A 216-meter superyacht under construction and a green challenge at the new Amer Yachts shipyard in Pisa.

The site of the recent conference on Tuscan yachting, the new Amer Yachts facility in Navicelli, Pisa, the result of a €20 million investment, is positioned as an industrial hub for advanced manufacturing and complex systems integration. On the sidelines of the conference, SUPER YACHT 24 met with Barbara Amerio, CEO of the shipyard, to discuss the brand's new strategy: a path focused on the development of large metal constructions and the eco-efficiency of the supply chain.

Barbara Amerio, the construction site is impressive at first glance: what are the numbers and industrial mission of this new hub?

We're looking at a 5.000-square-meter covered facility out of a total surface area of ​​15.000 square meters. The height exceeds 20 meters, an extraordinary measure that allows us to build superyacht decks entirely indoors. Moving such large structures is complex, but we employ highly specialized workers. Our goal is to consolidate a niche shipyard: we're not looking for large numbers, but for extremely high quality and a strong focus on customization, focusing on metal, a material that allows for this, and we've concentrated this supply chain primarily here in Pisa.

Production is currently underway on four orders: a 74-meter giant started in 2021, two 50-meter units, and the new 42-meter vessel due for delivery this year.”

Is there room in your development plans in Pisa for work under 30 meters?  

"If we get production going well, the idea is to seek synergies with our colleagues in the area to expand construction, as we recently did with Seven Star for the latest models. We're not abandoning the composite series, but we want to bring you significant innovations in format and material hybridization."

The new 42-meter vessel introduces pod propulsion on metal: an unconventional technical choice. What response do you expect from the market?

"It will be a world exclusive that we will present at the three autumn boat shows: it is the first metal vessel to feature a pod propulsion system; an application that represents an engineering record. Compared to fiberglass, we are talking about hulls that sail at lower speeds, but which will achieve significant fuel savings thanks to intelligent energy management, delivered only on demand. This is a performance in real-world consumption that, at this time, only we can guarantee in this segment."

The circular economy was a hot topic during the conference. How can sustainability be reconciled with the heavy-duty shipbuilding of large vessels?

On large hulls, fuel consumption is reduced by working on the superstructure, reducing the amount of traditional composites and combining aluminum with new-generation materials, such as basalt fibers, thermoplastic resins, and recycled PET cores from plastic bottles. Basalt is not lighter overall, but being much stronger allows for the use of less thickness for the same performance.

The real advantage is the end-of-life aspect: this composite sandwich, already approved by RINA for structural use, allows for the complete separation of materials by heating them in a furnace, before they can be reintroduced into the economic cycle. To support this vision, we are preparing an innovative materials library based on Life Cycle Assessment, which we will make available to designers, clients, and the students we welcome on internships.

You're about to complete your largest superyacht yet, and you've invested in this site partly because of its potential. How do you manage relocations, and what prospects does the Navicelli Canal offer?

The 74-meter metal construction is done using blocks assembled on site. Once assembled, the vessel moves overland to the water and reaches the partners' facilities for completion, while the smaller vessels leave the ship fully finished. Our real current limitation, however, remains the infamous highway bridge.

The old "tank" project, currently being redesigned, would allow for the greater draft needed for transiting boats immediately, while the other works are being completed. There's little talk about it today, but the two solutions—the tank and the new Calambrone Bridge for direct access to the sea—must proceed in parallel; one can't do one or the other. If we want to focus on the nautical industry, we need to urgently invest in infrastructure, to give full autonomy to a world-leading district.

What are the next logistical steps, and how will this investment be integrated into the local fabric?

"Currently, we're missing the office building, which will complete the project along with the outdoor areas. As soon as it's ready, we'll hold an official inauguration to open the doors to the city. In the meantime, we appreciate the institutional support of the Tuscany Region during this initial phase.

Our market thrives on exports: we bring international clients to discover the Pisa district's subcontracting, and we're accustomed to fostering dialogue between industry and the local community. Building on the goals of the 2030 Agenda, once we're established, our intention is precisely to engage with local institutions and associations. We want a portion of the profits generated here to return here, funding concrete initiatives: from water sports to supporting female entrepreneurship and startups, to scientific research with local universities.

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