The workshop titled “Connecting the Adriatic-Ionian Region through Advanced Technology and Training for the Energy Transition in the Port Sector” was held in Trieste on 28th November 2024. It was organised collaboratively by the Central European Initiative (CEI) and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, as part of the EUSAIR Pillar 2 “Connecting the Region” thematic events for 2024. The event featured contributions from Mr. Fabio Scoccimarro, the Councillor for Environment and Energy of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Mr. Pierluigi Coppola, the Coordinator for Pillar 2 on Transport.
With participation from representatives of the NAPA Ports (the Association of Northern Adriatic Ports), the event brought together over 60 attendees from the northern Adriatic Sea area and the broader Adriatic-Ionian Region, including policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and regional stakeholders.
The workshop emphasised the critical role that advanced technology and training play in promoting a sustainable and competitive maritime economy. The agenda included insightful contributions from esteemed speakers, who discussed innovative approaches to boost the adoption of green technologies and digitalisation, alongside the development of specialised skills to support this transformation.
Proposals were made for intensive training programmes and initiatives focused on green skills to harmonise efforts across the Adriatic-Ionian region. In this context, the Pillar 2 Coordinator highlighted potential future collaboration between EUSAIR Pillar 2 and the newly established Pillar 5 (Social Pillar). This could involve joint actions to enhance green and digital skillsets, responding to the changing needs of the maritime-port sector. By encouraging collaboration among ports, training institutions, and stakeholders, these initiatives could serve as a catalyst for workforce transformation, supporting the goals of the European Green Deal and the Pact for Skills.
After the roundtable discussion, participants expressed a shared determination to transform the ideas discussed into practical projects and partnerships, further solidifying the Adriatic-Ionian Region’s role as a leader in maritime sustainability. Valuable feedback was provided to help drive forward initiatives that integrate advanced technology, support skill development, and promote the decarbonisation of port operations.
The CEI and Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region expressed their appreciation to all speakers, participants, and partners for their active involvement and contributions, which were key to the success of this workshop. This event marked “the first step” in fostering discussions to highlight the key elements and shared objectives for advancing the energy transition within the Adriatic-Ionian Port System.
