Beneath the Surface: How Italy’s “Sea Plan” Is Rewriting the Rules of Maritime Power

When most think of national security, eyes turn to land and sky - rarely to the silent, murky depths below. But as Italy launches its ambitious Sea Plan, the country is betting its future on what lies beneath: a vast, contested domain of cables, resources, and vulnerabilities. In a rare display of governmental unity, Italy is now treating underwater security not as an afterthought, but as a strategic imperative.

From Fragmentation to Unity: A National Awakening

For decades, Italy’s sprawling maritime interests - from fishing to fiber-optic cables - were managed by siloed ministries, leaving critical vulnerabilities unchecked. That changed with the formation of the Interministerial Committee for Maritime Policies, a body now centralizing oversight and strategy. “For the first time, Italy is moving as a System,” declared Pierpaolo Ribuffo, head of maritime policy at the Prime Minister’s office, at a recent international conference on space, underwater cables, and cybersecurity.

The stakes are high. The Mediterranean is a crossroads for global data and energy flows, with underwater cables forming the backbone of Europe’s digital economy. Any disruption - be it sabotage, accident, or cyberattack - could paralyze commerce and security.

The Sea Plan: A Blueprint for the Deep

Italy’s new Sea Plan functions as a strategic compass, charting 16 priorities across the maritime spectrum. Among them, underwater security stands out. The plan recognizes both the economic value and fragility of Italy’s submerged assets, from energy pipelines to sensitive data links.

Recent legislative efforts are raising the bar: a new law, already passed by the Senate, seeks to formalize training, certification, and operational standards for underwater workers. This is not just about human safety - it’s about system resilience. “We have to protect both people and the means they use,” Ribuffo emphasized.

Expanding Borders, Rising Responsibilities

Italy is also redrawing its maritime boundaries. By establishing a “Contiguous Zone” and formalizing an Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE), the country is asserting control over resources up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline. But with greater rights come greater responsibilities: the Sea Plan insists on balancing extraction with environmental stewardship - a delicate equilibrium in a region already under ecological stress.

As Italy positions itself as a leader in underwater governance, the world is watching. The nation’s approach could become a template for others navigating the intersection of maritime power, technology, and security.