There are 172,000 berths in Italia, but only 2 per cent are reserved for
Italy, renowned for its rich maritime heritage and exceptional shipbuilding craftsmanship, is facing a challenge in catering to the increasing demand for berths for superyachts exceeding 24 meters in length. According to recent statistics, only 2 percent of Italy’s 172,000 berths are allocated to vessels of this size, with Liguria and Tuscany holding the majority of capacity dedicated to superyachts in this category. This imbalance in allocation raises concerns as the segment of vessels over 24 meters continues to drive the yachting industry, underpinning Italy’s global leadership in constructing large pleasure craft.
Insufficient Berth Allocation Hinders Industry Growth
A recent study titled Yachting tourism and economic contribution, jointly developed by Confindustria Nautica and Deloitte and presented at the Genoa Boat Show, sheds light on the current scenario. The study reveals a declining trend in the number of vessels under 10 meters, with an average annual decrease of 3.7 percent. In contrast, vessels between 18 and 24 meters and superyachts have seen a modest growth of 0.7 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively, from 2021 to the present.
Improvements on the Horizon: New Moorings and Growing Superyacht Fleet
Despite the challenges, there is optimism on the horizon, with approximately 24,000 new moorings under construction across Italy. Roberto Perocchio, president of Assomarinas, highlights this positive development, indicating a step towards addressing the berth scarcity issue.
The global superyacht fleet, comprising around 10,900 vessels, has seen an average annual growth rate of 4.1 percent since 2018. Of these, approximately 2,200 have navigated along the Italian coastline, with a significant majority flying foreign flags. Notably, year-round superyachts flying the Italian flag spend a substantial amount of time in Italy, particularly in Liguria, generating significant annual expenditure compared to foreign seasonal vessels.
Prime Destinations for Superyachts in Italy
Italy’s allure as a premier yachting destination is evident, with destinations like the Costa Smeralda, the Gulf of Olbia, Capri, the Gulf of Tigullio, and the Amalfi Coast ranking high among seasonal superyacht stopovers. Liguria emerges as a key hub for large year-round yachts, with the Riviera dei Fiori, Genoa, and the Gulf of La Spezia witnessing a high influx of these impressive vessels.
As Italy navigates through the challenges posed by the evolving yachting industry, stakeholders are working towards enhancing infrastructure and expanding berthing facilities to maintain the country’s prominent position in the global maritime landscape.
