LIMA 2025: Fincantieri signs TCA with Malaysia’s Enra Energy Solutions

Italian shipyard Fincantieri has signed a technical collaboration agreement (TCA) with Enra Energy Solutions (EES), a leading Malaysian diesel engine maintenance, repair and overhauling (MRO) company, to support the Royal Malaysian Navy’s ‘15 to 5’ strategic fleet renewal programme.

The TCA was signed on 21 May 2025 at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition by Biagio Mazzotta, chairman of Fincantieri, and Ikhlas Zainal, CEO of EES, in the presence of the Malaysian defence minister, H E Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, and the Italian undersecretary of state to the Ministry of Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago.

“The initiative marks a key step in enhancing Malaysia’s naval capabilities while fostering significant national industrial participation,” Fincantieri stated in a press release.

The agreement paves the way for a partnership focused on delivering and supporting next-generation naval vessels in the Royal Malaysian Navy, including Multi Role Support Ships (MRSSs) and Littoral Mission Ship Batch 3 vessels. These platforms are designed to improve operational readiness and resilience amid an evolving regional security landscape.

Fincantieri is among three major shipbuilders that have emerged as likely frontrunners in the future Malaysian MRSS programme, the others being Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea and PT PAL of Indonesia.

In 2024 Malaysia chose Turkey’s STM to build the Royal Malaysian Navy’s three Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 vessels, but Fincantieri is still vying for the follow-on Batch 3 programme.

On the signing of the TCA, Mazzotta stated, “Southeast Asia represents a key geography for the future of the maritime defence industry. Our collaboration with Enra Energy Solutions in Malaysia is a concrete step in building a robust industrial partnership that combines global experience with local excellence. We are proud to contribute to the Royal Malaysian Navy’s strategic vision and to support the development of a resilient local defence ecosystem.”