Mediterranean Weather Risks Discussed at Event in Italy

Navimeteo and Vaisala Xweather recently hosted “The New Weather Character of the Mediterranean Sea,” an event focused on the growing impact of severe weather conditions on maritime operations.

Held on May 14 at the Grand Hotel Torre Fara in Chiavari, Italy, and streamed live online, the event brought together professionals from the shipping, cruise, yachting, meteorology, and port operations sectors.

According to a statement, participants shared operational insights into the increasing challenges affecting maritime safety and navigation as weather systems across the Mediterranean become more unpredictable and complex.

“When I first started navigating at sea more than thirty years ago, I understood how closely weather, technology and safety are connected in maritime operations. Seeing today an event where these topics come together around the same table, confirms that the direction we believed in from the beginning was the right one,” said Gianfranco Meggiorin, founder and operational coordinator at Navimeteo.

“Over time, we have built strong relationships with partners who share the same operational approach and long-term vision. I would especially like to thank Vaisala and all the business partners who continue to be part of this journey with us,” he added.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Fratelli Cosulich Group, which acquired a 51 percent stake in Navimeteo earlier in 2026.

Discussions focused on how forecasting, nowcasting, and advanced monitoring technologies are changing operational decision-making at sea. Special attention was given to increasingly common weather phenomena including severe thunderstorms, powerful wind gusts, and rapidly developing convective systems that are affecting navigation, offshore activities, and port maneuvers across the region.

“The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most demanding maritime environments, and addressing its weather challenges requires our expertise and the operational partnership we have built with Navimeteo,” said Samuli Hänninen, executive vice president at Vaisala Xweather.

“We look forward to continuing to develop solutions together that make maritime navigation safer and more resilient across the region.”

A full recording of the event has been made available on YouTube.