Discover How Italy’s Top Yacht Builders are Thriving Amidst Industry Shifts

Italy’s top shipbuilding yards, namely Sanlorenzo, Ferretti Group, and The Italian Sea Group, have painted a promising picture of the sector by posting unswerving growth in their Q1 2025 figures. This trend comes amidst rapidly evolving industry dynamics, which seem to favour larger, custom-made vessels over small-scale composite yachts.

Ferretti, Sanlorenzo, and The Italian Sea Group reported revenue augmentation, ranging from 1% to an impressive near 10% year-on-year growth for Q1 2025. Despite the prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty that subdued small craft sales in the European and US markets, these shipbuilders continue to flourish. The companies attribute their sustained performance to robust order books, supported by a burgeoning demand for high-value builds.

Despite a superficial 48% slump in the Superyacht sector, buoyant sales reveal a different reality. Ferretti Group attributes this apparent drop to an extraordinary one-off deal in the previous year, valued at €64 million. However, the segment’s ledger shows a positive trend, with a backlog swelling by over 50% year-on-year, exemplifying a consistent demand for larger, custom vessels.

Sanlorenzo, another heavy-hitter in the luxury yacht market, witnessed a 9.6% escalation in revenues. Just like Ferretti, Sanlorenzo’s Superyacht division and its recently acquired Finnish sailing yacht brand, Nautor Swan, spearheaded this growth. However, a softened demand for smaller vessels under 30 metres indicates a shift in the consumer preference.

In the face of industry changes and economic fluctuations, these Italian shipbuilders have seized the opportunity to align the growth trajectory with their strategic initiatives and technological innovation, thereby continuing their legacy of excellence.