The pleasure boating sector in Italy is preparing to close 2025 with an estimated turnover of 8.6 billion euros, confirming a key sector of the National Blue Economy. The esteem comes from the North East North East Operators Association, which has processed the data of Confindustria Nautica, Assomarinas and Unioncamere. The analysis was made public in the week of the Genoa Nautical Salone, an international event that celebrates Italy as the leader of the sector.
A growth higher than the national average
According to Claudio Denzi, president of the Association:
The wealth produced by this supply chain, with its 230 thousand companies and with 1.1 million employed, increased by 16% against 6.6% of the total economy: 2.5 times more.
The push comes mainly from the shipbuilding of the Superyachts, in which Italy holds over 50% of global orders, and the expected increase in port services with a +1.5% of boat sends and +3.2% of moorings in transit.
The ranking of the Regions
The analysis of the Association, arrived a few days after the Nautical Salone 2025, takes as reference infrastructure and entrepreneurial indicators, developing a regional ranking based on berths and number of companies in the blue supply chain. On the podium are:
- Liguria – 16,700 berths and 9,100 companies, for an estimated value of 1.29 billion euros (14.99%);
- Sardinia – 15,671 seats and 9,800 companies, for 1.21 billion euros (14.07%);
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia-11,313 seats and 5,100 companies, for 873.58 million euros (10.16%).
The ranking continues with:
- Campania – 10,775 seats and 32,741 companies, for 832.03 million;
- Sicily – 10,519 seats and 28,807 companies, for 812.26 million;
- Tuscany – 10,208 seats and 9,400 companies, for 788.25 million;
- Puglia – 8,700 seats and 12,800 companies, for 671.80 million;
- Veneto – 7,200 seats and 8,700 companies, for 555.97 million;
- Lazio – 5,456 seats and 34,851 companies, for 421.31 million;
- Calabria – 4,200 seats and 11,200 companies, for 324.32 million.
A strategic asset of Made in Italy
The regional distribution, calculated in proportion to the number of berths, represents an indicator of the reception capacity and territorial economic potential. Although indicative of nature, the estimate offers a realistic picture of the economic impact of nautical at local level.
“Nautical is certainly a strategic asset of tourism and Made in Italy. In this area Sardinia and more the Maddalena archipelago can be a laboratory of excellence. Only a more rigorous protection and more intelligent management is needed. We are ready, with investments and responsibilities, but we ask for the same rules and the same penalty for everyone,” said Denzi.
The case of the North East Sardinia
Just in the North East of Sardinia, a significant share of port infrastructures and dental activities are concentrated.
Here is 43.5% of the island ports and 66% of the places for Maxi and Giga-Yacht, which are joined by over 1,600 companies active in the sector, of which 587 only in Gallura. It is an entrepreneurial fabric that integrates shipbuilding, charter, refits and services, representing a vital element for the local economy and for the entire national sector.
