Green light for a new facility in Genoa for the maintenance of boats up to 30 metres in length

A new production facility, dedicated to the maintenance, refurbishment and servicing of sailing and motor pleasure craft up to 30 metres in length, was unveiled yesterday in Genoa, on the Levante waterfront. The new facility is the result of a collaboration between the Genoese shipyards Gatti and Genoa Sea Service – both of which have been operating in the port area for several generations – and the sailmaker North Sails, which has established its Italian headquarters in Genoa. The centre comprises 16,000 square metres of land area, on which a two-storey building has been constructed (the two shipyards operate on the ground floor, whilst the upper floor houses the sail-making workshop); it also boasts 1,000 square metres of equipped quays, including a dry dock for hauling and launching, and a 140-tonne travel lift; as well as 5,300 square metres of water area and 356 linear metres of technical quays.

The total investment required to build the complex amounted to 12 million (covering the warehouse and technical works, including the travel lift). The guiding principle behind the initiative was to create a shared infrastructure for three long-established local businesses; whilst retaining their own identities and autonomy, explains a statement, ‘they now have a location capable of giving fresh impetus to the growth and development prospects of their respective businesses’. For the Gatti and Genoa Sea Service shipyards, the new logistical set-up ‘enables them to secure contracts for work, both in the water and on land, on larger vessels than in the past’. For North Sails, the relocation of its headquarters to the heart of Genoa’s waterfront, in the immediate vicinity of the marina, offers, “as well as greater visibility, the opportunity to facilitate contacts and provide support for the benefit of customers”.

“For Genoa Sea Service, which has been operating in this area for three generations,” said the company’s managing director, Nicolò De Angelis, “the marine centre represents a significant step forward in terms of infrastructure, operational capacity and organisation. The new 140-metric-tonne travel lift, the extension of the dry dock and the covered areas enable us to strengthen our specialisation in the refit and maintenance of sailing and motor yachts between 15 and 30 metres in length.” Gatti (which will be owned by the Amico Marine Group from 2024), as Vittorio Gatti, operations manager, pointed out, “has been operating in this part of the port for over 50 years, serving Genoa’s yacht owners. Playing a leading role in the marine hub project confirms our commitment to looking ahead and enables us to strengthen our position in the market.”

Finally, Alessio Razeto, a board member and sales director at North Sails, emphasised that the company’s presence in the hub “is the result of a journey built on commitment, perseverance and a shared desire to invest in the future of the boating industry in Genoa. “The cluster is now an asset of great value to the city and the Mediterranean, bringing together expertise, professionalism and complementary services in a single location; and offering boat owners a comprehensive and highly specialised level of support.” The official opening of the new production facility, aimed at customers and industry professionals, is scheduled for 2 October, the second day of the 66th Genoa Boat Show.