Greenport Alliances
On Friday, 11 April 2025, the “Captain on the Ship of the Future” competition brought together talented and enthusiastic high school students from Constanța County at the Maritime University of Constanța (UMC), Romania.
Now in its 7th edition, the event was expertly coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Anastasia Dușe, Head of the Navigation Department at UMC and member of the Greenport Alliances Erasmus Project.
The competition challenged students to demonstrate creativity, teamwork, and passion for maritime careers through hands-on activities such as:
Designing navigation routes using electronic and traditional charts
Steering virtual ships in state-of-the-art navigation simulators
Forming crews and planning successful missions
Participants had the opportunity to visit the most advanced maritime and technical simulation laboratories in South-Eastern Europe, interact with university professors and students, and take part in specialised contests organised by the university’s departments.
On this special occasion, the GREENPORT Alliances project was presented to the students, raising awareness about sustainable practices in maritime transport and port operations. Participants learned about green technologies, solutions for reducing emissions, and the importance of acquiring sustainability skills for their future maritime careers.
We thank all participants for their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm! We are proud to see so much talent and interest in the next generation of maritime professionals.
#GreenPort
#MaritimeEducation
#Sustainability
#FutureSkills
#UMC
#MaritimeTransport
#cofundedbyEU
Greenport Alliances
Research Spotlight: Exploring Carbon Footprint
During the month of April, the research team from Constanta Maritime University took a significant step forward in advancing the objectives of the GreenPort project by organizing a dedicated seminar focused on the academic landscape of carbon footprint assessment.
Hosted at the university headquarter and led by project coordinator Dr. Nicoleta Acomi, the session brought together 20 researchers and academic staff in an intensive exploration of current scientific literature and methodological approaches to measuring and reducing carbon emissions in port operations.
One of the key highlights of the seminar was the hands-on use of ATLAS.ti, a qualitative data analysis software, to systematically review, code, and extract thematic patterns from peer-reviewed publications. This exercise enabled our team to identify prevailing trends, gaps in the literature, and best practices related to decarbonization in maritime logistics and port ecosystems.
The seminar also served as a foundation for collaborative academic output, including review papers and strategy documents that will inform the courses to be developed within the GreenPort Alliances project in the upcoming period.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore, connect, and innovate for a greener maritime future.
#GreenPort #MaritimeSustainability #CarbonFootprint
The time has come for the GREENPORT project to translate its research into real-world change!
Based on these recommendations, three tailored learning streams are being launched:
Higher Education (HE) – A 4-ECTS academic course for maritime students, combining theory, simulator tasks, and digital tools to build skills in eco-navigation, fuel efficiency, and emissions tracking.
Vocational Education & Training (VET) – A practical 12-hour course for tug, pilot boat, and port service personnel, focused on energy-saving operations, emissions monitoring, and digital coordination.
Train-the-Trainer (TTT) – A 20-hour professional development program for maritime educators, equipping them to deliver sustainability-focused instruction using simulators, behavior modeling, and case-based teaching.
The Methodology Report will emphasize learning-by-doing, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge transfer through real port case studies. The use of simulators and performance feedback tools is central to fostering behavioral change—empowering participants to implement emission-reducing actions in their daily work.
Together, we are preparing the next generation of maritime professionals to operate more cleanly, efficiently, and collaboratively in the evolving green port ecosystem.
#GREENPORT #MaritimeEducation #Sustainability #GreenPorts #IMO #Decarbonisation #FitFor55 #MaritimeInnovation #SimulatorTraining #PortOperations
Početak projekta i konferencija dionika
Kao koordinator za projekt GREENPORT Alliances, Sveučilište Piri Reis ugostilo je devet projektnih partnera iz sedam zemalja 28. i 29. veljače 2024 Početni sastanak koji je održan prvog dana, obuhvatio je sastanak cjelokupnog konzorcija te se raspravljalo o planu rada i daljnjim koracima za trajanja projekta.
Konferencija dionika označila je prvu prekretnicu projekta i svjedočila angažmanu ključnih dionika iz pomorske industrije i obrazovnih institucija. Tijekom konferencije svaki projektni partner predstavio je svoje uloge i odgovornosti unutar projekta, te obveze koje će preuzeti tijekom 36 mjeseci projekta. Predstavnici turskog pomorskog sektora kao što su Sanmar Shipyards, Tursko udruženje brodograditelja (GISBIR), Yanmar Holding, Sakura Marine, Na konferenciji su aktivno sudjelovali Kilyos Shipping, Kamer Marine, GDS Engineering, CSS Turkey, NAVTEK, Gübretaş Port, GISAŞ Port i Tursko udruženje pilota. Uvid u inovativne strategije za smanjenje emisija ugljika unutar sektora podijeljen je kroz prezentacije koje su održali predstavnici Turkon Linea i GISAŞ
Project Update: Diving Deeper into Sustainable Shipping
Activities outlined in “Task 3.2 – Scientific Analysis” commenced in November 2024 (M10). These activities will span a total period of six months, concluding in April 2025. This task plays a pivotal role within the project as it focuses on developing alternative analyses and identifying case studies to demonstrate how the application of different operational methodologies can significantly impact harmful gas emissions. The planned activities are divided into three main phases, each characterized by specific objectives and a targeted operational approach.
The first phase, referred to as desk analysis, will take place between November 2024 and January 2025. This phase will involve the preliminary collection of relevant data and the structuring of case studies. Based on the review of available documents and sources, it represents the starting point for developing alternative operational scenarios. Subsequently, during the second phase, from February to mid-March 2025, the development of case studies will proceed. This activity will incorporate innovative analytical approaches, including targeted interviews with industry experts, to delve deeper into the identified methodologies. Finally, the third phase, from mid-March to April 2025,
will focus on integrating lessons learned. The goal will be to translate the outcomes from the previous phases into practical and concrete recommendations for designing specific training curricula.
The activities of Task 3.2 build upon the results of “Task 3.1 Cross-sectoral identification of best practices”, which identified 13 practices classified into three main clusters. Cluster 1, focused on emission reduction, addresses strategic aspects related to environmental sustainability. Cluster 2 emphasizes operational efficiency improvements, prioritizing technical and managerial aspects. Cluster 3 centers on engagement and professional development, highlighting educational and training dimensions.
These practices were selected through an in-depth analysis of scientific articles, institutional documents, and questionnaires, involving partners and industry operators such as pilots and tugboats. Specifically, the questionnaire survey generated 35 useful responses, which led to the addition of 4 new practices to the initial list, while retaining the original cluster classification.
An additional phase of work resulted in the ranking of 12 Best Practices, evaluated using 10 distinct parameters divided across five perspectives: environmental, economic, social, technical, and institutional. This multidimensional evaluation provided a solid foundation for designing training curricula, which will be further enriched by the outcomes of Task 3.2.
Task 3.2 represents a crucial milestone in the overall project trajectory, as it lays the groundwork for the subsequent Task 3.3, which will culminate in the preparation of an internal document containing targeted recommendations for training development. The integrated approach adopted in Work Package 3 stands out for its ability to ensure a systemic and multidimensional vision, actively involving experts and stakeholders. This method optimizes project outcomes and promotes an operational model oriented toward the sustainability of port operations.
Last month, our Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Taner Albayrak from PRU, promoted the project at the IAME 2025 Conference in Bergen. Together with partners from MARTE: Prof. Marcello Risitano and Dr. Giuseppe La Ragione, they presented the article titled as “Sustainability in Maritime Education: Educators’ awareness, behavioural change approaches and challenges.”
This presentation ended with very good feedback from participants, leading to a positive impact through the project.
Visit our website to find our more: <a target="_blank" href="https://greenportalliance.eu/">greenportalliance.eu/</a>
#<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/GreenportAlliances" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">GreenportAlliances</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/MaritimeEducation" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">MaritimeEducation</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/MarineIndustry" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">MarineIndustry</a>"
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In line with Greenport’s values, this event made a particular emphasis on sustainability and behavioural change within the industry.
Most companies presented environmentally friendly solutions, emission reduction strategies, and innovative approaches to the green transformation of the logistics sector.
#<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/TransportLogistic2025" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">TransportLogistic2025</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/GreenLogistics" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">GreenLogistics</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/StudentExperience" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">StudentExperience</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/SustainableTransport" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">SustainableTransport</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/FutureOfLogistics" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">FutureOfLogistics</a>"
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Exciting News from the Greenport Project!
Let’s continue to honour their contribution to maritime safety, trade, and environmental protection.
To all seafarers and port professionals — thank you.
#<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/GreenPorts" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">GreenPorts</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/MaritimeCareers" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">MaritimeCareers</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ErasmusPlus" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">ErasmusPlus</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/MarinePilots" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">MarinePilots</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/TugBoatOperators" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">TugBoatOperators</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/SustainablePorts" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">SustainablePorts</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/BlueEconomy" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">BlueEconomy</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/SeafarersDay" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">SeafarersDay</a> #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/IMO2025" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">IMO2025</a>"
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Another edition of our newsletter is on its way!
Get ready for the 6th edition of our newsletter!
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Big news from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice!
The EU has launched a new Ocean Pact to protect coasts and marine biodiversity .
Key planned goals for 2030 include:
Our focus on developing green curricula for port operators directly contributes to this vision by equipping the sector with the skills needed for long-term environmental stewardship.
To read through the European Ocean Pact, please visit: <a target="_blank" href="https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/european-ocean-pact_en">oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/european-ocean-pact_en</a>
Brucoli, Italy – The European Tugowners Association (ETA) held its 62nd Annual General Meeting, hosted by Medtug and gathering 140 delegates from across Europe.
This year’s conference theme, “AI Horizons: Transforming Maritime Operations”, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping port towage and maritime safety. Key insights came from experts at IBM Italy, Sanmar, and government agencies, highlighting AI’s role in predictive planning, emergency response, and operational optimisation.
It’s World Environment Day, and like many of you, we’re thinking about how we can do better for our planet.
The maritime sector plays a key role in the green transition, and at Greenport Alliances, we’re bringing together educators, industry experts, and port professionals to shape a more sustainable future for in-port services.
From reducing emissions to updating training with green skills, we’re helping ports across Europe take meaningful steps toward environmental responsibility.
Because a sustainable future is built together.
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