The economy related to the sea continues to prove itself as one of the pillars of national development. With over 232,000 active businesses and almost 1.1 million employees, the Italian maritime economic system produces 76.6 billion in direct added value. But it is when looking at the induced effects that the magnitude of the phenomenon is perceived: the overall effect on the economy rises to 216.7 billion euros, equivalent to over 11% of the national GDP.
A sector growing more than twice the Italian average
The blue sector marks a 15.9% growth in added value, more than double the national average increase, which stands at 6.6%. In just one year, the weight of the sea economy on the total has risen by over one percentage point, consolidating an expansive trend that is now structural. The economic multiplier is also stable: every euro invested in maritime sectors generates 1.8 euros of additional wealth in other productive areas.
Employment soars: +7.7% compared to the national +1.9%
Even on the employment front, the sea does not disappoint: employment grows by 7.7%, a pace four times higher than that of the Italian economy as a whole. The sector thus confirms itself as a powerful catalyst for stable and qualified employment, particularly in the port, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, and integrated logistics sectors.
Businesses on the rise, despite the national trend
While in Italy the total number of businesses shows a negative sign (-2.4%), the sea economy goes against the trend: between 2022 and 2024, businesses in the sector have grown by +2%, strengthening a lively, innovative, and attractive entrepreneurial ecosystem for investments.
The Report shedding light on Blue Italy
This growth is narrated by the XIII National Report on the Sea Economy, drafted by Ossermare – Centro Studi Tagliacarne, Unioncamere, Informare, Chamber of Commerce Frosinone Latina, and Blue Forum Italia Network. The report was presented on July 9 in Rome, at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, at the opening of the 4th National Summit on the Sea Economy Blue Forum.
The blue path of development
While many sectors struggle to consolidate the recovery, the sea economy establishes itself as one of the country's strategic assets. A transversal, resilient sector capable of generating real, sustainable, and widespread growth. From the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian, the future also passes through the sea.
