BLUE CAREERS IN NET ZERO ENERGY PORTS
BLUE CAREERS IN NET ZERO ENERGY PORTS
The objective of BLUE PORTS (BLUE CAREERS IN NET ZERO ENERGY PORTS) is to enhance the skills and capabilities of human capital within the port ecosystem, in order to support its green transition.
The project aims to bridge existing service gaps and align with the ambitious targets of the European Green Deal (EGD), including the Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy set for 2030 and 2050.
By providing a Europe-wide recognised training and certification framework, BLUE PORTS seeks to offer a competitive advantage to port personnel and port authorities.
The consortium brings together key market stakeholders within the quadruple helix of innovation in a strong network comprising governmental bodies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and port and economic entities from five different countries: Greece, Spain, Italy, Georgia and Tunisia.
Expected outcomes include the development of a digital system for training, examination and certification, cutting-edge educational materials, and a pool of over 200 qualified professionals across the participating countries.
The new BLUE PORTS operational training and certification scheme, compliant with ISO/IEC 17024 standards, will be tested and validated in selected Mediterranean and Black Sea countries and promoted for mutual recognition across Europe, providing professional advantages, increased career and mobility opportunities, and contributing to the creation and support of new, greener jobs within the port industry.
| Università Tecnica di Creta (TUC) | GREECE |
| TheThe Technical University of Crete comprises five engineering schools (Environmental Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mineral Resources Engineering, and Production and Management Engineering), offering a range of postgraduate programmes (Environmental Management, Technology and Innovation Management, etc.).
The Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Laboratory (ReSEL), within the School of Environmental Engineering, covers a wide range of topics in applied research and technological development for energy planning and sustainable energy management. ReSEL’s expertise focuses on sustainable energy systems — including policy and planning; renewable energy systems and energy efficiency; and sustainable cities and communities — with particular emphasis on Mediterranean island contexts. Its main objectives are to transform research and scientific knowledge into mature, economically and technically viable energy solutions and practices, and to support islands and national authorities in achieving the 2030 and 2050 targets. Its staff aims to foster synergies by engaging market stakeholders, local and regional authorities, governmental organisations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, the energy/RES/EE sector, NGOs and media representatives. In recent years, ReSEL has established collaborations with UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) and RMEI (Réseau Méditerranéen des Écoles d’Ingénieurs et de Management). TUC’s core competencies include project management, results valorisation, and scientific excellence in the fields of sustainable energy and mobility, as well as extensive experience in coordinating EU-funded projects (over 1,000 projects in the sector and thousands of publications on green technologies, primarily focused on islands, coastal areas and the marine environment). In addition, the University has significant experience in the development of educational programmes across all levels of the education system, as well as in vocational training and the certification of technical professions; TUC is also a member of major internationally recognised university networks. |
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| Fondazione Valenciaport (FV) | SPAIN |
| The Valenciaport Foundation aims to promote innovation by supporting the design, implementation and execution of research and innovation projects to enhance the competitiveness of companies in the sector.
The Valenciaport Foundation also provides high value-added training for the continuous professional development of human capital within the port community. As a specialised training provider, FV has extensive experience in developing training programmes tailored to a wide range of learners and companies.
In collaboration with the Port Authority of Valencia, it has successfully implemented an innovative and effective dual training programme, with the involvement of local and regional public institutions.
FV has developed projects in more than sixty countries, primarily across the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe, as well as in Asia and Latin America, where it currently manages postgraduate and executive programmes in the fields of transport and ports. The FV team is composed of R&D&I specialists in ICT, maritime and intermodal transport, logistics and transport economics. The Foundation is recognised as a European centre of excellence, carrying out academic research while also acting as a strategic enabler for all stakeholders involved in the transport and logistics value chain, particularly in the maritime and port sectors, which are key competitive drivers supporting the internationalisation of Spanish companies. |
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| Distretto Ligure delle Tecnologie Marine (DLTM)
Viale N. Fieschi 18, 19123 – La Spezia |
ITALY |
| The Ligurian District for Marine Technologies The Ligurian District for Marine Technologies promotes research, innovation and training, fostering continuous interaction and synergy between research organisations and industry.
The cluster brings together more than 100 organisations — including 82 SMEs — the University of Genoa, the main national public research bodies based in Liguria (CNR, ENEA, INGV) engaged in maritime and marine R&D, as well as major companies (Fincantieri, LEONARDO, Intermarine, Termomeccanica) involved in the production and development of both software and hardware marine technologies. The cluster also includes medium-sized and large enterprises operating in the information technology sector.
DLTM, which represents regional excellence in specific technological domains, operates at both national and international levels in naval technologies for defence and civilian applications, in shipbuilding and recreational boating technologies, and in the monitoring, remediation and safety of marine ecosystems. DLTM’s mission is to foster collaboration between the maritime industry and marine science, supporting research, innovation, education, and the development of new synergies between public and private organisations. |
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| Autorità portuale di Heraklion (HRA) | GREECE |
| The primary objective of theHeraklion Port Authority, as defined by legislative provisions, is to utilise and manage the Port of Heraklion and all land and maritime areas within its jurisdiction in a manner that safeguards the public interest and delivers benefits to national and local economies, as well as to all users of its services.
Its corporate structure allows for greater flexibility in strategic planning, financial management and decision-making processes, thereby contributing to higher levels of efficiency and commercial responsiveness.
The Authority operates with a strategic planning approach aimed at achieving stable and long-term development, enhancing core infrastructure, facilities and port capabilities, and delivering high value-added services to its customers. |
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| Agenzia per il Trasporto Marittimo (MTA) | GEORGIA |
| TheMaritime Transport Agency, under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, serves as the National Maritime Authority, responsible for the effective implementation of organisational and legal frameworks in the maritime sector in accordance with national and international requirements. Its responsibilities include: regulation of the Georgian maritime sector, ensuring maritime safety in ports and for the Georgian-flagged merchant fleet; coordination of marine pollution prevention; execution of search and rescue operations; monitoring of vessel traffic within territorial waters; ensuring the proper functioning of the seafarers’ training and certification system; and the development of statistical data and strategic guidelines. | |
| TÜV NORD HELLAS (ΤΝΗ) | GREECE |
| TÜV NORD HELLAS has become a leading provider in the inspection and certification sector, delivering high-quality, reliable and value-added services.
The organisation has successfully associated its brand with some of the largest infrastructure and development projects in Greece, contributing through its services to the quality and safety of products and constructions.
TNH operates in the field of personnel certification within private and commercial organisations, across sectors including transport and mobility, energy technology, construction, occupational health and safety, industry and IT, and the environment. |
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| Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is the main governmental authority responsible for managing the country’s maritime and shipping sectors, as well as for developing policies concerning its numerous islands. | GREECE |
| The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is the main governmental authority responsible for managing the country’s maritime and shipping sectors, as well as for developing policies concerning its numerous islands.
The Ministry is responsible for the implementation of sustainable development policies, social policies addressing accessibility, quality of life education and support for people with special needs, as well as for the alignment and formulation of an integrated maritime policy and the organisation and enhancement of coastal policy. |
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| Istituto Mediterraneo di Formazione ai Mestieri Marittimi (IMFMM) | TUNISIA |
| TheMediterranean Institute for Training in Maritime Professions is the main governmental authority responsible for managing the country’s maritime and shipping sectors, as well as for developing policies concerning its numerous islands.
The Institute offers a wide range of accredited training programmes in compliance with current Tunisian legislation on vocational training. Since its establishment, IMFMM has trained 588 trainees across its various specialisations, achieving a job placement rate of over 78%. |
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General Project Information
ACRONYM:
NAME: BLUE CAREERS IN NET ZERO ENERGY PORTS
ID:
PROGRAMME: Programma
OBJECTIVE: Il progetto BLUE-PORTS mira a sostenere lo sviluppo delle competenze blu per il capitale umano del personale coinvolto nelle attività portuali: amministrazione, operatori, autorità competenti per i porti di piccole e medie dimensioni.
DURATION: 11/01/2023 - 20/11/2025
BUDGET: €1 171 661.56
PARTNERS: 8 organizzazioni provenienti da 5 paesi differenti
WEB SITE:Link
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