Italy's blue economy generates 78.9 billion euros in direct value

The maritime sector, or ‘blue economy’, plays a critical role in the Italian economy, according to the XIV National Report on the Sea Economy 2026. Nationally, the sector generates 78.9 billion euros in direct added value, which expands to a total impact of 224.9 billion euros when accounting for a multiplier effect of 1.8. This maritime ecosystem represents 11.4% of Italy's total GDP.

Regional data highlights significant local impacts. In Livorno, the blue economy accounts for 44.6% of the local GDP, far exceeding the national average. The sector in Livorno involves nearly 7,000 active businesses and over 38,000 employees, generating a total economic impact of 7.1 billion euros. Key drivers in this region include the strategic logistics-port hub and the tourism-recreational sector.

In Southern Italy, the blue economy contributes 34.2% to the national total. This figure encompasses a broad range of activities including fishing, shipbuilding, maritime transport, port logistics, coastal tourism, sports, and environmental research. To further connect businesses and markets, a forum is scheduled to take place in Brindisi on October 23, involving five regions.