Fincantieri has said it will close its shipyards in Italy following a request by unions in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Starting from 16 March production will be suspended and employees will take holidays that would usually take place in the summer.
“This decision has been taken considering that the suspension of activities for a 14 day-period is consistent with the indications imposed by the health authorities regarding quarantine in order to reduce the chance of infection, meet the government restriction measures, as well as allow all the workers to carry out appropriate actions to tackle the emergency,” Fincantieri said.
“The chosen solution, once the situation is normalized, would allow us to restart again at full power in order to protect the future of our company and of our country, without resulting in an economic loss for the workers.”
Fincantieri said the closures were a “small sacrifice” compared to Italy’s state of emergency and would avoid jeopardizing the company’s future while protecting its operational continuity.
It added that once the situation is normalized, it aims to carryout ship deliveries in compliance with the contractual deadlines.
“Fincantieri considers its key priorities the protection of its personnel and subcontractors, as well as meeting the current needs of our country,” it said.
Last week Fincantieri implemented an emergency plan after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus at one of its facilities in northern Italy.
It confirmed that a “small number of employees” had been sent home, in addition to the employee who tested positive.
The incident is understood to have taken place at the Marghera shipyard outside of Venice. The Fincantieri worker was working for a subcontractor when he fell ill.
The entirety of Italy is now subject to a sudden lockdown to try to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Most of Fincantieri's largest cruise vessels are built at the Marghera, Monfalcone, Sestri Ponente shipyards in the north of Italy. Some smaller cruise vessels and ferries are built at its Ancona facility in central Italy.
