Green Corridors for Carbon-Neutral Cruise and Ferry Shipping in the ADRION Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2025-06-23

Description

Description (EN):

The GREENROUTES project addresses territorial challenges of the ADRION region in relation to the decarbonization of the maritime transport sector. Poorly developed port infrastructure for the storage and handling of different types of marine alternative fuels is one of the major obstacles in the process of sector’s decarbonisation process. Zero carbon (e.g. hydrogen, ammonia, electricity), low carbon (e.g. LNG, LPG, methanol) and carbon-neutral (e.g. biofuels as HVO) marine alternative fuels have huge potential for decarbonisation of the sector through retrofitting of existing ships or building new ones using those fuels. Thus, the GREENROUTES project focuses on the transition of the maritime transport in the ADRION region from using fossil fuels to utilising alternative fuels provided by ports with suitable infrastructure. The overall objective of the GREENROUTES project is to contribute to a carbon-neutral and better-connected ADRION region by promoting decarbonization measures in the maritime transport sector. To achieve this, the project aims to facilitate the transition towards a carbon-neutral maritime transport sector in the ADRION region by providing a roadmap for establishing a green maritime corridor between two or more passenger ports within the ADRION region. These corridors will be built upon the adoption of marine alternative fuels for ship propulsion and the development of appropriate port infrastructure for its bunkering and handling. Advantageous starting points for maritime green corridors in the ADRION region could be cruise and ferry lines as a Short Sea Shipping mode and ports servicing these segments of maritime transport. Ferry lines and, to some extent, cruise lines can ensure a baseline demand for different marine alternative fuels. The main outputs of GREENROUTES project include Strategy for the establishment of ADRION Maritime Green Corridors for cruise and ferry ships; Online platform for assessment of the total carbon emitted and carbon footprint per passenger of the cruise and ferry ships travelling within ADRION region, based on conducted pilot actions; Establishment of a network through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on the promotion of the building of green maritime routes by project partners in the ADRION region. Interreg IPA ADRION projects focusing on Priority Axis 3 have primarily aimed to achieve carbon-neutral ports and, to some point, to establish electricity connections for ships while berthed (cold ironing). Although this approach enables a reduction of carbon and pollutant emissions from ships during their berthing periods, it is limited to a number of ships depending on port capacities. The GREENROUTES project takes a step further by offering a region-specific roadmap for sustainable and carbon-neutral maritime transport in the ADRION region. This approach aims to tackle the issue comprehensively, not only by minimizing emissions within the ports but also throughout the entirety of the ships' routes between two or more ports. Therefore, the GREENROUTES project aims to promote the establishment of ADRION Maritime Green Corridors for cruise and ferry ships as a starting point toward reaching the overall goal – carbon neutral and better connected ADRION region. A transnational approach is needed to ensure collaboration and coordination among countries in the ADRION region to achieve these objectives and develop a comprehensive strategy. What is original and new about the GREENROUTES project is its specific focus on the ADRION region and its aim to drive the transition towards carbon-neutral maritime passenger transport in this region. The project's emphasis on developing Cruise & Ferry Maritime Green Corridors through strategic planning focusing on zero and carbon-neutral marine fuels, new marine propulsion technologies, and port infrastructure for support of novel technologies is innovative. In addition to strategy, an Online platform will provide a user-friendly interface for ship operators and stakeholders for calculating total CO2 (and other gaseous pollutants) emissions per route between two or more ports (including hoteling and manoeuvring modes at the port and cruising outside of the port area) and for calculating the ship’s carbon footprint per passenger transported along the same route. It will help cruise and ferry operators to monitor their progress in achieving carbon-neutral transport of passengers in the ADRION region.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The specific objective of the WP1 is the development of the pre-feasibility study which will provide a foundation for exploring possibilities of establishing green maritime routes for cruise and ferry ships operating within the ADRION region. The study will include a proposed model for effectively monitoring the progress of the "greening", which will be validated through the execution of pilot actions, ensuring its practical applicability and effectiveness. The specific objective of WP2 is the development of a comprehensive Strategy with action plan for the establishment of Maritime Green Corridors for cruise and ferry ships, providing a roadmap for creating the first carbon-neutral or zero-carbon maritime connections between multiple passenger ports within the ADRION region. The strategic document will outline a series of necessary steps to be taken in order to establish these green corridors, with a particular focus on the introduction of marine alternative fuels and the identification of port infrastructure requirements for safe and efficient handling and bunkering of such fuels. This objective aims to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transportation within the ADRION region while facilitating the transition towards greener and more efficient operations for cruise and ferry ships. The specific objective of the WP3 is the development of the GREENROUTES online platform as a comprehensive information hub for operators and the public, supporting maritime decarbonization efforts and promoting environmentally friendly routes in the ADRION region. The platform will monitor and calculate CO2 emissions and carbon footprints of cruise and ferry ships using advanced algorithms and real-time data, providing ship operators and policymakers with valuable insights into environmental impact. It will aggregate data to identify high-emission zones within green corridors, enabling targeted reduction strategies. The objective of capitalization, capacity building, and networking for the developed solution is to maximize its impact, expand its reach, and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration within the maritime industry. Aim is to enhance Platform adoption of the online platform among cruise and ferry ship operators, port authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Increase awareness about the platform's capabilities and benefits in calculating CO2 emissions and carbon footprints per route. Encourage operators to utilize the platform to measure and monitor their environmental impact accurately, to provide training and capacity-building initiatives to stakeholders on the effective use of the online platform. Offer guidance and resources to help operators understand the calculations, interpret the results, and identify opportunities for emission reduction. Foster knowledge and skills development to enable stakeholders to implement effective carbon management strategies.

Project outputs: Pilot actions on ADRION maritime green corridors for cruise and ferry ships based on Pre-feasibility study of the sector.(EN)
Strategy for establishing maritime green corridors for cruise & ferry ships within ADRION region(EN)
Developed online platform for assessment of the ship’s carbon footprint(EN)
GREENROUTES partners' network(EN)

Thematic information

Green technologies Transport and mobility Logistics and freight transport

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_3) Supporting a carbon neutral and better-connected Adriatic-Ionian region

Priority specific objective: RSO3.2. Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO3 A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility

Type of intervention: 110 Seaports (TEN-T)

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: JAVNA USTANOVA UNIVERZITET CRNE GORE / POMORSKI FAKULTET KOTOR

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999836328

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02016702 | E10208590 | N/A (EN)

Department: Faculty of maritime studies Kotor

Address: Cetinjska, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Put I Bokeljske brigade, 85331 Kotor, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ucg.ac.me

Total budget: EUR 244 095.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 207 480.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 614.25

Contractors:

Name: Aleksandar Marković
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

Autorità di Sistema Portuale dello Stretto

Name: Autorità di Sistema Portuale dello Stretto

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891706548

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80005610839 | Fiscal code (EN)

Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 98122 Messina, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.adspstretto.it

Total budget: EUR 109 210.62

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 829.02

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 381.60

DREJTORIA E PËRGJITHSHME DETARE

Name: DREJTORIA E PËRGJITHSHME DETARE

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 908114389

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ALL01921751A | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Porti Detar Durrës, 2001 DURRËS, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.dpdetare.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 101 336.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 86 136.02

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 200.48

Fond za zaštitu okoliša Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine

Name: Fond za zaštitu okoliša Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4201117120007 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Hamdije Čemerlića , 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://fzofbih.org.ba/

Total budget: EUR 87 918.43

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 74 730.66

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 13 187.77

ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ

Name: ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ

Department: School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999978142

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 099793475 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: 9 Heroon Polytechneiou, 15780 Zografou, Athens , Greece

Department address: 9 Heroon Polytechneiou, 15780 Zografou, Athens , Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ntua.gr

Total budget: EUR 159 279.30

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 387.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 891.90

Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva I brodogradnje

Name: Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva I brodogradnje

Department: Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 996827485

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 22910368449 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fsb.unizg.hr

Total budget: EUR 118 143.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 421.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 721.49

Sveučilište u Splitu, Pomorski fakultet

Name: Sveučilište u Splitu, Pomorski fakultet

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948854583

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 24624257529 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Ruđera Boškovića, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.pfst.unist.hr

Total budget: EUR 238 191.75

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 202 462.98

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 728.77

Autorità di Sistema del Mare Adriatico Meridionale

Name: Autorità di Sistema del Mare Adriatico Meridionale

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891878044

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 08032850722 | N/A | N/a (EN)

Address: Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo , 70122 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.adspmam.it

Total budget: EUR 191 373.86

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 667.78

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 706.08

Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine Crne Gore

Name: Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine Crne Gore

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 896508048

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N/A | 1104478 | N/A (EN)

Address: IV Proleterske, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.epa.org.me

Total budget: EUR 112 663.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 95 764.14

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 899.56

Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Zagrebu

Name: Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Zagrebu

Department: Department of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 996827485

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 22910368449 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ivana Lučića, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fsb.unizg.hr

Total budget: EUR 118 143.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 421.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 721.49

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Green Corridors for Carbon-Neutral Cruise and Ferry Shipping in the ADRION Region

Project acronym: GREENROUTES

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00021

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg ADRION SUPAIR project (EN) | The synergy between the GREENROUTES and SUPAIR projects lies in their shared goal of promoting sustainable and low-carbon maritime transport in the ADRION region. While the SUPAIR project primarily focuses on sustainable and low-carbon practices within the ports of the ADRION region, the GREENROUTES project takes a comprehensive approach by addressing emissions throughout the entire route of the ships between two and more ports.
The SUPAIR project involves ports within the ADRION region, and each of them has delivered an Action Plan for Sustainable and Low Carbon Ports. However, none of these ports has a strategy for implementing zero and carbon-neutral marine alternative fuel infrastructure. The GREENROUTES project recognizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to address this issue beyond the limited scope of existing initiatives. It aims to establish ADRION Maritime Green Corridors for cruise and ferry ships, providing a region-specific roadmap for sustainable and carbon-neutral maritime transport. It goes beyond minimizing emissions within ports and considers emissions reduction throughout the ships' entire routes using marine alternative fuels supplied by ports within ADRION region. (EN), Interreg VA SUSPORT project (EN) | The synergy between the GREENROUTES and SUSPORT projects lies in their shared focus on enhancing the environmental sustainability in the ADRION region. While the SUSPORT project addresses specific aspects within the ports, the GREENROUTES project aims to establish green maritime corridors that connect these ports using sustainable practices and alternative fuels. The collaboration and exchange of knowledge between the two projects can contribute to the overall sustainability and resilience of the ADRION ports and their transportation networks
The SUSPORT project involves five port authorities in Italy and five in Croatia. The project aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of the participating Adriatic ports through pilot activities in various sectors, including noise reduction, air quality improvement, and CO2 emissions reduction.
On the other hand, the GREENROUTES project focuses on developing a region-specific roadmap for establishing green maritime corridors between passenger ports in the ADRION region. The project recognizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices not only within ports but also throughout the entire routes of ships operating in the region. It aims to achieve a carbon-neutral and well-connected ADRION region by promoting the use of marine alternative fuels and developing suitable port infrastructure for bunkering and handling these fuels. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 362 212.41

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 157 880.51

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Study visit to best practice EU port in relation to alternative fuels infrastructure and services
Report on ADRION region maritime passenger transport
Report on regulatory frameworks and initiatives for the decarbonization of the maritime transport
Report on marine alternative fuels and propulsion technologies for cruise and ferry ships
Report on marine alternative fuels supply chain and bunkering infrastructure in ports
Guidelines for developing a pre-feasibility study and pilot actions
Pre-feasibility study on ADRION maritime green corridors for cruise and ferry ships
Promotion of the pre-feasibility study on ADRION maritime green corridors for cruise and ferry ships
Report on procured and installed equipment
Report on measurements of carbon pollution of cruise & ferry ships at selected ADRION port areas
Report on fuel consumption measurement of selected cruise and ferry ships
Report on assessment of carbon emissions at selected ADRION routes
Strategy for establishing ADRION maritime green corridors for cruise & ferry ships
Organized ADRION Conference on the Promotion of the Strategy with action plans
Developed GREENROUTES online platform
Developed manual for GREENROUTES online platform
Promotion of the GREENROUTES online platform
Organized national level training/workshops
Organized regional training/workshop as a Capitalization event
Final project conference with final SC meeting
Signed ADRION GREENROUTES Memorandum of Cooperation

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The project GREENROUTES strongly contributes to the implementation of the EUSAIR Strategy. By pursuing decarbonization and clean air policies, the project aligns with the strategy's objective of promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in shipping and related ports. Through the development of a comprehensive strategy and the establishment of Cruise & Ferry Green Corridors, the project drives the transition towards a carbon-neutral maritime industry in the ADRION region. By adopting marine alternative fuels, technologies, practices, and infrastructure, the project facilitates the reduction of carbon emissions from cruise and ferry ships, aligning with the EUSAIR Strategy's commitment to sustainable economic growth and environmental protection in the Adriatic and Ionian region. The project's focus on promoting synergies and enhancing connectivity further supports the objectives of the EUSAIR Strategy, promoting better integration and cooperation among the participating countries.
EuropeanGreenDeal The project GREENROUTES strongly contributes to the implementation of the European Green Deal. By focusing on decarbonization and clean air policies in shipping and related ports, the project aligns with the European Green Deal's objective of achieving climate neutrality and promoting sustainable transport. Through the development of a comprehensive strategy and the establishment of Cruise & Ferry Green Corridors, the project drives the transition towards a carbon-neutral maritime industry in the ADRION region. By adopting marine alternative fuels, technologies, practices, and infrastructure, the project actively supports the European Green Deal's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transport systems. Additionally, the project's emphasis on improving connectivity and promoting synergies further contributes to the European Green Deal's vision of a greener and more connected Europe.
Other The project GREENROUTES strongly contributes to the implementation of the IMO (International Maritime Organization, www.imo.org) Initial Strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships. This is a policy framework with main goals: Cut annual greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least half by 2050, compared with their level in 2008, and work towards phasing out GHG emissions from shipping entirely as soon as possible in this century; The Initial GHG Strategy envisages a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping (to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work), as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008.
The existing strategy is anticipated to be revised and stricter measures adopted at the upcoming MEPC (Marine Environmental Protection Committee) meeting scheduled for July 2023. Additionally, new guidelines regarding the Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels (LCA Guidelines), mid-term measures for reducing GHG emissions from ships, and short-term measures to reduce the carbon intensity of shipping are expected to be proposed.
Other The project GREENROUTES strongly contributes to the implementation of the UNFCCC climate change summit (COP26) policy paper, the Clydebank Declaration for green shipping corridors. The Clydebank Declaration was launched in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow to facilitate rapid decarbonization of the shipping industry. It represents a commitment by its signatories to support the establishment of green shipping corridors – zero-emission maritime routes between two or more ports and aims to establish at least six corridors by 2025 and many more by 2030. These corridors will accelerate the development of zero-emission fuels, port infrastructure for those fuels, and effective legislation. The Declaration emphasizes voluntary participation, collaboration with stakeholders, addressing technical and operational challenges, incorporating green corridor provisions in national action plans, and prioritizing sustainability in implementation. This commitment signifies a significant step toward achieving a low-carbon future for the maritime industry.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-06-23

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

638 / 638 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Green Corridors for Carbon-Neutral Cruise and Ferry Shipping in the ADRION Region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (10)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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