IHI Holds Discussion with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Regarding the Messina Strait Bridge Project

On May 12, an IHI delegation including President and CEO Hiroshi Ide visited Italy to meet with Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, to exchange views on the Messina Strait Bridge construction project. The meeting was also attended by Hikiko Ono, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Italy, and Pietro Ciucci, CEO of the state-funded Stretto di Messina S.p.A. (Messina Strait Corporation).

The discussion centered on the importance and significance of the Messina Strait Bridge project, with both sides sharing the recognition that close cooperation between Japan and Italy is vital to ensure steady progress. Deputy Prime Minister Salvini, who plays a central role in driving the project, expressed his recognition of IHI as a key partner and indicated high expectations for the company's contribution.

As a company dedicated to contributing to social infrastructure development both domestically and internationally, including this project which serves as a symbol of Japan-Italy cooperation, the IHI Group remains committed to promoting the construction of next-generation infrastructure that supports a safe, secure, and comfortable society.

*1) The project involves constructing a road and railway suspension bridge across the strait between mainland Italy (Calabria) and the island of Sicily (Sicily), along with approach roads and railways on both sides. The construction period is scheduled for over 7 years from the start of work. Upon completion, it will have a central span of 3,300 meters, making it the world's longest suspension bridge, significantly surpassing the current record-holder, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey (central span: 2,023 meters). The main towers will also reach a world-record height of 399 meters.