Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with BQ Solutions to support Italian-led military training programs for the Qatari Navy.
The partnership builds on the Trieste-based company’s contract in 2016 to build seven tactical vessels for the service and address advanced proficiency requirements for its future crews.
Under the framework, Doha-based BQ Solutions will assist Fincantieri in “elevating the quality and breadth” of related industrial, operational, and language training programs available to Qatari teams.
The consortium will also research improvements in distributing the Italian firm’s shipbuilding and defense expertise to bolster the naval force’s technical and logistical skills.
“This agreement testifies Fincantieri’s dedication to expanding our contributions through valuable partnerships,” Fincantieri Naval Vessels Sales VP Mauro Manzini stated.
BQ Solutions CEO Abdulrahman Fakhro also commented on the importance of the agreement, saying that it will strengthen the companies’ relationship while “enhancing the defense capabilities of the State of Qatar.”
Six units of Fincantieri’s seven-vessel development project with the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces have been delivered to date, with the final ship to arrive later this year.
The effort, valued at 4 billion euros ($4.2 billion), covers four corvettes, two patrol boats, and one amphibious landing platform dock.