The Corfu Port Organization 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 2021–2027 Programme which aims to promote sustainable shipping and “green” marine tourism.
At the kick-off meeting held in Taranto, Italy, the CEO of O.L.K.E. 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, General Secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian. The meeting marked the official start of a project that is expected to critically upgrade port infrastructure and enhance the international image of Corfu and Greece in the field of marine tourism.
ARGONAUT aims to address the environmental, economic, and social challenges of marine tourism in the Greek-Italian maritime area, focusing on coastal zones and marinas burdened by seasonal traffic and environmental pressures. Strategic partners from Italy and Greece contribute with specialized expertise: the lead partner from Italy undertakes the coordination and development of the Adriatic Maritime Route Planner, while entities from Apulia and the Municipality of Gallipoli contribute to the project’s training, skills empowerment, and communication. In Greece, O.L.K.E. leverages its experience from European and INTERREG projects, undertaking innovative actions in digital solutions and green mobility, while the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian ensures the dissemination of results across three regions. At the same time, the Patras Port Authority brings its expertise in port infrastructure, with a pilot application of green technologies.
Key project actions include:
•Development of the Adriatic Maritime Route Planner: a digital, AI-assisted platform for safer and “greener” sea routes in real time.
•Green transformation of pilot ports in Gallipoli, Corfu and Patras, with electric vessel charging stations.
•Creation of the ARGONAUT Network, a cross-border network for the exchange of best practices in marine tourism.
•Educational programs of theoretical and practical training for sustainable shipping and port management.
On the occasion of the project’s launch, the CEO of O.L.K.E. 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 are strengthening our infrastructure, cultivating environmental skills, and contributing to the transition towards a greener and more attractive marine tourism.”
O.L.K.E. S.A. press release
