Bahrain: EDB Signs MoU with Rodriguez Cantieri Navalli

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with world-renowned Italian high-tech shipbuilders Rodriguez Cantieri Navalli, controlled by the Italian Immsi Group (Rodriquez), to establish a marine boat manufacturing industry in the Kingdom.

The agreement will build on the already successful marine industry that exists in Bahrain today through the contribution of Rodriquez’s over 60 years of experience as one of the world’s leading shipyards.

Rodriquez specialises in the construction of technologically advanced and innovative fast ships for the commercial, military and yacht markets, and have produced over 500 ships for delivery to 24 markets across the world.

The agreement between the EDB and Rodriquez seeks to combine resources and relationships to further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in the marine industry.

The MoU was signed during a visit by a senior Bahrain delegation to the Italian capital as part of a roadshow organised by the EDB to further strengthen bilateral relationships between the business communities and to highlight opportunities for investment in the Kingdom.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), speaking at the signing of the MoU, said: “Bahrain is fast becoming a regional leader in the marine industry, and next week we will have our third, and largest, Bahrain Boat Show International (BBSI 2011) with over 100 exhibitors including some of the biggest players in the industry. This agreement, with one of the most renowned, innovative and technologically-advanced international shipbuilding businesses, provides the opportunity to move the industry in Bahrain beyond commercial and operational, into marine boat manufacturing.”

Michele Colaninno, CEO of the Immsi Group which controls Rodriquez, and Livio Corghi, Chief Executive of Rodriquez, said at the signing: “This is an exciting opportunity for us. Having established three yards across Italy and a yard in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, this agreement with Bahrain, as the gateway to the Gulf and its trillion dollar market, provides a platform to diversify in to a whole new region.”

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World Maritime News Staff, November 16, 2011