Sea Economy: the blue engine of Italian competitiveness

Ongoing global transformations - from geopolitical tensions to energy transition and the increasing focus on sustainable development models - are directing the European Union towards new industrial policies, based on strategic supply chains capable of combining innovation, resilience and productive autonomy.

In this context, the Sea Economy emerges as one of the key sectors, thanks to its transversality and ability to generate economic, employment and environmental value along the whole chain.

Italy, in line with this vision, recognises in the valorisation of the sea resource a strategic lever for the growth of the country system. In fact, the maritime economy is a high-potential sector: with over 230,000 active enterprises, about one million employees - equal to 4.1% of total employment - and an economic value close to 180 billion euro, it contributes about 10% to the national GDP. Every euro produced by the sector activates an average of 1.8 in the rest of the economy, with peaks of 2.7 in maritime transport alone. A dynamic and integrated system that is increasingly central to Italy's sustainable development and international competitiveness.

In this scenario, we are the only employers' association representing the entire blue supply chain: shipbuilding, maritime transport, pleasure boating, fishing, tourism, mining, and port logistics. With a strategic approach and a future-oriented vision, we have started an important journey with the Technical Group on the Economy of the Sea, chaired by President Delegate Mario Zanetti. The work carried out led to the definition of a strategic positioning document that clearly identifies priorities, actions, and objectives to relaunch the sea resource in a structured and lasting way.

The document revolves around three fundamental guidelines: the strengthening of infrastructure and ports, the modernisation of carriers and fleets, and investment in skills, which are essential to accompany the transformation of the sector towards sustainable, digital and globally competitive models.

In order to officially present the document and promote a constructive dialogue between companies, institutions and all players in the supply chain, we organised a national event on 15 July 2025at the Rome headquarters.

The initiative will be attended by leading representatives of Italian and European institutions and will provide a concrete opportunity to share the strategic vision, discuss operational proposals, and reaffirm the centrality of the Maritime Economy for the country's industrial and sustainable development.