The inland waterway transport sector in Italy showed notable fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend in employment figures, peaking at a growth rate of 13.25% year-on-year in 2017. However, the sector faced a significant 44.12% drop in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Post-2020, there was a rapid recovery, with a 39.98% increase in 2021, stabilizing to a 10.74% growth rate by 2023, where employment stood at 2.01 thousand FTE.
Looking forward, from 2023 to 2028, the sector is forecasted to experience steady growth with a 0.7% CAGR. Key trends to watch include technological advancements in waterway transport, potential regulatory changes, and the impact of sustainability initiatives on employment and operations.
