Second Meeting of Blue Ports Project

On March 10, 2025, the second consultative meeting of the National Technical Committee for the Blue Ports project, funded by the European Commission, was held. The meeting was attended by Professor George Gabedava, Head of the International Relations Service at BNTU.

The primary objectives of the meeting were to further develop the foundations of the Blue Ports certification scheme, define its requirements, and validate the proposed training methodology and syllabus. The discussions covered the following key topics:

• Validation of the proposed training methodology and syllabus
• Refinement of additional elements within the certification scheme, including, tasks assigned to Blue Ports specializations, aligning with the learning objectives, skills, and competencies specified in the training syllabus; the methodology and criteria for assessment.

During the meeting, participants also reviewed the findings of market research conducted in Greece, Spain, Italy, and Georgia, which analyzed the demand for green skills in the port sector. Furthermore, the main components of the Blue Ports certification scheme and training methodology were examined.

The Blue Ports project is financed through the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 programme and aims to enhance the skills and competencies of professionals within the port ecosystem, supporting the sector's green transition. The anticipated outcomes of the project include:

• Development of digital learning materials and tools.
• Training of over 200 specialists and 150 young talents.
• Enhancement of safety and operational efficiency.
• Creation of new environmentally friendly jobs in the port industry.

Led by the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Laboratory at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), the Blue Ports consortium consists of eight partners from Greece, Spain, Italy, Georgia, and Tunisia, along with 26 supporting organizations.

BNTU remains committed to participating in international projects, promoting alignment with European standards, and ensuring the transfer of modern knowledge and skills to students.