by InTrieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia region has taken a pioneering step in the nautical sector with the passage of a groundbreaking law designed to enhance sustainability and bolster economic growth. The legislation, the first of its kind in Italy, allocates €2.7 million ($2.9 million) over the next two years to advance the region’s shipbuilding and boating industries, a vital economic engine in the northeastern corner of the country.
The new law, celebrated by Regional Councillor for Productive Activities Sergio Emidio Bini, provides targeted funding to rejuvenate pleasure boats, dismantle abandoned vessels, and acquire environmentally friendly marine engines and commercial boats for tourism. “We are particularly proud that the Regional Council has recognized the importance of this measure,” Bini said during a debate in Trieste. “This legislation lays the groundwork for our nautical sector to adapt to an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.”
A Bold Vision for Growth
Friuli Venezia Giulia boasts impressive credentials in the nautical field, with significant contributions to Italy’s production and employment figures. The new law reflects a comprehensive approach to the sector’s challenges, addressing not only economic but also environmental and social concerns.
Highlights of the law include funding for marinas and docks to improve energy efficiency, incentives for sustainable manufacturing practices, and support for municipalities tasked with removing abandoned boats. Amendments introduced during the legislative debate also expanded eligibility for regional bonuses to include low-impact marine engines.
The legislation has created avenues for innovation and collaboration, including the establishment of a permanent nautical advisory panel to guide development policies and a master plan for regional moorings. The region’s labor directorate will also launch professional training programs to ensure a skilled workforce.
Building on Tradition
This forward-looking initiative is deeply rooted in Friuli Venezia Giulia’s maritime heritage. The region, nestled along the Adriatic Sea, is home to a thriving nautical tourism sector that attracts visitors from around the globe. Yet, as Bini noted, there is a need to evolve: “We are confident that this measure will grow the number of businesses, services, and jobs in our region, keeping Friuli Venezia Giulia at the forefront of Italy’s nautical industry.”
By targeting sustainability, the law seeks to modernize the sector while preserving its rich traditions. The inclusion of electric engines and sustainable tourism vessels signals an alignment with global trends, where eco-consciousness is increasingly a priority for consumers.
A Model for Italy
Bini and his team hope the initiative will serve as a model for other Italian regions. The law’s innovative features include incentives for small and medium-sized manufacturers, crucial players in the shipbuilding supply chain. The region also plans to partner with PromoTurismoFVG, a tourism development agency, to promote nautical tourism, further amplifying the sector’s economic impact.
“Thanks to the amendments approved by the Regional Council, we are creating a comprehensive framework to support the industry’s growth,” Bini said.
As Friuli Venezia Giulia sets sail on this ambitious course, it positions itself as a leader in crafting a greener, more sustainable future for Italy’s nautical sector—a legacy that could ripple far beyond its shores.
