Connect 2 the future

Connect 2 the Future is the program through which our Group is redesigning the future of shipbuilding and ship management, driven by digitalization and connectivity. The idea behind it is to create a maritime digital ecosystem that links shipyards, ships, and ports in a continuous flow of information, so that every phase, from design to navigation, becomes smarter and more efficient.

To achieve this goal, the project combines advanced connectivity technologies, cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, capable of collecting, harmonizing, distributing, and processing information coming from different systems. In this way, production and operational processes are not only digitalized but become part of a single integrated environment able to generate value, innovation, and new forms of collaboration.

In the shipyards, advanced connectivity makes it possible to integrate engineering and production systems with plant infrastructure and site logistics, creating a continuous flow of information. Data from every node is collected, organized, and distributed through data platforms and the cloud, ensuring interoperability between different systems.

These platforms feed digital twins, a virtual representation of plants and processes that allows their behavior and evolution to be simulated and monitored. With this capability, the shipyard becomes safer, more traceable, and able to respond promptly to potential issues.

Combined with the digital twin, the use of artificial intelligence enables process optimization, supporting operational decision‑making. Maintenance processes are simplified and accelerated thanks to data coming directly from assets; logistics increases its efficiency through digital warehouse management and real‑time material tracking; while advanced robotic solutions support quality monitoring and production progress.

The digital transformation extends all the way to the ships themselves, which become true cognitive units. With Navis Sapiens, Fincantieri aims to integrate advanced technologies for data collection, integration, and historization, supporting fast and informed decision‑making throughout the entire operational lifecycle.

A central role is played by the digital twin, which digitally replicates the ship and follows every phase, from construction to navigation. Thanks to this virtual model, it is possible to autonomously monitor the ship’s condition, anticipate maintenance needs, optimize performance, and improve the overall reliability of the fleet.

The intelligent ship is also equipped with advanced energy‑management systems and tools for predictive maintenance, ensuring safety and sustainability. In this way, Navis Sapiens not only optimizes navigation and operational management but also enables new forms of interconnection with ports and the entire maritime ecosystem.

The Fincantieri Maritime Data Space is a federated digital ecosystem currently under development, designed to enable collaboration throughout the entire ship lifecycle, connecting engineering, shipyards, ships, and ports through secure, interoperable, and governed data exchange.

The model under development is based on the sharing of data products, enabling maritime ecosystem stakeholders to collaborate in a structured manner while maintaining full sovereignty over their data and systems, without centralization or technological constraints.

 The Maritime Data Space aims to support integrated processes from ship design to operation, including interaction with ports, laying the foundation for greater operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

The activities carried out in the "Connect 2 the Future" program are funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU - through the project of common European interest IPCEI "Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services".