The European Union grants 322.000 euros to Napa ports

The European Union, in the framework of the Ten-T call, co-funded North Adriatic Ports with 322.000 euros (50% of the eligible costs) for the realization of a Masterplan to design a comprehensive value chain for the use of LNG (liquefied natural gas), and other low emission solutions. These actions will help to increase fleet competitiveness, efficiency, and
sustainability while at the same time providing substantial environmental benefits as requested by the forthcoming stricter environmental regulations and the most recent EU directives.

 Project Leader is Qatar Energy Europe (an advisory company owned by Qaatar Investment Fund with expertise focused on energy sector), with the support of partners from Italy, Greece, Qatar and leading shipping company as Contship Italia and the Grimaldi Group.

 The project leader for Napa Ports will be Venice Port Authority with a budget of 110.000 euros, Trieste (Italy), Koper (Slovenia) and Rijeka (Croatia) ports will have a budget of 70.000 euros each. The activities are in 50% cofinanced by European Union.

The Action confirms the EU interest in supporting the future developement projectsof Napa and Adriatic Ports and willcontribute to develop ports infrastructures dedicated to the use of LNGand alternative energy sources. The aim of the activity is to examine the potential for LNG as marine fuel in the Northern Adriatic Ports and explore the area stakeholders view on this alternative fuel.

The action is also aimed at analysing the possibility of using the electrical engines within the Port areas and to make investments in the electrification of docks. This is the first project on alternative fuelsin the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea. It is the first Cross European Border project which aims to find appropriate solutions on alternative fuels according EU guidelines and world shipping industry trends considering local infrastructure and environmental characteristics.