The Corfu Port Authority S.A. (OLKE S.A.) announces its participation in the ARGONAUT project, a cross-border initiative within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy Programme 2021–2027, which aims to promote sustainable shipping and “green” maritime tourism.
At the kick-off meeting held in Taranto, Italy, the Managing Director of OLKE S.A., Mr. Dimitris Apergis met with Mr. Gianfranco Gadaleta, Coordinator of the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Greece-Italy Programme, as well as with Mr. Dimitris Katsaros, Secretary General of the Decentralized Administration of the Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian (photo). The meeting marked the official launch of a project that is expected to significantly upgrade the port infrastructure and strengthen the international image of Corfu and Greece in the field of nautical tourism.
ARGONAUT aims to respond to the environmental, economic and social challenges of nautical tourism in the Greek-Italian maritime region, focusing on coastal zones and marinas burdened by seasonal traffic and environmental pressures.
Strategic partners from Italy and Greece contribute with specialized know-how: the lead partner from Italy undertakes the coordination and development of the Adriatic Maritime Route Planner, while entities from Puglia and the Municipality of Gallipoli contribute to the training, strengthening of skills and communication of the project.
In Greece, the OLKE. leverages its experience from European and INTERREG projects, undertaking innovative actions of digital solutions and green mobility, while the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian ensures the dissemination of results in three regions.
At the same time, the Port Authority of Patras brings its know-how to port infrastructures, with a pilot application of green technologies.
Main actions of the project include:
Development of the Adriatic Maritime Route Planner: a digital, AI-assisted platform for safer and greener maritime routes in real time.
Green transformation of pilot ports in Gallipoli, Corfu and Patras, with electric boat charging stations.
Creation of the ARGONAUT Network, a cross-border network for the exchange of best practices in maritime tourism.
Educational programs of theoretical and practical training for sustainable navigation and port management.
On the occasion of the launch of the project, the CEO of OLKE S.A. Mr. Dimitris Apergis stated: “Our participation in ARGONAUT is a strategic opportunity to place the Port of Corfu at the forefront of sustainable shipping and green tourism. Through collaboration with partners from Greece and Italy, we strengthen our infrastructure, cultivate environmental skills and contribute to the transition towards a greener and more attractive marine tourism.”
