Kenneth J. Braithwaite, former US ambassador to Norway and the 77th Secretary of the US Navy, is the new chairman of the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) board of directors.
FMM is a major government construction shipyard in the US. It operates a system of shipyards in Wisconsin, where technologies from its Italian parent, Fincantieri, are integrated and refined to support the growing US maritime sector.
Braithwaite discussed his new leadership role and the US shipbuilding market with Ocean Economy.
Tell us a bit about how your background applies to your new role at Fincantieri?
I have spent my life dedicated to serving the United States of America and learning all I could about maritime and naval affairs, which as a maritime nation makes us the nation we are today. I have gained that experience across both the executive and legislative branches of our federal government, as well as over 30 years in the uniform of a US naval officer.
Moreover, I was born in Michigan and understand the culture of patriotism in the Midwest and what makes our [FMM] shipyard in Wisconsin so unique in capabilities, as well as special in service to our nation.
By combining over 45 years of experience and knowledge, I intend to work closely with Fincantieri’s executive team to provide the leadership as chairman required to ensure our objectives are achieved in strengthening the maritime manufacturing sector in the United States, a commitment Fincantieri has made to our nation, a maritime nation.
What’s your take on the current state of the US shipbuilding market?
In order to maintain our influence worldwide and ensure our national security, few things are as important as investing in our maritime industrial base. I agree with President Trump on this issue, who has made it clear, we must address the shipbuilding deficit quickly in both the naval and maritime sectors if we want to bolster our national defense and increase our independence with maritime/commercial transportation of goods.
The current administration is welcoming all American shipbuilders and maritime companies to address shipbuilding shortfalls. There are new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to quickly construct more ships and get them into operation in the next few years.
Fincantieri, with over 230 years of shipbuilding experience and nearly 20 years in the United States, is proud to be a key investor in our US maritime industrial base. We are dedicated to being a major player in this maritime renaissance.
What’s on your agenda for Fincantieri in 2026 and beyond?
I believe I was appointed to this role of chairman to ensure Fincantieri’s investment and capabilities are leveraged to support the US Navy and American government. Our recent $800 million improvements were made so that we can efficiently build and deliver larger vessels to the Navy, and we are keen to put that investment to good use for the nation.
Fincantieri is one of the largest shipbuilders in the world and has brought their experience and expertise to the United States to assist us in being able to meet the growing challenges in the maritime space.
