Energy transitiona, competitiveness with the shipping Italian, simplification regulations e reform of governance portThis is the heart of the message that emerged from theAssembly deprived of Confitarma, which took place today in Rome, at Palazzo Colonna, and which clearly outlined the guidelines for the confederal action for 2026.
The meeting was attended by industry representatives and civil and military authorities, who were invited to hear President Mario Zanetti's conclusions, during an event dedicated to reviewing the year's activities and defining future prospects.
The year's budget and the vision for the near future
During the Assembly, after the reports of the presidents of the Technical Groups, the president of Confitarma Mario Zanetti outlined the overall picture of the activities carried out in 2025 and priority strategic for the coming year. The comparison highlighted the need for strengthen the role of the Italian maritime industry in an increasingly competitive and regulated international context, focusing on more effective regulatory tools and industrial policies consistent with the transformations underway.
Energy transition and the European framework at the centre of the debate
One of the key themes of President Zanetti's speech concerned the energy transition and the role ofEuropean Union"The challenges facing the national shipping industry require strong action at all levels, starting with the European level," he emphasized, reiterating how the current regulatory framework risks penalizing European companies in global competition. According to Zanetti, "in 2026, we will continue to reiterate in every forum the need for a comprehensive approach to the energy transition," capable of avoiding competitive distortions and phenomena such as double taxation for Italian shipowners.
ETS, investments and fleet renewal
In the wake of the ecological transition, Confitarma has confirmed its position on theuse of Ets resources generated by the sector. The goal, Zanetti explained, is to "transform a cost into an investment for the system's competitiveness," allocating these resources directly to the decarbonization of the shipping industry. This perspective includes the proposal to establish a multi-year fund dedicated to fleet renewal and refitting, capable of overcoming the critical issues of previous instruments and supporting companies on a path to sustainable technological innovation.
Regulatory simplification and port governance reform
Alongside environmental issues, the Assembly placed emphasis on regulatory simplification and on the strengthening of the competitiveness of the Italian flag, elements deemed essential to ensuring legal certainty and the attractiveness of the country's economic system. Also central is the launch of port governance reform, aimed at ensuring uniform rules and more effective planning of infrastructure investments, with a view to the coordinated development of the national port system.
A strong identity and the value of internal comparison
In his speech, President Zanetti emphasized Confitarma's defining role as a representative of a fleet "complex and diversified across all types of vessels, representing Italian companies recognized for excellence nationally and internationally and deeply rooted in their local communities." This heritage will also be enhanced in 2026 through General Council meetings in key local contexts. "The unity of purpose and vision that arises and gains strength from internal dialogue represents a fundamental value for Confitarma and the entire maritime cluster," Zanetti concluded.
Renewal of corporate bodies and international representation
During the Assembly, the process of renewing the governing bodies was also concluded, with the appointment of the members of the Technical Groups and the definition of the confederation's organizational chart. The Boards of Auditors and Arbitration Committees were confirmed, while the Council formalized the appointment of the Vice President. Cesare d'Amico in the Board of the ICS and the vice president Guido Grimaldi on the ECSA Board, strengthening Confitarma's presence in the main international shipping organizations.
