Italy’s economic sectors linked to the sea have contributed 2.6% of national GDP, producing goods and services exceeding €39.5 billion each year and employing approximately 500,000 people.

From 2004 to 2009, these maritime sectors saw a total employment growth of 30%.

"Even in a moment of crisis, Italy is among the leaders in Europe,” concludes Censis’ fourth report on Italy’s economy of the sea. Censis, an Italian social research institute based in Rome, were commissioned by the Federation of Italian Maritime Systems and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan to produce the reports.

The report focuses on economic sectors such as: shipping, fishing, shipbuilding, yachting and port activities and infrastructure.

Italy holds first place in Europe for imports by sea with 185.4 million tonnes. It is also third for exports, trailing Germany and Holland by a narrow margin. In the ferry and cruise market, Italy is in first place for passenger traffic, with 6.7 million passengers processed last year. According to 2009 data, the maritime transport sector plays a leading role in Italy’s GDP with a total turnover during the survey period of €103.3 billion, followed by maritime port logistics and auxiliary transport with €6.7 billion.

The Censis report foresees a "moderately expansive framework" in the future regarding Italy’s flow of goods by sea, after a decline of 14.0% in 2009 and a subsequent partial recovery of 6.3% in 2010. In particular, trade with China and Hong Kong will increase to over 20 million tonnes by 2015, as well as a forecasted increase in activity in the Southern Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Persian Gulf.

Matteo Bianchi

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