More than 130 years after it’s foundation, the company continues to be a major player for the entire Mediterranean basin. Eastern Sicily, a land of ancient traditions and unique natural and cultural heritage, is today at the centre of a phase of economic and infrastructural transformation. Thanks to a series of interventions promoted by the Port System Authority of the Sea of Eastern Sicily, under the chairmanship of Engineer Francesco Di Sarcina, and financed with PNRR funds, the Augusta area is destined to become a pole of excellence for logistics and sustainable innovation. Not only a commercial port of international significance, Augusta is preparing to become a symbol of rebirth for all of eastern Sicily, with a focus on sustainability and quality of services.
At the heart of this transformation is Cantiere Navale Noè, with its unique history of perseverance and adaptation. Founded by shipwright Emanuele Noè, the shipyard has overcome wars, requisitions and profound social and economic changes, now in its fifth generation. “Ours is a tradition that has never stopped,” says Maurizio Illuminato, CEO of Cantiere Navale di Augusta srl. “Cantiere Navale Noè has established itself as one of the most reliable operators in the Mediterranean in the ship maintenance sector. With two operational sites, four berths and a floating dry dock for vessels up to 140 metres, we are able to handle all types of repairs on vessels up to 8,500 tonnes displacement. Our team of specialised technicians is ready to intervene seven days a week, guaranteeing quality and speed to our customers, in a port that offers excellent weather and sea conditions all year round.”
“The time is right for new investments,” Illuminato continues. “We plan to purchase a second dry dock, even more environmentally friendly, thanks to new technologies that reduce emissions, with generators powered by biofuels. We are expanding the photovoltaic system to 400 KW, to further reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources, and we are building a new, state-of-the-art 2,400 m2 shed, designed according to sustainability criteria. All this will allow us to optimise energy consumption, reuse water and reduce emissions, while also creating green areas to offset the CO₂ produced. We have already achieved the goal of becoming asbestos-free, a goal we consider essential both for the health of our workers and for the protection of the environment.”
Despite not being subject to the regulatory obligations imposed on large companies, the shipyard is implementing ESG and 231 models which, together with RINA ISO9000 quality certification, will make the company a model of excellence in sustainability as well.
“In an era characterised by artificial intelligence and robotics, Cantiere Noè maintains the value of craftsmanship skills, which are fundamental in the manufacturing sector,” says the CEO. “We believe it is necessary to invest in the training of a new generation of technicians, which is essential to ensure generational change. Furthermore, we intend to promote the valorisation of female labour, which today represents around 5% of our workforce, starting with our general manager Marina Noè, the fourth generation of the family.”
Marina Noè emphasises the importance of balancing productivity and quality of working life. “The goal is to work for a living and not live to work, while maintaining a constant level of reliability for our customers. We want to continue to be a point of reference and guarantee solutions to any technical need,” says Noah. “This balance between dedication and social relations is reflected in the company’s vision, which values human capital and aims to maintain a standard of excellence recognised throughout the Mediterranean.”
In this development scenario, a fundamental role is also played by maritime transport companies, which are a vital part of the local economy. The collaboration with historical and innovative realities such as Caronte & Tourist is an example of an effective and useful synergy to face the challenges of modernity and support the maintenance and maritime transport sector.
Thanks to a solid tradition and an ambitious innovation plan, Cantiere Navale Noè is confirmed as a key player in the transformation of eastern Sicily, contributing to a future of sustainable growth, modernisation and new opportunities for the entire region.
