Port expansions and new yacht construction – key to Le Marche yachting industry
Latest developments, export predictions, and the future of luxury yachting in the Marche region, Italy, was top of the discussion bill at the Sailing Towards the Future – The Luxury Yachting Industry in the Marche Region conference held on 28 February. The conference also drew focus to port masterplans (see below).
During the event, which was organised by the Marche Yachting & Cruising Association, a research study conducted by the Polytechnic University of Marche provided an overview of the current state of the shipbuilding and yachting sector in the region. The data highlighted Italy’s leadership in luxury yacht construction, showing a significant increase in both the number of employees and revenue.
The entire supply chain employs over 10,000 people and has recorded strong growth in exports, particularly to the US and non-EU countries. Forecasts for the 2024-2026 period indicate a further 6 per cent increase in turnover.
Beyond production, significant attention was given to the topic of mooring facilities. The Marche region, with its 180 km of coastline, plans to develop seven ports to encourage both refitting and nautical tourism. The potential for moorings for large yachts is estimated between 123 and 164 berths for vessels ranging from 30 to over 80 metres, with 61 berths for yachts between 30 and 80 metres available in the short term.
The Le Marche yachting industry conference brought together companies from the sector and institutions for a discussion on the prospects and needs of the industry, with the common goal of strengthening its competitiveness and promoting its growth.
Members of the Marche Yachting & Cruising Association including Sandro Bruni (Palumbo Superyachts), Ennio Cecchini (Cantiere delle Marche), Daniele De Tullio (Italia Yachts), Gianluca Fenucci (CPN), Gioia Furlanetto (Furlanetto International), Fulvio Luise (Luise Group), Bruno Piantini (Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard), Fabio Fraternale (Wider), Alessandro Massari (Massari Design), and Francesco Pelizza (AMS Italia), also discussed the needs of marine companies for further success.
Yacht construction facilities in Le Marche
A key issue raised was the need for adequate spaces for yacht construction, to avoid outsourcing, along with increasingly specialised training to ensure a qualified workforce. Solid infrastructure, efficient logistics, and the enhancement of the airport and transport networks are fundamental elements for the structured growth of the sector. Additionally, the importance of promoting tourism and culture to foster a welcoming mindset for high-end international clients was emphasized. On this point, Fulvio Luise provided data showcasing the attractiveness of the Marche region for high-spending tourism.
The institutions present acknowledged the sector’s requests and demonstrated a willingness to support businesses with concrete measures.
The Regional Department for Training, represented by Stefano Aguzzi, emphasised the importance of dual education pathways that combine theory and practice, while the Regional Education Office, represented by professor Carmina Laura Giovanna Pinto, highlighted the need to bring students closer to the job market, including the reorganisation of some school programs into four-year courses. The Ancona Chamber of Commerce, represented by president Gino Sabatini, reiterated its commitment to fostering synergies and promoting internationalisation, announcing new vouchers for 2024.
Ancona’s deputy mayor, Giovanni Zinni, stressed the need to fill the narrative gap surrounding the city by enhancing its excellence, including luxury yacht manufacturing. He reaffirmed Ancona’s readiness to strengthen its economic role within the region and underscored the importance of the new master plan, a tool that will support businesses and drive local economic development.
The regional minister for economic development, Andrea Maria Antonini, confirmed the region’s support for businesses through dedicated grants and resources. He also highlighted the progress of the airport towards internationalisation despite initial challenges, recognising its strategic importance for the entire sector.
The Central Adriatic Sea Port System Authority’s president Vincenzo Garofalo confirmed that the port’s master plan is in its finalisation phase, with special attention given to luxury yachting. The development of mooring facilities requires an in-depth study of seabeds and environmental compatibility but Ancona’s port is set to become an increasingly important hub for shipbuilding and nautical tourism.
Further momentum was provided by Hon. Carlo Ciccioli, who emphasised the potential of the Adriatic-Baltic corridor as a strategic opportunity for trade and economic development in the Marche region. Admiral Vincenzo Vitale, commander of the Maritime Directorate of the Marche and the Port Authority, also expressed his support for initiatives that promote nautical tourism, stressing the need for efficient organisational decisions.
It is hoped the event has drawn renewed focus on luxury yachting in the Marche economy, laying the foundation for a more structured dialogue between businesses and institutions.
The Marche Yachting & Cruising Association says it renews its commitment to enhancing and promoting this sector, with the goal of making the Marche region a recognised excellence at the regional, national, and international levels.
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