The latest meeting of members of YoungShip Italia, the Italian association founded in 2013, was held recently at Confitarma's headquarters in Rome (via remote access). This meeting brings together young professionals between the ages of 20 and 40, active in the maritime economy and industry. This event, continuing the achievements of recent years, marks a further phase of expansion for the association. Since the beginning of the year, the number of new members has increased by over 40% compared to the previous year.

"This is a sign of how the maritime sector increasingly needs to network and how YoungShip is effectively responding to this need, building on increasingly solid foundations," the association emphasizes in a statement.

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The meeting's keynote address was marked by greetings from President Nicolò Iguera and the presentation of the new Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 two-year term. The Board of Directors' structure is not random, but reflects a specific strategy of geographic and operational coverage. The immediate goal is to consolidate its presence in the major hubs where the association is already active, but the focus is already on the future: one of the goals for the coming years will be to extend this model to other Italian regions and port hubs not yet represented, to offer an increasingly widespread network without losing its natural global reach.

The new board is composed of: Genoa: Nicolò Iguera (President) and Marika Gillardo (Board Member); Naples: Pasquale Leone (Vice President for Southern Italy) and Domenico Scotto di Santolo (Board Member); Trieste: Eugenio Claudio Pustorino (Vice President for Northern Italy) and Emanuele Piero Becchia (Board Member); Geneva: Emanuele Tedesco (Secretary General) and Martina Parodi (Board Member). Completing the board are two arbitrators: Raimondo Scotto di Covella, who operates between Naples and the Campania archipelago, historic centers of maritime knowledge and culture, and Emanuele Caretti, a maritime economics professional active in the economic capital, Milan. Both long-time members, they will support the association in all aspects of its bylaws, guarantee, and territorial development.

A unique choice: two representatives from some of Italy's major port cities, plus two members from across the Alps in Geneva, the European capital of traders and charterers. A direct link between port operations and the commercial heart of shipping.

While last year's efforts were focused on organizing ShipCon 2025, YoungShip's largest international event hosted during Genoa ShippingWeek, the association is now building on that success. The Assembly provided an opportunity to follow up on the results of ShipCon and take stock of the findings from the event, which are being worked on to translate into concrete proposals for the industry.

But the real key word for 2026 is "Territory." Following its extensive international reach, YoungShip Italia aims to make the membership experience accessible and widespread at the local level, allowing even those with limited travel options to actively participate. The new program includes a packed calendar of local activities: technical visits, discussions with leading experts, and targeted meetings between companies and universities.

YoungShip Italia's growth is based on solid pillars: the importance of human values, team spirit, and a collaborative approach. The international network remains a key asset, but the ultimate goal is to create a generational bridge within the maritime sector, facilitating the matching of supply and demand in the shipping labor market.

Demonstrating this dynamism, the organizational machinery is already in motion with upcoming events dedicated to members: in March, an exclusive visit to the Trieste Maritime Museum is planned, retracing the historical roots of navigation, while the city of Genoa is preparing to welcome a group of young Swedish talents. A "direct route" to the heart of the Mediterranean, YoungShip Italia—in strong synergy with its other European branches—will host these professionals who have chosen it as a stop on their shipping journey.

YoungShip Italia announces its vision for the future with a renewed board of directors, always placing people and human relationships at the center of its mission. The association's ambition is to transcend boundaries to share the maritime world with the outside world, making it accessible and demonstrating its fundamental value to the community. From this perspective, the invitation to "come aboard" becomes a genuine call to spread maritime culture, open not only to those already involved in the sector, but to anyone curious to explore this world and willing to get involved.