A €209 million project for Marina di Imperia

The future of Imperia's marina is the focus of renewed interest, with an ambitious €209 million revitalization project promising to transform the city into a premier destination for pleasure boating. SUPER YACHT 24 met with Stefano Gandolfo, outgoing CEO of Go Imperia, and Alberto Caprile, the port's technical director, to shed light on the details of this long-awaited development.

Dr. Gandolfo, let's start with your announced resignation as sole director of Go Imperia. What are the reasons for this at such a crucial time for the port's future?

Stefano Gandolfo: My decision is not the result of disagreements with the municipal administration, but rather the conclusion of my term, which coincides with a crucial phase for the port's future: the concession renewal. Given the complexity and sensitivity of this imminent process, I felt it appropriate to make way for a new management with a broader mandate. This will allow the incoming management to dedicate itself full-time to all the preparatory procedures for the issuance of the multi-decade concession, which is essential to completing the project.

The Imperia marina's revitalization project is ambitious. Could you outline its strategic pillars, with a particular focus on the possibility of hosting superyachts?

SG “Our project to revitalize the Marina di Imperia is rooted in overcoming the critical issues inherited from the previous management. Starting with the temporary concession obtained from the Municipality, our goal is to transform it into a multi-decade concession, a crucial timeframe for the full completion of the project. Despite operational management since 2014, characterized by annual renewals and significant challenges such as the lack of basic infrastructure, the port has proven remarkably attractive, with an average occupancy rate of 60-70% and the presence of sizable yachts.

Starting from the original, incomplete project for the Imperia marina, we turned to a Turin-based engineering firm that completely reworked it with an innovative vision to enhance the quality of services and facilities, introducing key innovations such as the expansion of moorings for large vessels and what will be one of our strengths: an exclusive yacht club on a peninsula with excellent services. The project also includes infrastructure projects for the community, including the sewer system and the bridge over the Impero River that will connect the marina to the town of Oneglia; all elements that pave the way for a comprehensive, high-quality project that will greatly benefit the local area.

Director Caprile, can you give us more details on the project's specific features for superyachts?

Alberto Caprile: The yacht club will be the hub for owners and captains of maxi yachts, a private area accessible by badge, capable of hosting vessels from 24 to 80 meters. It's a truly separate area designed to offer exclusivity and dedicated services. The yacht club will include luxury residences and a 5-star hotel, with a dock opposite where tenders can be conveniently moored. Furthermore, seven berths ranging from 75 to 80 meters will be available in the inner breakwater area, and two 90-meter berths in the easternmost area of ​​the port.

What is the total value of the investment and how is the area distributed?

AC The total value of the project is €209 million, of which €156 million is earmarked for real estate. Regarding the area as a whole, we're talking about a project that includes, in addition to a total of 1.256 berths, the construction of a 5-star hotel, luxury and residential units, craft modules for nautical activities, housing for government personnel, and a 7500-square-meter shipyard, including an additional project for two warehouses with a total volume of 20.000 cubic meters.

What is the expected timeframe for its completion?

SG We expect the work to take approximately seven years to complete, starting from the moment we obtain the multi-decade concession. We are currently awaiting the response from the Ministry of Economic Development (MESE) on the environmental impact assessment, which should arrive by early June. If the outcome is positive, we expect to obtain the concession by October, which will lead to the urban planning agreement and building permits. The assignment of the various lots to third parties could begin in 2026.

Have you already received interest from investors in this project?

SG “Yes, we have received expressions of interest from four or five large groups, including a completely Italian fund, partnerships between Italian and foreign groups, and interest from a British holding company.”

Imperia seems to be positioning itself as a major destination for luxury nautical tourism. What's your vision for the port's future?

SG Our ambition is to transform Imperia into a nautical hub of excellence and a prime destination for luxury tourism, with a particular focus on the superyacht segment. With an exclusive Yacht Club, cutting-edge services, modern infrastructure, and a strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, we aim to make Imperia an international hub for shipowners and captains. This transformation is therefore destined to generate significant positive economic benefits for the entire region, boosting employment, trade, and the image of our city. The future Imperia Marina will be a prestigious project and a driving force for the growth and well-being of the community.

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