Economic growth driven by industry and services
Brittany's nautical industry generates consolidated sales of 1.57 billion euros, up 49% in less than a decade. This increase exceeds the national average, and places Brittany at the origin of a quarter of French nautical activity. Industry, specialized trade and services account for 86% of this value, confirming the importance of shipyards, equipment manufacturers and service providers in the regional ecosystem.
This dynamism is also expressed in terms of employment, with 9,973 jobs listed, including more than 4,400 created since 2016. But this vitality is accompanied by growing recruitment tensions. Professionals are struggling to find qualified profiles, in production as well as in maintenance, engineering and marketing.
Marinas and water sports: structuring links
With 123 marinas and 81 communes with mooring areas, Brittany offers a significant marina capacity, totaling over 43,000 berths. The so-called "structuring" marinas âeuros, i.e. with developed infrastructures âeuros, alone generate more than 59 million euros in sales, and account for 94% of the regional total.
Nautical activities, for their part, rely on a network of 777 service providers and a range of some 2,000 activities. The sector attracts 1.1 million customers a year, including a growing number of educational and school tourists. Added to this is a powerful events dynamic, with 881 nautical events organized every year.
Ocean racing and innovation: Brittany takes the lead
Offshore racing is a flagship segment, with 305 players and 272 companies grouped together in the Bretagne Sailing Valley. Every year, 139 million euros are invested in sporting projects, 83 million of which are reinjected into the regional economy. Lorient, Saint-Malo and Brest play a leading role in this field, hosting the biggest teams and technical preparation infrastructures.
Technological innovation also permeates construction sites and service providers. Numerous projects are being carried out in the fields of eco-design, carbon-free propulsion, bio-sourced composite materials and on-board connectivity.
An industry committed to transition
The study reveals that 75% of players have undertaken actions in favor of waste management, 59% cooperate locally, and 61% are involved in professional networks. The "Ports Propres" label has been awarded to 24 Breton ports, while other infrastructures are working towards environmental certification.
In terms of outlook, nearly six out of ten companies are confident about their future. But expectations are changing: professionals cite the need to adapt to societal changes, to manage tourist flows and to move towards more responsible navigation models.
Brittany is consolidating its position as France's boating powerhouse. The industry is supported by a dense network of industrial, port and sporting players, with strong local roots. The challenges of the future lie in the attractiveness of professions, the competitiveness of infrastructures and the success of ecological transitions. A demanding course, but essential to maintain this dynamic of excellence.
