Fincantieri, one of the world's leading shipbuilding groups, and BQ Solutions (BQ), a Qatari company dedicated to providing strategic support to the country's military and security forces, signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha with the aim of developing education and training programs, created under Italian leadership, for the Qatar Naval Forces.
The signing ceremony took place between Mauro Manzini, Head of Sales of Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Abdulrahman Darwish Fakhro, CEO of BQ Solutions, during the 14th edition of MILIPOL Qatar, the Global Homeland Security Exhibition and Conference.
The agreement establishes a collaborative framework under which the two companies will work together to enhance Qatar’s naval capabilities through advanced training solutions. Building on the contract signed with the Qatar Armed Forces in 2016, which included the construction of seven surface vessels and a comprehensive package of support services, including personnel training, operational support and integrated logistics support, the new agreement with BQ Solutions will aim to enhance the quality and breadth of training programs available to Qatari personnel.
“This agreement demonstrates Fincantieri’s commitment to expanding our contribution through valuable partnerships”, said Mauro Manzini, sales director of Fincantieri's naval vessels division.
The two companies will collaborate to develop advanced programs, leveraging Fincantieri's extensive experience in shipbuilding and defense. The initiatives will include technical, operational and language training to equip Qatari naval forces with cutting-edge operational, technical and logistical skills. Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Abdulrahman Fakhro, CEO of BQ Solutions, said: “We are pleased to bring this agreement to life, which will strengthen our relationship and enhance the defense capabilities of the State of Qatar”.
To date, Fincantieri has delivered six of the seven surface vessels under the contract, with the last one scheduled for delivery this year. In addition, several key elements of the training, including integrated operational and logistics support, have already been successfully completed.
