Incentives for the renovation of recreational boats, bonuses for scrapping older boats, support for the conversion of marine combustion engines to electric motors, berth monitoring, and various other initiatives for ports and the development of the marine economy.
Incentives in Friuli Venezia Giulia
On November 21, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region approved its law for the revitalization of the nautical sector, becoming the first in Italy to implement such a comprehensive measure. “This law,” said Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism Sergio Emidio Bini, “will bring significant economic resources to the sector, with 2.4 million euros already allocated for the two-year period 2025-26. Among the planned initiatives are incentives aimed at those who reside in Friuli Venezia Giulia or have a legal or operational office in the region. Owners of recreational boats over 20 years old can apply. The renovation grant is set at 3,000 euros for boats up to 5 meters, with an increase of 500 euros for each additional meter, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros. This cannot be used for the purchase of marine engines.
As for the scrapping bonus, there is a contribution of 2,500 euros for boats up to 10 meters, with an increase of 250 euros for each additional meter up to a maximum of 8,000 euros. Municipalities can also apply for this bonus to dispose of abandoned units, without the need to meet the 20-year requirement.
Ecobonus for electric boats
Ecobonus – The replacement of marine combustion engines with “environmentally friendly” engines (hybrid, electric, hydrogen or methanol) is incentivized. There is a bonus covering up to 40 percent of the expenditure incurred, with a maximum of 10,000 euros for the purchase of a new electric motor and its battery pack, after the endothermic engine has been scrapped. Residents of Friuli Venezia Giulia (or those with a registered or operational office in the region) who have owned a pleasure craft for at least two years are eligible. The minimum eligible expenditure is 3,000 euros, and each applicant may apply for the purchase of up to two engines.
Support for the charter sector
The law also provides incentives for companies offering transportation services (for tourism purposes) or recreational boat rentals. Grants ranging from a minimum of 5,000 euros to a maximum of 100,000 euros are provided for the purchase of recreational craft powered by environmentally friendly engines (hybrid, electric, hydrogen or methanol).
Marinas
To support the nautical sector, owners and managers (public and private) of marinas and marinas in Friuli Venezia Giulia can receive up to 100,000 euros for innovative technological interventions, renovation of equipment and buildings. Grants of up to 5,000 euros are also planned for events and demonstrations dedicated to the development of recreational boating. In addition, a permanent interdisciplinary table dedicated to the study and development of the nautical sector and the economy of the sea in regional lagoons and inland waters will be activated, with professional training courses and collaborations with university institutes and public bodies for analysis and mapping of the nautical sector. The region is also committed to adopting a master plan that will define the network of public berths, including those under private concession, and drafting related regulations. The law on the development of the nautical sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia will come into effect on January 1, 2025; however, it will be necessary to wait for further regulations to apply for the various incentives.
