Fincantieri and Teijin Partner on Composite Bulkheads for Maritime Vessels

Updated on May 22, 2026 • 6 min read

Fincantieri and Teijin Automotive Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop non-structural composite bulkheads for maritime vessels, marking another step toward lightweight materials adoption in shipbuilding.

Under the agreement, Teijin Automotive Technologies will lead engineering and industrialization work, with support from Fincantieri. The goal is to create lighter ship designs while meeting safety, operational and regulatory requirements.

Non-combustible composite material

The bulkheads will use a patented composite material developed by Italian aerospace SME Aeronautical Service.

Fincantieri said the material has obtained non-combustibility certification, a critical requirement for onboard marine applications where fire safety standards are strict.

This is important because fire performance has historically been one of the biggest barriers to wider composite use in ship interiors and marine compartments.

Why composites matter in shipbuilding

Replacing conventional materials with advanced composites can help shipbuilders reduce weight and improve design flexibility.

Potential benefits include:

• lower vessel weight
• improved fuel efficiency
• easier functional integration
• corrosion resistance
• faster installation
• new interior design options

For naval vessels, weight reduction can also support better payload capacity, range and mission flexibility.

Beyond steel shipbuilding

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said the agreement supports the use of next-generation materials and high-performance solutions “beyond the steel.”

That phrase is important. Shipbuilding has traditionally relied heavily on steel, but modern marine platforms increasingly require hybrid material strategies combining steel, aluminum and composites.

Cross-sector material transfer

The partnership also reflects a broader transfer of composite know-how from aerospace and automotive into maritime applications.

Teijin brings advanced composite engineering and industrialization experience, while Aeronautical Service contributes patented aerospace-derived material technology. Fincantieri provides shipbuilding integration knowledge and access to civil and naval vessel applications.

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Editorial perspective

This agreement matters because shipbuilding is entering a materials transition.

Steel will remain essential, especially for primary structures, but non-structural areas such as bulkheads, interiors and integrated panels offer a practical entry point for certified composites.

The key is certification. A non-combustible composite material gives shipbuilders a clearer pathway to adopt lightweight panels without compromising safety compliance.

For the composites industry, maritime applications could become an important growth area as shipbuilders search for lighter, more efficient and more sustainable vessel designs.