Italy’s marine industry closed 2025 with mixed results but growing signs of stabilization, according to a forecast presented at the Confindustria Nautica annual assembly last week. The superyacht sector remained a standout, with 50% of companies forecasting turnover growth and Italy increasing its share of the global order book to 53%, despite a decline in worldwide orders.
“Forecasts for the current nautical year, net of the well-known current critical issues on the international stage, thus appear encouraging for the Italian boating industry and its supply chain,” the industry association said in a statement.
Performance in the under-24-meter segment remained pressured in 2025, with more than half of companies reporting declining turnover, the statement said. However, expectations improve for the 2025-26 nautical year, with nearly half of respondents forecasting growth. A similar shift in sentiment was reported among dealers, engine manufacturers and components suppliers, where forecasts show a gradual move from contraction toward stability and growth.
Leasing and rental companies delivered the strongest results, with 57% of respondents reporting turnover growth in 2025 and nearly two-thirds expecting further gains in the current nautical year.
Confindustria Nautica said autumn shows, including the Genoa International Boat Show, have reflected renewed confidence driven by new models and evolving market demand. The association noted that “signs of a recovery expected for the two-year period 2026-2027 have already become evident,” reinforcing a cautiously optimistic outlook for the Italian boating industry.
