An adaptable Web GIS platform for monitoring Port Air Quality

By paris

G. Pachoulas, S. Petsios, E. Spyrou and C. Stylios, “An adaptable Web GIS platform for monitoring Port Air Quality” 19^th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation, (MED 2021) Bari, Puglia, Italy 22-24 June 2021, pp. 512-517, doi: 10.1109/MED51440.2021.9480193.

Information day on the results of the project

By paris

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 in Arta an information day for the presentation of the final results of the European project “ECOPORTIL-Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation”, which is implemented through the Transnational Program Balkan-Mediterranean Cooperation 2014-2020. The results of the WebGis were overviewed and presented. In addition, the e-learning platform and its offered courses were introduced, as well as the impact of the educational material on the education of the participants were discussed. Finally, the process of disseminating the results of the project was described.

Evaluation Day On Environmental Management Of Ports And Surrounding Coastal Areas

By paris

On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, an evaluation day regarding the Smart Environmental Management of Ports and Surrounding Coastal Areas was held in Igoumenitsa by the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing of the Department of Informatics & Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina, in the framework of the project “ECOPORTIL-Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation”(www.ecoportil.eu), which is implemented through the Transnational Cooperation Program Balkan-Mediterranean 2014-2020. In compliance with the health restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, the event was broadcast live and those interested had the opportunity to participate without physical presence.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Athanasios Porphyris, CEO of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority, who welcomed the event and analyzed the holistic approach already applied by the Igoumenitsa Port Authority for the effective management of its energy-intensive, energy-intensive activities and social benefits, while additionally presenting the strategic expansion plan of Igoumenitsa Port Authority.

The Director of the Laboratory and scientifically responsible for the project, Prof. Chrysostomos Stylios, briefly presented the actions and results of the project, which includes partners from 4 countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Albania, emphasizing the need to monitor and improve Ports’ and coastal areas’ quality, contributing to their sustainability through the application of modern methodologies and good practices in line with EU and national legislation and utilizing innovative Information and Communication Technology tools as a measure to prevent pollution and the possibility of utilizing Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of the Environment and Shipping.

Prof. Nikitas Nikitakos of the Department of Shipping & Business Services of the University of the Aegean, analyzed the idea of a port of zero pollutants and the creation of a smart grid based on the use of renewable energy sources, as well as technological developments that have led to the 4^th Industrial Revolution in Shipping.

Emmanuel Nicolaides, Assoc. Professor of the Department of Shipping & Commerce of the University of Frederick in Cyprus, described the environmental assessment process, which was implemented through specially designed and specialized questionnaires, as well as the results and the contribution of ECOPORTIL to the environmentally sustainable port management. In addition, he presented the effectiveness of the free online asynchronous courses available through the e-learning platform, which was developed by the team of the Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing.

For more information about the Project, those interested can contact the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (contact@kic.uoi.gr and 2681050234).

Final Event of the project ECOPORTIL

By paris

The Final Event of the ECOPORTIL project, during which the outputs and results of the project will be presented, is hosted by Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company, and will take place on 22^nd October 2020 at 10:00 a.m. online, through ZOOM platform.

Register at the link below, after which you will receive a confirmation and instructions on how to take part in the event at the email address you entered.

Link for registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6pShyw9jS4W0k4-ktVJxKQ

Meeting – Discussion on the organization and successful completion of the work packages of the Project

By paris

A partners’ meeting took place on 26, 27 and 28 August 2020 of the European project “ECOPORTIL-Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation” (www.ecoportil.eu), which is implemented through the Transnational Cooperation Program Balkan-Mediterranean 2014-2020, at the premises of the University of Aegean, in Chios. The meeting was attended by representatives of the University of Ioannina and the University of the Aegean. Specifically, Mr. Chrysostomos Stylios, Professor, Dept. Of Informatics & Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Mr. Nikitas Nikitakos, Professor, Dept. Of Shipping & Business Services, University of the Aegean, Ms. Anna Kotrikla, Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Shipping & Business Services, University of the Aegean and Mr. Ioannis Dagkinis, member of scientific teaching staff, Dept. Shipping & Business Services, University of the Aegean. The purpose of the meeting was to be organized the successful completion of the project work packages.

On the 1st day of the meeting, the participants analyzed the methodology and the organization of the seminar courses and actions within the framework of WP4 as well as the evaluation of the process of the online courses. Participants also discussed the organization of upcoming seminars and course certificates for all partners.

On the 2nd day of the meeting, the participants discussed the proposed peer review methodology in the context of the implementation of WP5. In particular, discussions took place on the organization of the peer review and the partners made corrections and suggestions regarding the evaluation questionnaires. In addition, the partners decided on the evaluation of the educational process.

On the 3rd and last day of the meeting, the partners discussed issues related to the implementation of WP1 and WP2. Specifically, financial and management issues were discussed as well as issues of project promotion and contribution of the University of Aegean. In addition, the organization of the final event of the project was discussed and the overall project and the contribution of the partners were evaluated. Finally, the partners discussed at length the next steps for the viability of the project.

Educational Seminar and Webinar of ECOPORTIL

By paris

Educational Seminar and Webinar of ECOPORTIL

The University of Ioannina is organizing an educational seminar -and webinar at the same time, on “Environmental management of ports and their neighboring coastal areas”, on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

Interested parties can attend the Seminar in Igoumenitsa, while, it is possible to attend it live online via Zoom.

Venue: Angelika Pallas Hotel, Igoumenitsa

Live online attendance via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/95157518625#success

The official language is Greek.

ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ-ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΟΥ-ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟ_ΗΓΟΥΜΕΝΙΤΣΑ_23_7_2020

Newsletter No.2

By paris

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NEWSLETTER No 2

In this Newsletter:
The Project
Welcome our New Partner
Meetings
Workshops
Conferences
Exhibitions
Check our Partnership

THE PROJECT

ECOPORTIL – Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation, project is listed in INTERREG Balkan – Mediterranean 2014 – 2020 and specifically in the Priority Axis II Environment | Specific Objective: 2.3 Delivery on environmental legal framework Thematic Objective: Enhancing institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders and efficient public administration with Project Code: BMP1/2.3/2622/2017. The Project involves 6 Partners for 4 Countries, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Albania. The Project aims to improve the environmental quality of ports and their surrounding coastal environment by supporting their sustainability. The ECOPORTIL Project aims to contribute to a sustainable maritime sector and to the sustainable Blue Growth, the main objective of Europe 2020 strategy.

WELCOME OUR NEW PARTNER

Frederick Research Center (FRC) is a leading research non-profit organization in Cyprus. It was established in 1997 in order to create a solid foundation for the development of scientific research activities of Cypriot and foreign scientists. FRC’s main goals are:

to promote scientific research and science in general and to undertake and conduct research of basic and applied nature in various domains,
to encourage participation and development of R & D proposals, as well as the sound implementation of externally funded R & D projects,
to establish collaborations with other national and international research Centers and Universities, as well as SMEs for the execution of research work,
to offer R & D consulting services to individuals, business, organizations and the government

FRC engages highly qualified academic / research staff, predominantly from Frederick University, with long experience in implementing independent and high caliber research and with rich publications record in peer – reviewed scientific journals. In the ECOPORTIL Project faculty and researchers from the Department of Maritime Transport & Commerce of the University are engaged. FRC encourages a “Bottom-up” approach for development of ideas and therefore the projects implemented under FRC cover a broad range of research interests. Numerous R & D projects (~ 80 externally funded national, regional – Interreg and EU projects) have been carried out through FRC and part of their results have been presented in international scientific conferences, contributing to their dissemination and technology transfer. See more

MEETINGS

Stakeholders’ Meeting in Igoumenitsa, Greece

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC) organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Igoumenitsa, Greece on 18^th April 2019. The meeting attended several key organizations involved with the sustainable management of the Port of Igoumenitsa, such as the Municipality, the Port Authority and the Hellenic Coast Guard. Executive staff of KIC accompanied by Professor Chrysostomos Stylios and representatives of the Municipality of Igoumenitsa, the Port Authority and the Hellenic Coast Guard have joined a very fruitful and productive discussion for the upgrading of the City of Igoumenitsa in a smart city with the use of cutting edge technologies incorporating the environmental protection of the port. See more

Information & Raising Awareness Meeting in Varna

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) organized and participated an information meeting to raise awareness of the consequences for the marine environment Measure 5 _ Marine Strategy for Protection of the Environment in the Marine Waters of the Republic of Bulgaria. The meeting took place on 5^th June 2019 – World Environment Day, in Hotel “Cherno more” in Varna, Bulgaria. During the meeting NIMH has presented results from the implementation of ECOPORTIL Project. The participants interest on the Project was significant. The discussions carried out have led to the coordination of different forms of cooperation with Basin Directorate for Water Management in the Black Sea Region – Varna during the forthcoming training seminars of stakeholders and staff, that will be organized by NIMH. See more

WORKSHOPS

The Environmental Status Workshop in Igoumenitsa, Greece

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC) of the University of Ioannina, Lead Partner of ECOPORTIL Project, organized an “Environmental Status Workshop” on 26^thJuly 2019, in Igoumenitsa, Greece. The workshop was successfully conducted in the frame of WP3 Assessment of Environmental Issues – Development of Environmental ICT Tools, with the active participation of the local stakeholders, namely the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa and the Municipality of Igoumenitsa. See more

CONFERENCES

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) Conference

On April 4^th2019, at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) organized a conference presenting the implementation of the EU – funded INTERREG Balkan – Mediterranean ECOPORTIL Project “Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools of Legislation”. Representatives of state and municipal institutions and departments, as well as of scientific organizations and higher education institutions interested in the project’s themes and objectives participated. The conference was opened by Prof. Plamen Ninov, Deputy Director General of NIMH, who emphasized the significance of the Project both for improving the environment along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and for the activity of the Institute itself. See more

Ecoportil Project in CEST 2019

Critical findings of ECOPORTIL Project, regarding the European Legislation on shipping and ports, were presented on a scientific paper within the 16^thConference on Environmental Science and Technology organized on 4^th – 7^th September 2019 in Rhodes Island, Greece. Indeed, the major results of ECOPORTIL Project and more specifically the ones deriving from Work Package 3 regarding the current environmental issues and legislation in national and transnational level, were introduced in a special session on Environmental Impact of Maritime Transport that was supported by universities, research centers and organizations. See more

EXHIBITIONS

Ecoportil Project in the 6^th Patras Innovation Quest Exhibition – Patras IQ 2019

ECOPORTIL Project was presented in the 6^th Innovation Exhibition Patras IQ, on 12^th, 13^th and 14^th April 2019 held in the South Port of Patras, Greece by the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC), of the University of Ioannina, Greek partner of ECOPORTIL Project. Patras IQ is an annual event, co-organized by University of Patras, the Ministry of Education, Research & Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Economy & Development, the Chamber of Achaia, the Region of Western Greece, the Hellenic Open University and the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. It has been established as the continuous meeting of interconnection of know-how & innovation with entrepreneurship, with multiple positive effects; both on maintaining the rich research and entrepreneurial human capital of Greece and on the overall development of the local, regional and national economy. See more

CHECK OUR PARTNERSHIP

Greece: University of Ioannina (Lead Partner), University of Aegean
Bulgaria: Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company, National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
Albania: Institute of Transport
Cyprus: Frederick Research Center

Follow our news by visiting our website:
www.ecoportil.eu

Newsletter No.1

By paris

Posts by paris | ecoportil

View this email in your browser

ECOPORTIL newsletter

In this newsletter:

Project Information Summary
ECOPORTIL Kick off meeting in Arta, Greece
Launching Events of ECOPORTIL organized in Greece, Bulgaria & Albania
Bilateral and Regional Partners’ Meetings
Next Steps
Check our Partnership
Catch-up on our latest news and upcoming events

Project Information Summary

The scope of ECOPORTIL Project is the enhancement of the environmental protection of ports and surrounding areas with the use of innovative learning tools for the Legislation, in the basis of the sustainable Blue Growth, the main objective of Europe 2020 strategy. ECOPORTIL aims to improve the environmental quality of ports and their surrounding areas by supporting their sustainability, with the use of innovative tools and methods for the training and capacity building of stakeholders via the:

Establishment of networks and working groups aiming at integrated environmental – friendly transport and mobility services, while at multimodality practices in port areas
Design and operation of Advanced Environmental Hazards Early Warning Systems
Geographical Information System for the optimal visualization of environmental parameters
Special training courses aiming to adopt best practices and support effective implementation of the Legislation

ECOPORTIL Kick off meeting in Arta, Greece

The Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, Lead Partner of ECOPORTIL- Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation project organized the kick-off meeting that took place in Arta, Greece, on 19 – 20 December 2017, at the headquarters of the Lead Partner. All project partners participated in this meeting in order to launch the management and coordination process, to confirm the objectives and the implementation plan, to define the communication strategy and agree on the composition of the project team. “See more”

Launching Events of ECOPORTIL organized in Greece, Bulgaria & Albania

The Launching event in Arta, Greece

The Launching Event of the ECOPORTIL- Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports with Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation project was organized and held in the city of Arta, Greece, on 20th December 2017 within the “Interreg Balkan- Mediterranean 2014-2020” Transnational Cooperation Programme, with the presence of all project partners and local stakeholders. “See more”

The Launching events in Sofia, Bulgaria

The Launching Event of National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NIMH-BAS) for the implementation of the ECOPORTIL took place on 30th March 2018 in Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia. The event was organized by NIMH-BAS and attended by representatives of governmental, educational and research institutions and stakeholders from Sofia and the rest country that they were interested on the project subject. “See more”
Moreover, the Launching Event of Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPICo) took place on 3rd April 2018 in Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia. The event was organized by BPICo while the project scope and objectives were presented. “See more”

The Launching events in Durres, Albania

The Launching Event of Institute of Transport (AIT) took place on 27^th April 2018 n the Port of Durres, Albania. The event was organized by AIT and it was held with the active participation of local stakeholders. During the meeting the ICT tools for monitoring environmental issues were presented as well as the needs of shipping transportation, the commercial port activities and the environmental protection measures. “See more”

Stakeholders’ Meetings

Assessment of environmental issues & Development of environmental ICT tools

The Regional Meeting took place in Igoumenitsa (9^th August 2018), Greece, with participants from Igoumenitsa Port Authority, Albanian Institute of Transport, Technological Educational Institute of Epirus and Municipality of Igoumenitsa. “See more”

Meeting with stakeholders in Burgas

The Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) organized in Burgas, on 29^th November 2018 a very interesting meeting with project stakeholders. The Deputy Director-General of BPI Co. Alexander Alexandrov and ECOPORTIL Project Manager, together with his team, representatives of public organizations, regional and local authorities, the maritime sector and the business identified the ecological problems of ports and coastal areas and discussed the measures to be taken for their resolution. During the meeting, they environmental legislation analysis was and discussed as well as the methodology developed so far and the potential points for monitoring and ecological mapping.

The interviews with the Port Public Authorities

The University of Aegean organized two Stakeholders’ Meetings. In particular one meeting took place with the Hellenic Port Authority Fund of the Municipality of Lesvos on September 2018 and the second with the Port Police Bureau for Marine Environment Protection on October 2018 in order to inform them about the project and discuss its implementation and the possible involvement of the port authority. The port authorities completed a questionnaire regarding the pollution in the area and their training needs.

Conferences and exhibitions

5^th Technology Transfer Exhibition – Patras Innovation Quest (Patras IQ)

The Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing of the T.E.I. of Epirus participated in 5^th Technology Transfer Exhibition – Patras Innovation Quest (Patras IQ), organized by Universities in Western Greece, in Patras.
Τhe ECOPORTIL project was presented in the exhibition and generated significant interest and anticipation among visitors, including the Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media, Mr. Nikos Pappas, who was informed about the actions of the project. “See more”

18^th IFAC Conference on Technology, Culture and International Stability (TECIS 2018)

Researchers from ECOPORTIL partnership, namely from the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus (TEIEP) and the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NIMH-BAS), participated in the 18th IFAC Conference on Technology, Culture and International Stability (TECIS 2018), which took place during 13^th – 15^th September 2018, in Baku, Azerbaijan. “See more”

2018 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea

Researchers from the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus (TEIEP) and the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NIMH-BAS), participated at the 2018 IEEE International Workshop “Metrology for the Sea” (8^th -10^th October 2018, Bari, Italy) and presented the paper titled: “Implementation of a Pilot Monitoring Plan in Bourgas Seaport”, authored by Anna Kortcheva (NIMH-BAS), Jordan Marinski (NIMH-BAS), Veronika Andrea (TEIEP) and Chrysostomos Stylios (TEIEP). “See more”

Check our Partnership
ECOPORTIL project could not be realized without transnational cooperation. The transfer of knowledge & expertise among PPs & among countries is vital. Each PP carries not only its own experience but also the experience gathered on a national basis. In order to ensure joint implementation, most of the deliverables are foreseen to be the product of joint work and therefore, all the Project Partners share responsibilities and contribute to all Work Packages with clearly defined deliverables.

The Project Lead Partner is the University of Ioannina (UoI).
The project partners are:

University of the Aegean(Greece)
Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company(Bulgaria)
National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Bulgaria)
Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean(Cyprus)
Institute of Transport (Albania)

Catch-up on our latest news and upcoming events
Next ECOPORTIL PSC Meeting in Vlore, Albania

ECOPORTIL Project in CEST2019

By paris

Critical findings of ECOPORTIL Project, regarding the European Legislation on shipping and ports, were presented on a scientific paper within the 16th Conference on Environmental Science and Technology organized on 4th -7th September 2019 in Rhodes Island, Greece.

Indeed, the major results of ECOPORTIL project and more specifically the ones deriving from Work Package 3 regarding the current environmental issues and legislation in national and transnational level, were introduced in a special session on Environmental Impact of Maritime Transport that was supported by universities, research centers and organizations. Following the presentation of ECOPORTIL the participants further discussed on relative issues such as oil spills, ship recycling, waste management, air pollution and environmental policies and legislations, while the contribution of ECOPORTIL towards the sustainability support and environmental quality of ports and their surrounding coastal environment was highly appraised.

The paper presented was “European environmental compulsory framework on shipping and ports”, written by Kotrikla A.M., Andrea V., Nikitakos N., Stylios C.

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC) organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Igoumenitsa, Greece

By paris

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC) organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Igoumenitsa, Greece

The Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC) organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Igoumenitsa, Greece on 18^th April 2019. The meeting attended several key organizations involved with the sustainable management of the Port of Igoumenitsa, such as the Municipality, the Port Authority and the Hellenic Coast Guard. Executive staff of KIC accompanied by Professor Stylios and representatives of the Municipality of Igoumenitsa, the Port Authority and the Hellenic Coast Guard have joined a very fruitful and productive discussion for the upgrading of the City of Igoumenitsa in a smart city with the use of cutting edge technologies incorporating the environmental protection of the port. During the meeting, all the innovative learning tools of ECOPORTIL were presented and further discussed with representatives of all the organizations in order to establish the input of the Special training courses that will soon take place in order to improve their knowledge and bridging the information gap for incorporating legislation and adopting good environmental practices. The Port Authority and the Municipality of Igoumenitsa, as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard are in close collaboration with KIC and therefore, they have set an interactive multilevel cooperation framework under ECOPORTIL Project; the strategic synergy including all the aforementioned stakeholders is aiming at the transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable one able to balance between the needs of shipping transportation, the commercial port activities and the environmental protection measures and EU/national legislations in line with Blue Growth EU Strategy.