, while Bahrain gains access to world-class shipbuilding expertise and technology transfer.
Statements from Leaders
- Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships for global security and economic development, highlighting Italy’s role as a gateway for Gulf states into the European market.
- Bahrain’s Crown Prince underscored the significance of building quality opportunities that benefit both nations and their peoples.
- The shipyard agreement signed by Giorgia Meloni in Bahrain is a milestone in Gulf-Italy relations, promising innovation, industrial growth, and enhanced maritime capabilities for both countries. As the partnership unfolds, it is expected to set new standards for regional cooperation in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
