The Blue Economy drives growth: Liguria is the national leader

Liguria confirms itself as Italy’s leading region in terms of the incidence of the Blue Economy, standing out for the highest concentration of businesses and employment linked to the sea. This leadership strengthens the strategic role of Genoa as the national capital of the maritime economy and a key hub for investors and industry operators.

Following the initiative by Confindustria, which chose Genoa as the first stop of its tour dedicated to maritime capitals, a report by BPER Banca (the group that has incorporated Banca Carige) also confirms the central importance of the sector.

According to the study “Blue Economy: a strategic driver for the growth of the Italian economy,” the sector includes a total of 232,841 companies, 1.09 million employees, and a direct added value of €76.6 billion, accounting for about 4% of the national total. In the European context, Italy ranks third in terms of added value and employment, standing out for a diversified model capable of integrating tourism, logistics, and industry.

Among the main strengths is shipbuilding: in this field, the country ranks second in the European Union in terms of added value, with a turnover exceeding €16 billion and around 32,000 workers employed. The leading player is Fincantieri, a global leader in cruise ship construction, responsible for over 50% of global production.

The study by BPER Banca’s Research and Innovation Department also identifies the main development directions, namely enhancing existing excellence—from shipbuilding to logistics, including coastal tourism—and new investments in technologically advanced growth paths. Key priorities include strengthening logistics and port infrastructure, accelerating investments in innovative sectors, and achieving greater integration between industrial, environmental, and territorial cohesion policies.

The centrality of Liguria and Genoa in the Blue Economy highlights the region’s role as a strategic hub for businesses and investors, in what is increasingly considered a key industry for the country’s development.

Written by: Arianna Morello

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