Fincantieri and Albania’s state-owned KAYO have formed a joint venture to support naval construction and maintenance in the country. Announced during the Italy-Albania Intergovernmental Summit, the collaboration will manage shipbuilding for the Albanian Navy and could expand into export vessels of up to 80 meters and 800 tons. KAYO will dedicate its Pashaliman shipyard and invest in modernizing facilities, while Fincantieri brings technical skills, training, and material support. The summit also produced numerous broader defense agreements, including cooperation with Leonardo on cybersecurity and advanced technology. Italy will additionally supply patrol boats to bolster Albania’s maritime enforcement and assist with civil protection upgrades such as early-warning systems and emergency response infrastructure. Financial support includes a €30-million loan for modernization and a €5-million grant for rapid-response capabilities.
