Digital Tools, Smart Ports, and a Greener Maritime Future

Dear GREENPORT Alliances community,

Welcome to the 7th edition of our newsletter! Europe’s maritime sector is accelerating its digital and green transition. This edition highlights key initiatives, from EU policy contributions and AI in education to sustainability-focused events, all driving smarter, cleaner, and more resilient port operations.

The European Tugowners Association (ETA) Contribution
to the EU Consultations

The European Tugowners Association (ETA) contributed to the EU consultations on the upcoming European Maritime Industrial Strategy and European Port Strategy, both expected in 2026, which will shape the future of European shipping.

For the Maritime Industrial Strategy, ETA emphasises the sector’s role in innovation, sustainability, and strategic autonomy, noting the relocation of tugboat manufacturing to Asia. It calls for better access to finance, regulatory support, economic incentives for shipbuilding in Europe, recognition of tugboats as strategic assets, and promotion of maritime careers to secure a skilled workforce.

Regarding the Port Strategy, ETA urges a balanced approach that strengthens competitiveness, sustainability, and social responsibility. It highlights towage as critical for port safety and resilience, calls for support for ports as clean energy hubs, integration into security planning, and improved cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure.

Artificial Intelligence in Practice: Lessons from Dr. Arthur Kordon for the GREENPORT Alliance

On 1st October, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA) hosted a lecture by Prof. Dr. Arthur Kordon, an internationally recognised expert in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As the project enters its piloting phase, Dr. Kordon showed how AI creates real impact when aligned with clear business and environmental goals. A pioneer in industrial AI, he illustrated how data-driven intelligence and Digital Twins — virtual models mirroring real-world assets — can optimise operations and boost sustainability.

These principles are reflected in the project’s curricula, which combine simulation-based learning with real port operations to bridge theory and practice. Emphasising that people, not technology alone, drive transformation, the programme prepares an AI-literate, responsible workforce to lead Europe’s digital and green transitions.

The piloting phase marks a key step toward intelligent, sustainable ports — where innovation turns sustainability into action.

Project Coordinator, Prof. Dr. M. Taner Albayrak’s presentation in the International Materials Technologies and Metallurgy Conference 2025

Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. M. Taner Albayrak presented the GREENPORT Project as an invited speaker during the plenary session of the 4th International Materials Technologies and Metallurgy Conference 2025, hosted by Istanbul Technical University.

Held on October 2–3, 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye, the conference brought together scientists, academics, young researchers, and students from around the world. It provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the initiation of collaborative projects with potential for future impact.

The GREENPORT Project was showcased in the Sustainability Session as a best practice model applicable across various industrial sectors. Its innovative approaches to raising awareness and driving behavioural change for sustainability drew significant interest from participants. As a result, new invitations were extended to present the project in greater depth at upcoming conferences.

GREENPORT Project Presented at the Piri Reis University “Morning Dialogues” Under PRU Academic Route ’26

PRU (Piri Reis Üniversitesi) held the “Morning Dialogues” event as part of its PRU Academic Route ’26 initiative, bringing together esteemed academics for a dynamic exchange of ideas, project presentations, and discussions on emerging research areas.

A key highlight of the event was the dissemination of the GREENPORT Project, led by Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Taner Albayrak. As part of the presentation, Prof. Dr. Albayrak introduced the project’s innovative approach to sustainable port operations and invited fellow academics to participate in the piloting phase of the course material developed under the project. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen behavioural change and capacity building in green port practices through academic engagement and feedback.

The event continued with insightful presentations from distinguished faculty members, showcasing innovative projects and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. The “Morning Dialogues” concluded as a meaningful gathering that contributes to the university’s broader vision for research and innovation.

Round Table on MRV for Offshore Vessels at the Maritime University of Constanța

To mark European Maritime Day, the Maritime University of Constanța hosted a Round Table on “MRV for Offshore Vessels” — the new EU Regulation on monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, effective from 1 January 2025.

The event gathered 25 industry representatives, experts, and Dynamic Positioning professionals to discuss compliance challenges and opportunities to reduce emissions in the offshore sector.

Celebrating 10 years since the accreditation of its Dynamic Positioning courses, the university is now developing new training on sustainable maritime operations under the GREENPORT Alliances project. The event fostered dialogue between academia, industry, and authorities — reinforcing the university’s commitment to advancing greener, more sustainable maritime practices.

Keep following us as GREENPORT moves into an exciting new stage — where research meets real-world impact! In collaboration with our partners, we’re creating innovative educational resources to make port operations more sustainable.

From eco-navigation courses for students to hands-on training for professionals and educators, our three custom programmes are preparing the next generation of green maritime leaders.

Stay tuned — sustainability is setting sail in maritime education!