Amerio (Permare): "This is how the Mediterranean shipyards are restarting in Bussana di Sanremo."

The nautical industry's golden age involves both new boat construction and refitting and maintenance activities, with the megayacht sector leading the way.
The resumption of operations at Cantieri del Mediterraneo in Bussana, just outside Sanremo, is further evidence of this, and the fact that existing entrepreneurs are finding external partners willing to invest in the nautical industry is truly a welcome development.
Barbara Amerio, CEO of Permare of Sanremo, the parent company of Cantieri del Mediterraneo Srl, which is part of the nautical industry, tells SUPER YACHT 24 about the history of this production site in Western Liguria.

What is the history of the Bussana construction site?

In fact, this area was the birthplace of Permare as a shipyard, as the site was already active in the 1960s and was purchased in the 1980s by the Amerio family. The shipyard initially built new Amer-branded yachts in the 1980s and 1990s before relocating to Tuscany, in addition to boat storage. In the 2000s, we managed to renovate the warehouse and facilities, but its proximity to the sea was even excessive, as it was exposed to rough seas, with waves lapping against it, and
therefore no longer in safe conditions.

How did you manage to restart the business?

Also thanks to the entry of a new partner, the Maggiali family, with whom we share vision and also origin, given that it is a family business like ours in which the new
generation has joined the previous one. We are 50% partners and even if they come from other sectors outside of the nautical sector, one of the family members, Beatrice, is
directly involved in the new project with us.

What investment are we talking about?

Several million, a double-digit number. We also used them to purchase a 430-ton travel lift, replacing the old 130-ton one, which is essential for moving the megayachts we've identified as our target, namely those up to 55 meters, of which the Côte d'Azur and Western Liguria area is abundant. Including the subcontractors in the area, today
about fifty people, mostly highly specialized operators.

New constructions and refits: does the Permare group intend to increasingly integrate the two activities?

Yes, that's the idea. For the construction of new Amer-branded superyachts, we use an area in Viareggio, primarily due to the size of the molds to be handled. For refits, the Bussana site is perfect and also lends itself to high-value work, such as the restoration of vintage hulls. The first vessel we're working on at Cantieri del Mediterraneo is a 50-meter.

What are the business plans, in light of these developments?

First of all, we would like to expand further and we have already identified other spaces which we are discussing with the municipality of Sanremo: the Coastal Plan, moreover, already identifies them as areas to be
to develop the shipbuilding industry. In Bussana we can accommodate up to twenty winged units and, relying mainly on word of mouth between shipowners and captains, we believe we can attract a
high-level international clientele.

What relationships do you have with public bodies?

I must say that the collaboration was excellent, and I'm not just talking about the municipality of Sanremo. The municipality of Ospedaletti, for example, helped us to allow us to transport some manufactured goods by sea to Bussana.
cement that had been lying unused in their marina, and the Harbour Master's Office was also involved in the transportation phases, demonstrating sensitivity and great coordination. The Region involved in the project also recognized the great potential for development and related industries. A virtuous example of public-private collaboration.

Let's close with some numbers: how did last year pan out, and what are your predictions for the coming years?

The trend is favorable for the nautical industry and the Permare group is benefiting from it, like everyone else. We calculate our turnover over a two-year period and we closed 2020-2021 with approximately 25 million.
Revenues. The outlook is very good as our newbuilding orderbook is full through 2023, with five superyacht deliveries expected.

She's a female entrepreneur, and there aren't many in the nautical industry. What's the situation like for women in the workforce?

I must say that we have many women working for us, more than the industry average. There is an increasing demand for various figures specialized in STEM subjects where women can also be employed.
employed in positions of responsibility, from engineering to digital, and we will need new profiles soon. I hope that women will increasingly become involved in the nautical sector, thanks also to the support
of schools and training centers, in addition to the scholarships we are funding. The timing is truly propitious, and the career opportunities are attractive, especially in our area, which benefits from its proximity to the French Riviera and the presence of large new ports like Imperia and Ventimiglia, which can now adequately accommodate megayachts. Not to mention the new project for the Old Port of Sanremo.

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