Sardinian ports: over €114 million in investment and Sardinia Boat Show on the 2027 agenda

Port development and nautical industry promotion come together in the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority’s plans. Approved on 29 October, its 2027 budget totals almost €192 million, including over €114 million in investment. The updated 2026–2028 public works programme also provides for projects worth more than €104 million across the system’s nine ports.

Sardinia Boat Show brings the industry into central Olbia

A key event in the 2027 Marketing Plan is the Sardinia Boat Show, scheduled for 29 May–6 June 2027. Building on previous editions in Porto Rotondo, the show will move into central Olbia, spanning Molo Brin, the old harbour and the waterfront.

Promoted by CIPNES Gallura with the Sardinian Regional Government, Olbia Municipality, the Port Authority and the industrial consortia of Sassari and Ogliastra, the exhibition will focus on boatbuilding and refit. Particular attention will be given to the US market, also supported by direct flights to New York. Education and training will feature alongside industry, with contributions from UniOlbia and the University of Cagliari.

The Port Authority’s active participation will strengthen connections between port development and business promotion, highlighting how infrastructure supports the international competitiveness of Sardinia’s nautical supply chain.

Olbia: next steps for the port and boatbuilding areas

Plans for Olbia include the first phase of dredging and a further planning step for the two proposed reclamation basins opposite the former Palmera factory.

The amendment adopted by the Management Committee defines their future use, addressing an issue left unresolved in the 2022 decision. Once completed, the basins will connect with the boatbuilding areas behind them, in line with planning by Olbia Municipality and CIPNES Gallura.

Infrastructure and services across Sardinia

Elsewhere on the island, planned projects include upgrading Su Siccu marina, building a basin for service vessels at Porto Foxi and electrifying the Porto Torres berths serving Asinara. Work will also continue on completing Cagliari’s Porto Canale and bringing the Port Community System into full operation to support digital management of port processes.

Commercial priorities include luxury cruising, positioning Olbia as a home port for the US market and developing freight traffic with North Africa. Infrastructure, services and trade events will therefore contribute to strengthening the conditions for Sardinia’s industries to expand their international reach.