“In a global context characterized by significant economic and geopolitical changes, the Italian recreational boating industry continues to demonstrate solidity, adaptability, and strategic vision. Dynamics remain differentiated across segments: large-scale boating is growing, the mid-range segment is holding steady, while small-scale boating is more affected by consumer confidence, which is currently dampened by complex economic conditions.” Thus Piero Formenti, president of Confindustria Nautica, opened the presentation of the studies “Nautical Industry in Figures Monitor – Trends 2025/2026,” conducted by the Confindustria Nautica Research Department and the Edison Foundation, and “Geographies of the Italian Nautical Supply Chain 2026,” edited by the Symbola Foundation, which took place on Friday, March 6 in Milan in the Edison Foundation Conference Room.
Italian Superyachts Account for 52% of Global Production
The two studies, as explained by Stefano Pagani Isnardi, Director of the Research Office of Confindustria Nautica, confirm the Italian nautical industry as one of the most significant Made in Italy manufacturing sectors, having generated over €13 billion in added value and nearly 168,000 jobs in 2024, with employment growth of 5.6%. Specifically, the survey conducted by Confindustria Nautica among its members indicates that the superyacht sector, after closing 2025 on a positive note, with 50% of companies reporting an increase in turnover compared to the previous year and 25% reporting stability, is now seeing growth rates stabilize in the current order book. This figure is also confirmed by the Superyacht Global Order Book 2026 which, despite a reduction in global orders of approximately 4% (from 1,138 to 1,093), sees the Italian share grow by 2 points, reaching 52% of the market, with a number of units equal to 568 orders.
Good news from other sectors, too
The situation is more complex in the 24-meter sector, which, despite signs of contraction in 2025, has seen a rise in the number of companies forecasting an increase in turnover for the 2025/26 nautical year, rising from 23% to 46%. A similar trend is observed in sales networks, with operators confirming improved expectations for the current nautical year. Negative estimates have risen from 62% in 2025 to 37%, while the share of those predicting stability has risen to 50%, and the number of companies forecasting revenue growth has risen to 13%. The accessories and equipment sector is also growing, with positive responses rising from 30% to 39%. The marine engines sector is also growing, with the sample estimating turnover growth from 25% to 38%, while the share of companies predicting stable turnover remains at 50%. Positive signs also emerge from leasing and rental companies. Sentiment for the current nautical year appears very positive, with 64% of the sample expecting growth in turnover. The same is true for the nautical tourism, ports, and services sectors, with 75% of companies expecting revenue growth.
Nautical Industry: A Powerful Economic Multiplier
“The nautical sector represents one of the most dynamic segments of the economy,” emphasized Domenico Sturabotti, director of the Symbola Foundation, which compiled the report “Geographies of the Italian Nautical Supply Chain 2026” for Confindustria Nautica. This report shows that shipbuilding is highly concentrated in key regions (Tuscany, Lombardy, Marche, Liguria, Campania, Piedmont, Sicily, and Lazio), which represent hubs of specialization and expertise. Furthermore, the nautical sector confirms its position as a powerful economic multiplier: for every euro produced by shipyards, a total of 5.2 euros of added value are generated, and for every worker employed in the core sector, 7.1 jobs are created along the entire sector.
Nautical Industry: A Protagonist of the “New Made in Italy”
“Italian recreational boating ranks among the world’s leading exporters and is increasingly becoming one of the spearheads of our foreign trade,” was the introduction to his speech by Professor Marco Fortis, vice president of the Edison Foundation, a scientific partner of “Nautica in Cifre.” Fortis emphasized how, despite the slowdown in US GDP (0.35% in the last quarter of 2025), world trade has continued to grow, and Italian exports have increased by 2-3%. This is thanks to what Fortis calls the “new Made in Italy,” which, alongside traditional Made in Italy sectors such as fashion, furniture, and mechanics, includes new high-value-added sectors, including recreational boating, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, eyewear, and food. This diversification represents one of the main factors of resilience of the Italian economy, as demonstrated by the fact that, although definitive data for the whole of 2025 are not yet available, exports in the sector from December 2024 to November 2025 reached 4.3 billion euros.
The Middle East Uncertainty
Finally, Fortis answered the question circulating in the Edison Foundation room, given that Italy’s exports to the Middle East as a whole represent approximately €28 billion. According to Fortis, while the ongoing war requires caution regarding its potential repercussions, the strength of the region’s major economies, from the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, makes major economic upheavals unlikely.
Emilio Martinelli
