The Corfu Port Authority S.A. has joined the cross-border ARGONAUT project under the Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy 2021-2027 program to promote sustainable shipping and “green” maritime tourism. The decision became official on Tuesday morning, 30 September, after a kick-off meeting in Taranto, Italy. The plan is simple: upgrade port infrastructure and make Corfu a stronger stop for nautical tourism.
According to the authority, ARGONAUT tackles environmental, economic, and social pressures that spike with seasonal traffic in coastal zones and marinas across the Greek-Italian maritime area. Teams from Italy and Greece will share know-how and roll out practical pilots plus digital tools to cut emissions and raise safety.
How will the project impact Corfu’s port and tourism?
For Corfu, the priority is a greener, more efficient port experience. What does that look like in practice? Electric charging for small craft and service vessels, trials of low-emission operations, and an AI-assisted route planner that suggests safer, cleaner passages in real time. Together, these steps aim to ease high-season congestion, cut noise and air pollution, and make the island more attractive to yachting visitors.
What will residents and local businesses gain?
Local ship agents, marina users, and waterfront businesses stand to gain from smoother vessel flows and clearer information tools. For residents, that could mean quieter berths and cleaner air near port areas. Visitors should find better-managed moorings and services. There is also a training angle: courses linked to digital navigation and green port operations.
When do pilots start and what are the next steps?
The Taranto meeting marked the official launch. Pilot actions are planned in Gallipoli (Italy), Corfu, and Patras, starting with design and procurement. A detailed timeline and budget were not shared in the source and still need partner confirmation. As equipment is installed, training modules and communication activities will follow.
Who participated in the launch meeting?
CEO Dimitris Apergis represented the Corfu Port Authority. On site he met Gianfranco Gadaleta, coordinator of the Interreg Greece-Italy Joint Secretariat, and Dimitris Katsaros, secretary general of the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian. Italian partners will coordinate the Adriatic Maritime Route Planner, while teams from Puglia and the municipality of Gallipoli will lead training and outreach.
What exactly will ARGONAUT deliver?
- Adriatic Maritime Route Planner: a digital, AI-assisted platform that suggests safer, cleaner routes in real time.
- Green pilots in Gallipoli, Corfu, and Patras, including electric charging stations for boats.
- ARGONAUT Network: a cross-border place to share proven practices in nautical tourism.
- Training, both classroom and hands-on, for sustainable navigation and port management.
Funding and verification
The project sits within Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy 2021-2027. Specific budget figures, local co-funding shares, and installation dates were not provided in the available source and will need confirmation in upcoming announcements.
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