The 22nd edition of the SNIM – Puglia Boat Show, sponsored by Confindustria Nautica, was officially opened yesterday. The event runs until 26 October at the Marina di Brindisi, featuring 180 exhibitors and more than 300 boats displayed across 20,000 square metres of exhibition space.
During the opening ceremony, SNIM President Giuseppe Meo stated: “The blue economy must become a regional project, built jointly by institutions, businesses, schools and local communities. After the Boat Show, we want to launch a discussion on the future of the maritime economy in Puglia and include boating and shipbuilding among the development priorities of Brindisi.
We are ready to work alongside the Regional Government, the Fiera del Levante, the Municipality, the Port Authority and the Chamber of Commerce system, while strengthening our partnership with Confindustria Nautica to support companies in Southern Italy. Brindisi possesses the space and expertise needed to create new opportunities.
Development begins with education. Schools play a vital role in enabling young people to remain in their region and turn their ambitions into careers. The sector needs dedicated training pathways in boating and shipbuilding that meet the practical requirements of industry.
Thanks to the cooperation of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Chamber of Commerce network and CETMA, 20 countries will be connected to SNIM, with international delegates meeting Italian companies. The aim is to build commercial relationships and support business growth in international markets.
We also continue to focus on sustainability, hydrogen applications and new technologies for the boating and maritime sectors, while enhancing the industrial expertise of the local area.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Confindustria Nautica President Piero Formenti commented:
“Southern Italy is naturally the area most suited to small and medium-sized recreational boating. This is the segment that should be developed locally, and an exhibition such as SNIM in Brindisi is particularly well positioned to do so.
Italian boating is not only about superyachts. It encompasses an entire value chain, including services, ports and distribution networks. Charter boating is experiencing strong growth, while another key sector, especially in Puglia, is marine equipment and components manufacturing.
The economic importance of the industry is confirmed by the latest Confindustria Nautica figures: in 2025, revenue from the Italian recreational boating industry reached €8.72 billion, up 1.4% compared with 2024, while shipbuilding exports achieved a record €4.4 billion.
Direct employment rose to 32,420 workers (+3%), while the entire supply chain supports around 170,000 jobs. Italy also accounts for 52% of global superyacht orders, with 568 units currently on order.
The sector makes a significant contribution to both GDP and employment. Its impact extends to local economies as well: according to a study by Confindustria Nautica and Fondazione Symbola, every euro of added value generated by shipyards activates an additional €5.2 across the wider supply chain.”
Events on 23 October
Today at 3:00 p.m., the first Southern Italy Boating Companies Forum will bring together businesses from across Southern Italy to strengthen supply-chain collaboration and improve competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
The day will also feature:
- The Maritime Professions Forum, including the signing of the Brindisi Nautical Youth Pact.
- B2B meetings with international operators and buyers.
- The Training Village, hosting technical workshops and robotics activities.
- The “From the Sea to Opportunities” Hackathon, taking place today and tomorrow.
- The Sports Village, featuring sailing, canoeing, rowing, sport fishing and kayak fishing, with on-water trials and inclusive activities.
- Dedicated exhibition and information areas managed by the Italian Navy, Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies and the Fire Brigade.
