TRIESTE – Fincantieri Infrastructure Opere Marittime and WSense are strengthening their collaboration with a new agreement focused on integrating advanced underwater monitoring and communication technologies into key maritime and port infrastructure.
Signed by Giorgio Bellipanni, CEO of Fincantieri Infrastructure Opere Marittime, and Chiara Petrioli, CEO of WSense, the agreement aims to embed the most advanced solutions currently available in the sector into strategic projects.
WSense technologies enable the continuous, real-time collection of data on currents, water quality and turbidity, biodiversity, underwater noise and the stability of structural elements. These capabilities support the Internet of Underwater Things, creating networks able to underpin advanced monitoring systems and early-warning procedures. Relevant applications are expected for breakwaters, dredging and coastal defence works, with the goal of increasing safety, predictability and control of port operations.
The agreement also has a strong environmental component. The tools introduced make it possible to assess the impact of infrastructure on ecosystems with precision and to guide design choices based on sensitive parameters.
The collaboration between Fincantieri and WSense is already well established. In April, the group signed a €2.5 million convertible loan (convertible into equity) in the scale-up, with the option to increase the investment. The relationship began in December 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which led to the first concrete results, including the awarding of three calls by Italy’s National Underwater Dimension Hub to develop new underwater communication solutions.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, said the agreement with WSense strengthens the company’s ability to integrate advanced technologies into maritime infrastructure, with the IoUT as a key element for safer and more sustainable ports. For Chiara Petrioli, CEO of WSense, the partnership makes it possible to provide Fincantieri with reliable and scalable underwater solutions, capable of operating in complex environments and supporting infrastructure management with continuous data and advanced monitoring and safety tools.
