U.S. Navy - Fincantieri Marine Systems Agree To Accelerate Popular Diesel Engine Improvement Program

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy and Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, Inc. have agreed to complete the Preplanned Improvement Program (PPIP) for diesel engines installed in the Avenger Class mine countermeasure ships two years ahead of schedule. This decision was made after significant improvements in reliability and maintainability were noted in ships that had received the upgrades. The last four ships of the class will receive the PPIP in fiscal year 2008.

This Preplanned Improvement Program, begun in 2002 at company expense to demonstrate the potential improvements of proven technology upgrades, is being completed at Fincantieri Marine Systems North America service centers in Bahrain; Sasebo, Japan, and Ingleside, Texas. The program reached the two-thirds completion mark when USS Dexterous (MCM 13) completed her availability earlier this year.

"The successful completion of this contract underscores Fincantieri Marine Systems' role as a strong and reliable partner for the U.S. Navy," said Upinder Kamal, Fincantieri Marine Systems North America Chief Operating Officer. "By allowing our Fincantieri personnel to conduct the engine overhaul and maintenance, it enables sailors and Naval crew more time to focus on issues relevant to our national security," Kamal said.

Fincantieri Marine Systems is part of the Lockheed Martin team to supply its Isotta Fraschini-powered Ship Service Diesel Generators (SSDG) for the Flight Zero construction of the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Owned by Fincantieri, Isotta Fraschini specializes in the design and manufacture of high-technology, high-powered density diesel engines for specialized markets such as the military, including the U.S. Navy, Italian Navy, and international navies, as well as most of today's prominent Cruise Lines.

Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, Inc.'s parent company, Fincantieri, is headquartered in Trieste, Italy, and is the world's premier cruise ship builder with more than 40% of the market. The company is a market leader in the design and building of fast ferries, holding approximately 20% of the Mediterranean and North Sea market share in cruise ferries greater than 150 meters in length. Fincantieri is also renowned in naval vessel building and design, state-of-the-art mechanical products, and high-speed diesel engines.

Visit us at www.fincantierimarinesystems.com.