Sardinia at METSTRADE in Amsterdam with an innovative biomethanol project

The Autonomous Region of Sardinia and CIPNES Gallura will take part in METSTRADE in Amsterdam, scheduled for 17–19 November 2026, to promote the island’s nautical industry, present an innovative biomethanol production project and showcase boat manufacturers operating in Sardinia.

METSTRADE is one of the leading international trade shows for innovation, technology and equipment in the nautical industry. Participation forms part of Sardinia’s Regional Plan for the Internationalisation of the Nautical Industry, funded by the Region and implemented by CIPNES Gallura.

Sardinia’s Blue Economy to Be Presented on 18 November

On Wednesday 18 November at 11:00 a.m., the event “From Dutch-Built Superyachts to Circular Marine Fuels: Sardinia’s New Blue Economy” will explore economic relations between Sardinia and the Netherlands and emerging opportunities in sustainable yachting.

The CIPNES Gallura–UniOlbia Research Centre will present data on the 3,417 recreational vessels over 24 metres recorded in Gallura’s waters in 2026. Of the 311 superyachts analysed, 104 were built in the Netherlands, making it the second-largest country of construction after Italy by number of vessels in the sample. These figures confirm the significant role of Dutch shipyards in the superyacht market visiting Sardinia.

The event will also focus on an innovative project to convert organic waste into biomethanol, a fuel with potential applications in yacht propulsion. Professor Flavio Manenti of Politecnico di Milano will present the project’s technical and scientific framework.

Speakers will include Guido Piga of the CIPNES Gallura–UniOlbia Research Centre, Livio Fideli, President of CIPNES Gallura, and Aldo Carta, President of UniOlbia.

Sardinia’s Boat Manufacturers and the Sardinia Boat Show 2027

Amsterdam will also host the presentation of a directory of boat, RIB and yacht manufacturers with production operations in Sardinia, compiled to promote the island’s manufacturing capabilities to international buyers, distributors and industry professionals.

The publication will be progressively updated and expanded to include additional companies and manufacturers establishing operations in the region, providing an increasingly comprehensive picture of Sardinia’s nautical industry.

Participation in METSTRADE will also provide an opportunity to promote the Sardinia Boat Show, scheduled for 29 May–6 June 2027 at Molo Brin on Olbia’s waterfront, and to strengthen economic ties between the regional nautical supply chain and international markets.