Vard Promar and EMGEPRON with agreement on future cooperation on national defense programs
VARD is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazilian state-owned company EMGEPRON during the LAAD Defence & Security congress. The agreement aims to foster future cooperation on national defense programs and to promote the exchange of knowledge in emerging technologies.
02. April 2025
EMGEPRON
EMGEPRON is a Brazilian state-owned company linked to the Ministry of Defence of Brazil through the Command of the Navy. In addition to project management, the company commercializes Brazilian naval defense products and services.
Vard Promar
Located in Pernambuco, Brazil, Vard Promar is one of the most modern shipbuilding facilities in South America, with the infrastructure and technical capacity to support both defense and commercial projects. As the Brazilian representative of both VARD and FINCANTIERI, Vard Promar is strategically repositioning its operations with a renewed focus on service delivery — including ship repairs, maintenance, and complex vessel upgrades.
The agreement
The agreement was signed by Vice Admiral Calheiros on behalf of EMGEPRON and Mr. Paolo Frino representing both VARD and FINCANTIERI.
The parties will be exploring and discussing technical, commercial and management information related to all mutual areas of strategic interest, including naval shipyard capacitation and development projects. Leveraging its extensive global experience, FINCANTIERI brings a broad range of technologies and deep expertise, built upon a long-standing track record of delivering solutions tailored to the needs of Navies around the world.
Additionally, VARD and EMGEPRON will explore the development of joint studies to assess the competitiveness of potential future vessel construction considering local technical feasibility, construction process, supply logistics, and the identification of new potential joint businesses to be developed within the agreement.
- The collaboration between the companies represents an excellent opportunity to drive technological innovations and expand into the global market in the naval and defense sectors. This partnership will strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions and will drive the development of future projects,
– Vice Admiral Amaury Calheiros, CEO of EMGEPRON (to the left on the photo).
Collaboration for the future
- As a part of VARD and a member of the Fincantieri Group, one of the world's leading shipbuilding groups, Vard Promar draws on decades of expertise within shipbuilding and lifecycle support services. We are looking forward to following the exploration of opportunities this agreement will give, and to develop and harvest from the emerging technologies the project will lead to, says Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO in VARD.
About EMGEPRON
EMGEPRON plays a pivotal role in strengthening Brazil’s maritime defense capabilities and technological autonomy. With a mission focused on the development, promotion, and commercialization of naval and defense products, EMGEPRON stands as a strategic force behind the modernization of the Brazilian naval industry.
Among its most significant achievements are the Tamandaré-class Frigates, a landmark project in partnership with international and national players that showcases Brazil’s growing capacity to design and build cutting-edge warships. EMGEPRON is also a key partner in the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB), supporting Brazil's advancement in strategic defense technologies, including nuclear-powered submarines.
More than a project integrator, EMGEPRON is at the forefront of emerging technologies, investing in cyber defense, autonomous systems, and next-generation command and control platforms, in close alignment with the innovation agenda of the Brazilian Navy.
By bridging military needs and industrial execution, EMGEPRON continues to position Brazil as a regional leader in naval defense and technological sovereignty.