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Italy’s Northeast Launches First Dual-Purpose Charging Station for Electric Boats and Cars in Public-Private Partnership

Italy’s northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has activated the region’s first fast-charging station for both electric boats and electric vehicles at the premium marina Portopiccolo in the Gulf of Trieste. The milestone marks the implementation of the region’s port electrification initiative, supported by a €2 million government grant and developed by marine charging infrastructure provider Aqua superPower, setting a new benchmark for electric boat infrastructure in Europe.

Editorial Team7/23/2026Updated 7/23/2026

Public-Private Partnership Drives Port Electrification and Infrastructure Upgrades

Italy’s northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has activated the region’s first fast-charging station combining electric boats and electric vehicles at the premium yacht community Portopiccolo in the Gulf of Trieste. The launch signifies the official rollout of the region’s port electrification initiative. The regional government previously allocated €2 million in funding to upgrade infrastructure at marinas, ports, and nautical facilities across the region, with the Portopiccolo charging station serving as the first completed project under the program.

The charging station was installed by Aqua superPower, a provider of marine fast-charging infrastructure. It features a 75 kW marine fast charger dedicated to electric boats and two 22 kW chargers for on-road electric vehicles. Michele Bolpagni, Director of Commercial Strategy at Aqua superPower, stated that this design moves beyond the traditional model of focusing solely on boat charging, creating a fully electrified marina destination. He added that Aqua superPower looks forward to helping other Italian regions replicate this successful model.

Charging Station Specifications and Applications: Meeting Maritime and Road Transport Needs

The 75 kW marine fast charger at Portopiccolo delivers significantly higher power than standard home chargers, capable of replenishing 80% of the battery for small and medium-sized electric boats in just 30 minutes. The system is suitable for a range of vessel types, including leisure yachts, ferries, and harbor service boats. Aqua superPower indicated that it plans to increase charging power to over 150 kW in response to market demand, accommodating larger vessels in the future.

The on-road electric vehicle charging component consists of two 22 kW AC chargers, compatible with most battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models, with charging times ranging from 2 to 4 hours. Bolpagni emphasized that the dual-purpose charging station not only enhances marina service capacity but also attracts users of electric boats and vehicles, thereby stimulating surrounding commercial activity and injecting new momentum into port transformation.

Growing Demand for Electric Boats Accelerates Charging Infrastructure Deployment

As the European Union accelerates its push toward zero-emission targets for maritime and inland waterway transport, demand for electric boats continues to rise. On July 22, 2026, Aqua superPower announced its scheduled acquisition by NatPower Marine, a UK-based offshore wind developer. NatPower Marine plans to establish 120 marine charging hubs globally by 2030. The deployment of charging stations in Friuli Venezia Giulia reflects the expanding trend of electric boat charging infrastructure from coastal cities to yacht marinas.

While the regional government’s €2 million funding program did not restrict equipment suppliers, Aqua superPower secured the first batch of orders due to its leading position in marine charging technology. The Portopiccolo charging station is now open to the public, though the regional government has not yet disclosed timelines for additional marina installations or details on funding applications.

Public Funding Leverages Private Investment to Accelerate Port Electrification

Bolpagni noted that the Friuli Venezia Giulia model demonstrates how public funding can effectively leverage private investment to accelerate port electrification. He stated that Aqua superPower will collaborate with NatPower Marine to expand this approach to the Mediterranean and Northern European markets, integrating renewable energy sources to further reduce the carbon footprint of charging. Aqua superPower expects to finalize its acquisition by NatPower Marine by the end of the year, though neither party has disclosed specific transaction details or timelines.

The activation of this charging station not only lays the foundation for port electrification in Friuli Venezia Giulia but also sets a new standard for electric boat infrastructure across Europe. As the electric boat market continues to grow, public-private partnerships will play a pivotal role in driving the green transformation of ports.

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