Novamarine and EDGE Europe: new autonomous navigation projects from Olbia

Gallura’s boatbuilding industry is expanding its engagement with autonomous navigation technologies. Novamarine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EDGE Europe, the European company of UAE-based technology group EDGE, to explore the joint development of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) within the shipyard’s professional segment.

Announced on 3 November, the agreement envisages platform production at Novamarine’s Olbia facility, with EDGE supplying and integrating autonomous navigation systems. The project connects Sardinia’s boatbuilding expertise with an international network of advanced technology and research capabilities.

Connecting boatbuilding with systems integration

The collaboration will draw on contributions from the Technology Innovation Institute, the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, and Abu Dhabi Ship Building, an EDGE company specialising in shipbuilding and naval systems integration.

The proposed division of responsibilities brings together vessel design, automation and onboard systems integration. The memorandum establishes a framework for exploring development opportunities, including search and rescue applications.

For Novamarine, which already builds professional vessels for patrol and rescue operations, the initiative extends an industrial approach based on platform performance and adaptability to different operational requirements.

The USV range makes its debut at Euronaval

The first two models feature in Novamarine’s participation at Euronaval 2026, the international naval defence exhibition taking place in Paris from 3 to 6 November. Designed and built in-house, the USV range comprises platforms measuring 5 to 26 metres, configured to accommodate technologies from different partners according to operational needs.

The announcement identifies Rohde & Schwarz, Rotax, Orqa and Teledyne among the partners contributing to the two exhibited vessels, covering capabilities from propulsion to sensors and onboard systems. Customisation therefore extends beyond vessel construction to the integration of its technological architecture.

An industrial opportunity for Sardinia’s supply chain

According to Francesco Pirro, Novamarine’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the agreement supports expansion in the professional segment and opens international development opportunities. EDGE highlights the shipyard’s operational knowledge as a foundation for exploring autonomous solutions.

For Sardinia’s nautical industry, the initiative illustrates how international expansion can also develop through technology partnerships and manufacturing diversification. Alongside recreational boating, professional applications could create opportunities to apply local expertise in construction, outfitting and advanced systems integration, complementing efforts to promote the region’s industrial capabilities internationally.