Shipbuilding and the marine industry: rising revenues but a shortage of staff
The Italian yacht and shipbuilding industry are experiencing significant growth in revenue and exports, with turnover expected to rise by 2026. However, a new report highlights a pressing issue in the sector: the struggle to recruit staff.
Revenue and Exports Set to Increase in 2026
According to a recent survey by Mediobanca, the Italian shipbuilding industry has seen a remarkable increase in turnover over the past decade, growing by 115.8%. This growth outperformed other segments of the transport sector, with exports rising by 122.9% and domestic sales by 100.5%. The sector’s ability to generate added value also saw a substantial increase of 134.9%.
The survey, which involved 141 manufacturing firms with turnovers exceeding 10 million euros, predicts a 2.6% increase in revenue for 2026. This growth is mainly attributed to a projected 3.2% increase in exports, while the domestic market is expected to grow by 1.2%. The report emphasizes the sector’s capacity for international growth and its ability to navigate a complex global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and volatility.
The 141 companies monitored in the study closed 2025 with a total turnover of 14.8 billion euros, reflecting a 10.8% increase from the previous year. Around 65% of these sales came from overseas markets, highlighting the industry’s strong international presence. Additionally, employment in the sector has risen by 6.9%, indicating a strengthening of production capacity.
Challenges in Workforce Recruitment
Despite the positive growth outlook, the Italian shipbuilding industry is facing a significant challenge in recruiting staff. The report reveals that 91% of companies in the sector are struggling to find skilled employees. Looking ahead to 2026, 52% of businesses anticipate an increase in turnover, while 29% foresee a decline in sales. This workforce shortage poses a major constraint on the sector’s competitiveness, echoing a broader issue faced by Italian companies.
In conclusion, while the Italian yacht and shipbuilding industry continue to thrive in terms of revenue and exports, the pressing issue of workforce recruitment looms large. As the sector looks towards future growth and international expansion, addressing the human capital bottleneck will be crucial to sustaining its momentum in the years to come.
