At the SY24 Forum, the nautical industry focuses on refits and services, but calls for more streamlined rules and trained technicians.

Sanremo (Imperia) – The nautical sector in Western Liguria is growing. Investment is active, foreign demand is solid, and shipyards are fully booked. But structural obstacles remain. Discussions among industry players at the Sanremo forum highlighted three key issues: qualified personnel, administrative time, and infrastructure. These issues were discussed during the 8th SUPER YACHT 24 Forum, which featured the first panel dedicated to "The Competitiveness of the Italian Nautical Industry in the Mediterranean Context." Approximately 200 guests, professionals from the yachting and nautical industry, represented approximately 90 companies in the sector.

The region is starting from a solid foundation. "We have numerous berths, many refit yards, and numerous agencies. It's a high-quality offering," says Paolo Della Pietra of Confindustria Imperia. The limit is training: "The biggest challenge is finding truly trained resources. We need to bring the world of entrepreneurs closer to that of schools."

Giorgio Casareto of Portosole weighs in on the investment front: "The capital is there today, but investors want certainty. Italian bureaucracy is slow and risks holding up important projects."

Geographic location remains an advantage. "We're at the center of the Mediterranean, and this creates opportunities. We offer destinations that generate flows and create supply chains," observes Barbara Amerio of Amer Yachts. But she warns, "Attracting talent is becoming increasingly difficult. We need to strengthen relations with Europe to influence regulations."

Guido Orsi of Tankoa Yachts comments on the production side: "Owners come to Italy for the flexibility they don't find in Northern Europe. Those who pay a lot don't expect the word 'no.'" He then points out a limitation in the supply chain: "Reliable suppliers are few and often always the same. We need to look for new ones." Regarding numbers, he adds: "We have 11 vessels under construction and 3-4 deliveries a year, involving around 650 people. With the integration of Otam, we will have new facilities and an operational base."

The role of crews has changed. "The captain is no longer just the one who takes the boat from A to B, but the one who manages all the services," explains Gino Battaglia of Italia Yacht Master. And regarding the Mediterranean: "We shouldn't feel like we're behind anyone. Services have improved a lot." However, the problem of turnover remains: "If young people don't receive help from shipyards and managers, we'll have fewer and fewer professionals."

Infrastructure remains an issue. "Italy currently has a competitive advantage as a destination, but we can't afford to have ports that aren't ready. Along the forty kilometers of coastline near France, some are incomplete," says Riccardo Ciani of Med Yacht Services. But he also recognizes a strength: "Italy's flexibility in providing services remains superior to many competitors."

Ezio Vannucci of Moores Rowland Partners comments on the regulatory aspect: "The nautical industry has specific characteristics that are difficult to explain to regulators, and therefore obtaining clarifications and simplifications takes time. Confindustria Nautica (Naval Industry Confederation) is working on this daily and has been developing and distributing a Nautical Tax & Customs Guide for years, aiming to help operators and shipowners navigate the regulations. Unfortunately, many shipowners today choose foreign registries like Malta for lower costs and less bureaucracy. The Italian registry is losing its unity, and this is a worrying trend. It's up to the institutions, first and foremost, to understand the strength of the nautical sector and help relaunch our flag."

Sustainability. Orsi urges caution: "It's a trendy topic, but there's still no clarity on which technology to adopt. The industry needs time and investment because every yacht is custom." Amerio offers concrete examples: "We collaborate with Volvo Penta and share results with other shipyards. Research doesn't increase sales, but it differentiates you."

Refits are emerging as a strategic lever. Casareto observes that "all the major shipbuilders have refit divisions with growing numbers. With the start of the state concession, Portosole has become competitive again. In terms of shipbuilding, I hope to be able to open a gas station by the end of the week." Demand is strong and the reputation is high. But without trained technicians, faster processes, and coordinated policies, the competitive advantage risks diminishing.

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