The PORTS project was submitted in the framework of the IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme, the Programme that embraces the Adriatic area cooperation scenario and integrates the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR). The Programme aims to give greater impetus to cooperation in the Southern Adriatic area - by encouraging inclusive and sustainable development -, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between local and regional actors in the three countries, to develop and implement pilot actions, and to support investments in the areas concerned: Italy (Puglia Region), Albania and Montenegro.

The Project started on 15.03.2018 and ended on 14.12.2020.

The priority objective of the project is to study the impact of new short-haul connections between the Region of Puglia, Albania and Montenegro - in particular between the ports of Taranto, Kotor and Durres - and to analyse their socio-economic impact. The project also aims to strengthen cross-border dialogue and enhance traffic in the target area through:

• The creation of an international network that includes the major stakeholders of the area;
• The creation of an international research laboratory (PORTS LAB) dedicated to the study of new forms of integrated RO/PAX transport between the ports of Taranto, Kotor, Bar and Durres and to the analysis of data using a mathematical transport model;
• The organisation of round tables with international speakers to discuss the main topics of the research carried out within the project;
• The sharing of good practices and the launching of training courses in the reference sector.

The partners

Lead Partner: ITS GE.IN.LOGISTIC

Partner: 1) Polytechnic University of Bari 2) 2) Port System Authority of the Ionian Sea 3) Institut Transporti (Albania) 4) University of Montenegro

Associated partners: 1) Port Authority of Durrës (Albania) 2) Port Authority of Kotor (Montenegro)

The Budget

The project received a total funding of €1,091,053.08 for activities to be carried out over a period of 24 months. The AdSPMI was assigned a budget of €130,157.00.

Website: https://www.projectports.eu/