The sea is no longer just a natural resource for Italy – it has become a major industrial and economic system with measurable impact on growth, employment, and competitiveness. Recent data show that the country’s blue economy generates €76.6 billion in direct added value, equal to about 4% of national output, while the broader economic impact – including supply chains and indirect effects – rises to €216.7 billion, or roughly 11.3% of GDP.
This ecosystem includes more than 232,000 companies and employs around 1.09 million people, placing Italy among Europe’s leading maritime economies, currently ranking third in the EU for both value added and employment.
