Progetti Internazionali

SECURE PORTS – Security Enhancement of Cyber and physical infrastrUctREs in South Adriatic small PORTS

SECURE PORTS – Security Enhancement of Cyber and physical infrastrUctREs in South Adriatic small PORTS

Project Code: SA-0300464

Call: Call for Standard Project Proposals Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021-2027

Programme priority: PA 3. A more connected South Adriatic programme area by enhancing mobility and regional connectivity

Specific objective: S.O.3.1: Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

Period: July 2025 – December 2027

Budget (Total): € 1.094.417,81;Interreg Contribution: € 887.220,73

Budget (Dhitech): € 291.690,00; Interreg Contribution: € 233.352,00; FdR Contribution: € 58.338,00

The SECURE PORTS project addresses the growing security challenges affecting small ports in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. Connected through shared maritime trade routes, these ports are collectively exposed to cyber-attacks, physical threats, and international criminal activities. Limited security infrastructure and fragmented regulatory frameworks further increase their vulnerability, particularly for smaller ports with fewer resources and lower operational capacity. Tackling these risks at a purely national or local level would result in fragmented actions and persistent security gaps. For this reason, SECURE PORTS adopts a cross-border approach to strengthen both cyber and physical security across small ports in the South Adriatic region. The project will develop and implement an integrated security system specifically tailored to the operational realities and needs of small ports, including touristic ports and marinas. From a technological perspective, the project will deliver several key outputs. These include the development of a Security Dashboard for real-time threat monitoring, the integration of BIM-GIS models for advanced asset management, and Automated Security Testing and Response Systems to improve prevention and rapid reaction capabilities. From a strategic standpoint, SECURE PORTS will produce a Joint Action Plan for the Security Enhancement of Small Ports, defining a coordinated framework to guide stakeholders in adopting shared standards and best practices across borders. By improving the resilience of port infrastructure, the project will reduce vulnerabilities, enhance incident response, and create a safer maritime environment throughout the South Adriatic. It will contribute to deterring criminal activities and establishing a harmonized security framework among neighboring countries.
Primary beneficiaries include port authorities, security agencies, local governments, and maritime operators. Thanks to the scalability of its solutions, other ports in the region will also be able to replicate and benefit from the project’s results. SECURE PORTS is innovative in its dedicated focus on small ports — such as marinas and touristic harbors — which, unlike large commercial ports, often lack sophisticated security systems and adequate resources, making them particularly vulnerable to both cyber and physical threats.

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