Since 1950, SAVI has been delivering shipbuilding and ship repair services to clients all over the world. The company also offers stainless steel manufacturing and interior furnishing to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Senior Project Manager Antonio Talamo and Senior Designer Christian Marrale discussed the company’s improved services. Report by Antonia Cole.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, SAVI has evolved significantly over the years, Senior Designer Christian Marrale said: “Our main goal is to meet deadlines and ensure maximum precision in final results. This is why we now always have project managers and highly-skilled technicians on board during dry dock operations. They oversee installations step-by-step, coordinate material flows and handle any unforeseen issues in real time. This hands-on approach is just one of the ways we deliver premium service to our clients.”
An Italian newbuild and ship repair company, SAVI provides project engineering services, technical drawings, installations, maintenance, aftersales support and custom-made products. With its stainless steel division, the company is able to deliver turnkey solutions including complete catering areas such as galleys, pantries or counter bars. SAVI also designs interiors such as public areas, pax cabins, crew areas and open decks.
Employing 93 people directly and 300 across its network, the company has a team of skilled and experienced staff to turn client concepts into real solutions. Additionally, SAVI is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, ensuring quality and environmental standards are met in each project.
Specialised steel
Stainless steel production is a key part of SAVI’s operation. The company manufactures over 600m of stainless steel counters every year, which are customised to meet the specific requirements of each client. Managing the entire process internally, from engineering and production to final assembly, SAVI ensures each installation fits even the most complex spaces.
“These custom projects require close attention to detail and careful coordination,” explained Senior Project Manager Antonio Talamo. “Many clients approach us with a clear idea of the final result, but they often lack detailed specifications or knowledge of existing ship systems. This means we have to communicate clearly and stay adaptable. Whether it is a pizzeria counter or a deep fryer station, we know how to select compatible appliances, gas systems and refiguration units to bring their vision to life, even under tight timelines.”
Designing and installing these counters onboard has a range of challenges. For example, dry dock periods are often short and give the company only a couple of days to dismantle, install and test the equipment. Space restrictions, as well as strict hygiene and accessibility requirements also make projects more complex. SAVI’s technical expertise and ability to adapt solutions means the company can stay on track to deliver these projects on time, despite additional challenges.
“Our technical teams are experienced in responding to these challenges,” continued Mr Talamo. “They assess the vessel’s current configuration, develop tailored proposals and adjust designs as needed to meet time, cost and quality requirements.
“We also look at the overall aesthetic of the ship and ensure that our counters integrate seamlessly with the surrounding outfitting, such as for wood, glass or marble finishes. We are committed to meeting both functional and design expectations in our projects, leaving our clients with spaces that are not only reliable and high-quality, but also visually impressive.”
Technical transformation
As the company’s operational demands have continued to grow, SAVI has expanded both its workforce and logistics capabilities. The company manages personnel onboard vessels worldwide, which has required additional staff to coordinate travel, accommodation and scheduling. With this dedicated human resources team, the company has been able to support staff in multiple locations around the world.
“Logistics have also been strengthened, as we now have additional personnel in offices, yards and warehouses,” commented Mr Marrale. “Coordinating shipments requires multiple transport methods, including ocean freight and air freight. These are often planned months in advance to meet tight project deadlines.
“For example, equipment for a pizzeria installation on the Costa Serena in China had to be dispatched in early June for delivery in November. Our staff oversaw the collection, shipping and receipt of materials, ensuring all items arrived on time and ready for installation.”
To support these operational improvements, SAVI has introduced new technologies such as 3D surveys using cloud scanning. These devices provide highly-precise measurements, which can then be directly integrated into CAD models. This means that counters and other installations can be made to fit shipboard spaces to the millimetre. The technology generates both photographic and technical reports, which help production teams, designers and ship owners.
“This new technology is also very effective, as it reduces the risk of errors,” added Mr Marrale. “We can rely on the surveys to consistently give us accurate measurements and if a piece of information is missing, it’s very easy to go back and find the measurement. This minimises disruptions and allows us to be fully transparent with the client. These developments in the company have enabled us to enhance our solutions, while delivering high standards of precision, safety and client satisfaction in our operations.”
Global growth
With projects involving hundreds of people worldwide, SAVI works with an extensive network of long-standing partners and suppliers. These partnerships cover a wide range of specialist areas, including technical outfitting, catering equipment, and advanced fluid management systems. While many suppliers are based in Italy, the company also works internationally.
Among its trusted local partners, Comer Spa stands out for its remarkable flexibility and responsiveness. As a premier Km0 manufacturer of thermoplastic valves and fittings, Comer ensures rapid turnaround times and a close, highly-efficient collaboration. In these partnerships, SAVI maintains direct communication to monitor quality, production schedules and delivery timelines
“In some cases, materials are shipped directly to the shipyards,” said Mr Talamo. “This requires close coordination and on-site checks to ensure standards are met. We make sure to stay responsive, honest and reliable in this process, enabling us to remain flexible while delivering projects under tight deadlines.”
Additionally, SAVI prioritises creating a positive internal working environment. By encouraging teamwork and collaboration across departments, the company is able to deliver innovative and high-quality results. In complex and demanding projects, SAVI’s teams work together to address challenges and create solutions that meet the client’s needs.
“We work together to turn concepts into fully realised spaces,” continued Mr Talamo, in conclusion. “Projects often begin as technical plans, but as a team, we are able to transform them into functioning areas onboard. It’s a really rewarding process and I’m glad to be supported by such a motivated and knowledgeable team.”