The industrial district of La Spezia in Liguria has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading centers for luxury yachting, evolving from a traditional naval port into a global reference point for high-end marine manufacturing.
Today, approximately 26% of global yacht and megayacht production takes place in the La Spezia area, a striking figure that highlights the city’s strategic importance within the international nautical industry. This concentration of production is the result of a highly specialized industrial district that blends design excellence, advanced manufacturing, and a growing commitment to sustainability.
The backbone of this success is a dense and diversified network of shipyards operating along the Gulf of La Spezia and the Miglio Blu, a coastal zone dedicated entirely to nautical activities. Major players include Fincantieri Yachts, a global leader in the construction of large custom yachts, as well as historic and internationally recognized brands such as Baglietto, Cantieri Navali del Golfo, Sanlorenzo, and Riva. These companies specialize in luxury vessels typically ranging from 30 to over 100 meters in length, with production processes that are highly customized and can take more than 24 months from design to delivery. Each yacht is effectively a one-off project, involving hundreds of skilled workers and a long chain of specialized suppliers.
Alongside new builds, refit and maintenance activities represent a fast-growing segment of the local economy. Lusben, part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, has made La Spezia one of the Mediterranean’s most important refit hubs, capable of handling large yachts and megayachts year-round. Refit operations are estimated to generate close to 35% of the district’s total nautical revenue, driven by the aging of global fleets and the increasing technical complexity of modern vessels. Owners are investing more in upgrades, efficiency improvements, and interior refits, often returning to La Spezia for its expertise and infrastructure.
Supporting the shipyards is an ecosystem of more than 400 small and medium-sized companies specializing in marine systems, interiors, propulsion, electronics, coatings, and advanced materials. This supply chain is one of the district’s greatest strengths, allowing shipyards to source high-quality components locally and reduce production times. Employment in the nautical sector now represents a significant share of the local workforce, with thousands of jobs tied directly or indirectly to yacht construction and services.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, growth is expected to continue, supported by major infrastructure investments. One of the most important projects is the development of the new nautical hub at Pagliari. This complex will include a dry marina, large industrial sheds, and upgraded logistics areas designed to support both construction and refit activities. Once fully operational in 2026, the Pagliari hub is expected to accommodate more than 100 yachts at the same time and generate hundreds of additional skilled jobs, reinforcing La Spezia’s role as a long-term industrial center.
Business development and international networking are also key elements of the district’s expansion. Events such as B2B Mare La Spezia have become central meeting points for the nautical supply chain. The most recent edition involved 280 companies and resulted in over 800 scheduled B2B meetings, a clear sign of the sector’s vitality. Due to rising participation and demand, organizers are planning to extend the event starting in 2025, further enhancing La Spezia’s visibility on the global stage.
Sustainability is increasingly shaping the future of the district. Shipyards are investing in hybrid and low-emission propulsion systems, energy-efficient hull designs, and sustainable materials, responding to both market expectations and regulatory pressure. Port authorities and local institutions are supporting this transition with shore power infrastructure and initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and environmental impact.
La Spezia’s position as a global yachting hub is the result of coordinated industrial vision rather than isolated success stories. By combining world-class shipyards, a robust supplier network, skilled labor, and strategic planning, the city has become a benchmark for luxury nautical production. As global demand for custom yachts continues to grow, La Spezia appears well positioned to remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
