Industrias FERRI inaugurates the largest naval test bench in Europe in Galicia

 

Industrias FERRI has opened its facilities in Gondomar (Pontevedrathe largest Special Test Bench for naval machinery of EuropaThis critical infrastructure, whose opening was presided over by the Director General of Armament and Material, Admiral D. Aniceto Rosique Nieto, seeks to consolidate the technological autonomy of España and certify naval systems under the highest industrial and defense standards.

 

The inauguration ceremony brought together prominent civil and military authorities, as well as representatives from the shipbuilding industry, who witnessed the commissioning of a facility that marks a turning point for the sector. Spanning over 2.000 square meters, this testbed not only strengthens the industrial capacity of Galicia as a technology hub, but it also generates new highly skilled jobs in the region.

 

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Technical Specifications: FERRI Industries Special Test Bench

 

Feature DescriptionNameSpecial Test BenchLocationGondomar (Pontevedra), GaliciaIn total areaMore than 2.000 square metersSystems to be CertifiedCranes, lifting and pulling systems, RAS-FAS systems, winches, launching and recovery systems, pulleys and hooks.Certification StandardsAQAP/PECAL regulations, Classification Societies and protocols OTAN (NSPA).nn

 

Declarations of the protagonists

 

During the event, Patricio Fernández, President of Industrias FerriHe highlighted the strategic importance of the project:Today, España It ceases to depend on foreign entities to certify its critical naval systems. What we are inaugurating here is not just a facility: it is the guarantee that our defense industry can operate with full autonomy already at the forefront of EuropaHe added that the investmentIt benefits the entire chain: shipyards, shipowners, classification societies, and ultimately, the women and men who work on board these vessels. It is our contribution to the strategic autonomy of España".

 

In turn, the Admiral D. Aniceto Rosique Nieto, Director General of Armament and Material (DIGAM), he emphasized the role of Industrias Ferri as a strategic partner. He stated that capabilities like this testbed “They contribute to increasing the safety of personnel, improving environmental sustainability and strengthen support, one of the priorities of Ministerio de DefensaThe Admiral also highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and the dual nature of industrial capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign countries and internationalize Spanish industry.

 

Operational and safety impact on the sector

 

The implementation of this strategic infrastructure represents a first-rate competitive advantage. It allows transfer critical tests from the shipyard directly to the factoryThis operational change has multiple benefits:

 

• Elimination of costs and delays associated with testing in advanced stages of ship assembly.
• Significant acceleration of ship delivery times.
• Guaranteed certification under the most demanding standards, such as AQAP/PECAL, those of the Classification Societies and the protocols of the OTAN (NSPA).
• And, crucially, a substantial increase in security for workers by carrying out the tests in a controlled and specialized environment.

 

This project, born from private initiative, consolidates the position of Galicia as a leading technology and defense hub in the European landscape.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new FERRI Test Bench

 

What impact will this new infrastructure have on Spanish shipyards and the auxiliary industry?

For Spanish shipyards and auxiliary companies, this means direct, local access to the certification of critical equipment. This translates into reduced costs, the elimination of the need to send equipment abroad for testing, faster delivery times, and new business opportunities by being able to offer factory-certified systems.

 

Why is this Testing Ground considered a step forward for national sovereignty?

Because it eliminates dependence on facilities in other countries to validate strategic naval components, especially in the field of Defense. España Now you can control the entire lifecycle of these systems, from design to final certification, ensuring confidentiality and security of supply for key Navy programs and export.

 

What types of certifications can be obtained at these facilities?

The facilities are equipped to perform tests that meet the highest international standards. This includes military regulations such as AQAP/PECAL, and the requirements of all major naval classification societies (such as Lloyd’s Register o DNV), and the demanding protocols of the OTAN, managed through their NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency).