The overarching purpose of PortAbility is to contribute to the general objectives of the CoVE (Centres of Vocational Excellence) call under Erasmus+ (Key Action 2) by developing innovative strategies and methods that foregrounds Vocational Education and Training (VET) not only as a contributor, but as a driver for the economic diversification and reconversion of Port City Regions towards a ‘Just Transition’, as part of the transition towards a climate-neutral, digital, and inclusive economy.

In PortAbility, the CoVE network is grounded in four Port City Region territories in the Mediterranean basin, specifically Italy (Taranto), Spain (Andalusia, focused on Seville and Mảlaga), Greece (Volos, Thessaly) and the multiple port island of Cyprus. They are complemented with a German cluster of organizations with the function of sharing and enhancing knowledge from the Hamburg area, where the “port transition” is nowadays almost complete and rich of cases and examples which will be of value for the PortAbility CoVE networks.

The project partnership is composed of a total of 24 partners and 3 Associates; the coordinator will be FONDAZIONE C.I.O.F.S. - F.P. ETS.

PortAbility builds a system which is able to

1. equip the VET and company staff employees in changing Mediterranean port areas with contemporary and enhanced skills and knowledge to meet the emerging challenges
2. enhance VET capacities to better respond to changes in the economy and labour market and gain a more extensive role as a key part of the innovation eco-system
3. establish a continuous dialogue at National level among the CoVE actors involved, on the policies and measures accompanying social innovation and inclusion within the specific and unique port transformation processes.

PortAbility will work on the following topics

• Systematic and Comparative Analysis mapping regional/national factors for both Port Just Transition and Diversification (Green,Digital, Social) and complementary Sector Blueprint (shipbuilding, marine technology)
• Training framework: pathways, microcredential system and learning infrastructure
• Pilot Empowerment & Capacity Building and Upskilling/Reskilling pathways
• Innovation and Governance Hub

The total budget for the project is 4,959,837.90 €. The Port Network Authority of Ionian Sea budget amount is 128,312.80 €.

Expected end date of the project: 28.02.2029