by Maximiliano Crocamo
A new shipbuilding company backed by private industry and the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional investment agency was unveiled on Friday, marking a significant investment in the region’s growing luxury yacht sector.
The company, Trieste Shipyards, was founded by Seadock of the Samer Group, Yachting Expertise and Friulia. It aims to specialize in the construction, maintenance and storage of megayachts, with operations based in Trieste’s industrial port.
During the presentation, the partners also revealed the executive design for the new shipyard, which was submitted to the Municipality of Trieste this week. The facility is planned as a purpose-built site equipped to build and service luxury vessels longer than 30 meters, with infrastructure designed to meet increasing demand from yacht owners while incorporating environmentally sustainable technologies.
Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councilor for productive activities, described the initiative as a strategic investment for Friuli Venezia Giulia’s blue economy. Friulia, the regional financial institution, will hold a one-third stake in the company.
The region has long positioned itself as a major maritime hub. With 96 kilometers of coastline and more than 15,400 marina berths, Friuli Venezia Giulia is home to Italy’s largest recreational boating network. According to regional figures, the broader marine economy generates approximately €3.4 billion annually—about 8.4 percent of the region’s gross domestic product—and supports more than 4,000 businesses.
Bini also noted that Friuli Venezia Giulia was the first Italian region to adopt comprehensive legislation dedicated to the nautical industry. The regional government allocated about €3 million in sector funding during 2025 to support businesses, boat owners and the shipbuilding supply chain.
