An alliance to strengthen the Blue Economy and accompany the Italian port system towards an increasingly more planet, innovative and resilient. That, Axonautics Italian e the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea (Ontm) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to promote initiatives and projects dedicated to the sustainable development of Italian port infrastructure and marinas, in line with national and European strategies.
The agreement aims to leverage skills, knowledge, and institutional coordination capabilities to promote the protection of natural resources, the resilience of coastal areas, and the modernization of the maritime system, considered a strategic asset for the country's growth.
Artificial intelligence, innovation and decarbonisation
Under the agreement, That proposes itself as a strategic partner of Port System Authority, tourist ports and marinas in the development of innovative models capable of integrating environmental sustainability, water resource safety, energy efficiency, digitalization and quality of services.
The three entities will collaborate to disseminate best practices and solutions dedicated to water protection, sustainable management of environmental resources, energy efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of maritime infrastructure.
Among the objectives of the Protocol, a central role is played by:technological innovationThe agreement provides for the exploitation of data and the adoption of advanced digital tools, including intelligent monitoring systems and artificial intelligence applications to support the management of infrastructure, water and energy networks, and environmental processes.
The path aims to accompany ports e Navy to increasingly sustainable models and resilient, promoting progressive decarbonisation through the integration of renewable energy, intelligent consumption management systems and innovative solutions for energy efficiency and the reduction of climate-altering emissions.
Water protection and sustainable development of coastal areas
Another pillar of the agreement concerns the protection of water resources, with the promotion of circular water management models, the reuse of treated water, the reduction of losses and the use of advanced technologies for monitoring and optimising consumption.
The goal is to make ports and marinas increasingly self-sufficient and safe in terms of production and the environment, fully consistent with the principles of the Blue Economy and a vision of balanced and sustainable development of coastal areas, strengthening the relationship between ports and cities.
The statements
"The competitiveness of the Italian nautical system increasingly depends on the ability to innovate while respecting the environment. This agreement represents a concrete step towards more sustainable ports and marinas, capable of integrating advanced technologies, energy efficiency, and responsible management of water resources. Assonautica Italiana strongly believes in a Blue Economy that combines economic development, maritime protection, and quality services, and the Memorandum signed today goes exactly in this direction," he stated. John Acampora, president of Assonautica Italiana.
“With the Protocol signed today we confirm our commitment to supporting the country's ecological transition and the protection of water resources – stated Pier Francesco Ragni, co-general manager of Acea. "The collaboration with Assonautica Italiana and the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea strengthens our commitment to the Blue Economy and the sustainable development of port and coastal infrastructure. We believe that the future of infrastructure lies in sustainability, digitalization, and efficient data management, including through artificial intelligence. These principles guide our daily work in the water, energy, and environmental sectors."
"The collaboration between Acea, Assonautica Italiana, and ONTM represents a concrete step toward a maritime development model that integrates environmental protection, innovation, and sustainable growth. The Observatory offers its wealth of expertise and institutional relationships to foster dialogue between institutions, Port System Authorities, operators, and businesses, contributing to the dissemination of increasingly advanced models for the management of water resources, energy, and maritime infrastructure. This Memorandum demonstrates how collaboration between entities with complementary skills can generate value for the Italian port system and strengthen the role of the Blue Economy as a strategic lever for the country's competitiveness and sustainability," stated Roberto Minerdo, president of the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea.
