The Italian nautical industry remains competitive on international markets. Alessandro Gianneschi, Vice-President of Confindustria Nautica and President of the accessories and components sector, as well as Chief Executive Officer at Gianneschi Pumps and Blowers, agrees with this assessment.
“The Italian nautical sector is extremely comprehensive,” says Gianneschi. “As it encompasses the entire supply chain, every single area of the sector can organise itself independently or in synergy with other areas, adapting to market conditions year on year.”
Today, the Italian marine industry is particularly strong in the superyacht, inflatable craft and components segments. “It is also strong in the production of small, large and medium-sized yachts,” says the Vice-President of Confindustria Nautica. “In the accessories sector, Confindustria Nautica brings together all of Italy’s leading manufacturers, many of whom work in synergy. Italian production is predominantly export-oriented; this facilitates an exchange of expertise between Italian and foreign shipyards.”
Business networks and collaboration along the supply chain are important in strengthening the Italian nautical sector, but they could play a greater role.
“At Confindustria Nautica, synergistic relationships are forged between businesses, but companies also have the option of forming small groups either within Confindustria Nautica or independently,” says Gianneschi. “Many of us use components supplied by other companies. However, the focus is on the quality and value of the product, not on the development of the business itself – something that would be very important to take into account.”
Promoting “Made in Italy”
Confindustria Nautica, together with a number of companies in the sector, is pursuing a project linked to genuine “Made in Italy” production.
“At the moment there is no official network of companies, but we are working to further develop our sector and enhance synergies,” points out Gianneschi. “Confindustria Nautica helps us with collective participation in trade fairs abroad. However, there are many new markets and opportunities. That is why we are also focusing on secondary trade fairs, to tap into new areas of growth, even those not strictly linked to recreational boating.”
It is sometimes difficult to understand what “Made in Italy” really means. “To put it into practice,” notes the vice-president of Confindustria Nautica, “we need to go a step further. There is a certification called ‘100% Made in Italy’. For this certification, we have identified an external body to carry out inspections at our companies to certify the actual presence of “Made in Italy” within our system. However, this organisation does not deal specifically with the nautical sector. That is why we have set up an internal micro-working group, comprising certified companies, to take the next step: the creation of a certification body dedicated solely to the nautical sector.”
Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses have responded with great dynamism. “There has been strong market growth; a great many companies have taken steps to improve their performance and the delivery times for their products,” continues Gianneschi.
The superyacht sector and the accessories segment have seen a positive growth trend, which is continuing; manufacturers of small to medium-sized boats or inflatable craft are facing greater difficulties because growth has stalled. Clearly, accessories manufacturers working on superyachts face fewer issues; those working on inflatable craft and smaller boats have more problems and are feeling the impact of the market downturn.
Embracing unpredictability
“From an organisational perspective,” continues Gianneschi, “there is little visibility regarding production; consequently, it is difficult to plan purchases and production itself in advance. The risk is of taking home the wrong materials, or failing to make accurate forecasts because the market is moving in a different direction.”
According to the vice-president of Confindustria Nautica, Italian companies are capable of rolling up their sleeves and embracing unpredictability, but there has also been a growing focus on innovation and digitalisation. Boats feature a great deal of technology and innovation on board. They are ultra-luxury items that must be equipped with air conditioning and every conceivable comfort.
Today, however, the focus is also on efficiency and environmental sustainability, as well as fuel consumption and performance. All these elements are, at times, somewhat at odds with one another. It is important to analyse what is in demand in other markets, so that we can incorporate the necessary features into our own boats. The most significant aspect of digitalisation is that which focuses on the traceability of components, products and materials, right through to after-sales service. It is also very important to focus on services.
Sometimes product quality is taken for granted, and the choice of product is based on the availability of after-sales services, spare parts and so on, anywhere in the world.
“Component and accessory manufacturers,” concludes Gianneschi, ”can strengthen the leadership of the Italian marine industry. Specialisation has reached extreme levels. For some time now, we have not only been offering a high-quality product, but also one that stands out in terms of aesthetics, comfort and dimensions. Highlighting these aspects is essential, not least to meet the demands of foreign shipyards. In recent years, the focus has perhaps been more on quantity than on quality. If we wish to maintain our leading position, we must also look at quality and areas for improvement.”
