NEWS: ASAP Project: A Unified Response to Accidental Marine Pollution in the Adriatic

Maritime transport remains one of the safest and most efficient modes of transportation. However, the risk of accidental marine pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, economy, and coastal communities of the Adriatic region. The Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) project was established to address this challenge by enhancing transnational preparedness and response capacity for marine pollution incidents. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), environmental risk assessments, and joint exercises, ASAP aims to create a structured and coordinated response framework across six Adriatic countries: Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania.

Project Foundations and Achievements

ASAP builds on the knowledge and success of previous initiatives such as NAMIRS (North Adriatic Maritime Incident Response System) and capitalizes on expertise from other related projects. The project leverages past experiences from the North Adriatic and expands best practices across the entire Adriatic basin.

Since its launch, ASAP has made significant progress in strengthening cooperation among partner countries. The kick-off meeting in Trieste in September 2024 set the stage for strategic collaboration, followed by a workshop in Sarajevo in October 2024, which highlighted EU best practices in marine protection and the blue economy. November saw ASAP actively engaging in EUSAIR and REMPEC events, ensuring integration with European and Mediterranean maritime policies.

Key Priorities and Future Actions

In 2025, ASAP will further advance its objectives through a series of structured activities, including:

  • February 19, 2025 (Durrës, Albania): second focus group, after the one held in Sarajevo, in IPA partner countries to enhance stakeholder involvement in risk assessment. Synergies with projects such as Interreg Euro-MED TREASURE and KEP-financed TRUE-BLUE are established to foster knowledge exchange and to encourage future developments. A third focus group in Montenegro is planned for the upcoming months.
  • March 25, 2025 (Portorož, Slovenia): The first Steering Committee Meeting will outline the next crucial steps, including:
    • Completion of maritime traffic analysis and mapping of sensitive areas in the first half of the year.
    • Preparation for testing phases, including:
      • Drafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
      • Development of a training program.
      • Planning and execution of at-sea response exercises.
    • A visit to the simulator centers at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Maritime Studies of Portorož to explore innovative maritime training technologies.

Enhancing Response Capacity through Joint Exercises

Over the next years, ASAP will conduct two full-scale maritime pollution response exercises in North Adriatic and South Adriatic. These exercises will test and refine the response strategies established within the project. The involvement of local, national, and transnational stakeholders will ensure that all actors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to accidental marine pollution events.

A Safer and More Resilient Adriatic

By integrating risk assessment, training, policy alignment, and transnational exercises, the ASAP project is shaping a more sustainable and resilient Adriatic Sea. Through collective action and proactive measures, ASAP aims to minimize environmental damage, protect coastal economies, and strengthen regional maritime safety. The project’s continuous engagement with EU institutions, local authorities, and the maritime industry will ensure that its impact extends well beyond its initial implementation phase.

As ASAP progresses, we remain committed to enhancing preparedness and fostering cooperation to safeguard the Adriatic Sea from the threats of accidental marine pollution.