MARITIME
Italian Maritime Sector Overview
With over 8,000 km of coastline and one of Europe’s largest merchant fleets, Italy plays a pivotal role in global maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and port operations. The sector remains a cornerstone of Italy’s economy, driving innovation, exports, and sustainable growth across the blue economy.
Within the nautical industry, boatbuilding represents Italy’s strongest subsector, establishing Italian shipyards as global benchmarks for excellence in yacht design, engineering, and sustainability.
Italy is accelerating the green and digital transformation of its maritime sector in line with the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55. National priorities include port electrification and shore power, energy-efficient vessels and retrofitting, digitalisation of port and logistics operations, and the uptake of alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and green hydrogen.
Under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), approximately EUR 9.2 billion are allocated to ports and logistics, with a significant share dedicated to the green transition of ports and the maritime sector (over 4 billion EUR). The MFA 2025 maritime feasibility study confirms that Italy is moving from planning to implementation, with 44 shore-power projects funded across over 30 ports, and increasing engagement by shipowners in fuel-ready newbuilds and EU-backed pilot projects.
The study highlights clear opportunities for international technology providers, particularly in shore power systems, ship energy efficiency, smart and digital ports, and alternative-fuel readiness. Italy’s strong institutional commitment and the growing engagement of port authorities and shipowners further increase demand for mature, scalable solutions—areas where Danish companies have strong competitive advantages.
Key Maritime Opportunities for Collaboration
The Embassy actively supports Danish companies in Italy, within the maritime sector, promoting collaboration between Danish and Italian stakeholders across the blue economy. The Embassy facilitates partnerships, provides market insights, and identifies opportunities for sustainable growth and technological innovation in key focus areas:
- Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting – Innovation in vessel design, propulsion systems, energy efficiency, and emission reduction supporting both newbuilds and the upgrade of existing fleets.
- Maritime and Port Infrastructure - Modernisation of ports and terminals, including electrification, grid integration, digital and data-driven port management systems, and resilient maritime infrastructure enabling efficient and low-emission operations.
- Green Fuels – Development of shore power, green fuel production, bunkering infrastructure, dual-fuel engines, and energy-efficiency solutions supporting the deployment of alternative maritime fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
Building on its sector expertise, the Embassy works closely with Italian port authorities, maritime clusters, and relevant institutions to develop targeted initiatives that foster industrial cooperation, promote Danish know-how and technological strengths, and support a sustainable, innovative, and competitive maritime sector in Italy.
Contact the Maritime Team
Our Maritime Advisers offers tailored support to Danish companies with strategic insights, stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and public affairs counselling. For detailed opportunities and assistance in navigating the Italian maritime market, contact our advisers Michela Brunozzi and Rino Festi.