NEWS: Advancing Maritime Safety: ASAP Steering Committee Meets in Portorož
On March 25, the ASAP Steering Committee gathered in Portorož, Slovenia, hosted by the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport of the University of Ljubljana (UL-FPP). This important meeting brought together project partners to review progress, exchange insights, and plan the next steps in making the Adriatic region safer and more prepared for maritime emergencies.
Key Updates & Milestones
The day started with a look at recent achievements, including:
- Stakeholder consultations in Durrës (February 18-19) – where experts from the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS) and the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE) discussed key priorities.
- Mapping and research – partners have been studying sensitive marine areas and technical resources to improve emergency response strategies.
- HNS spill simulation – an important test to assess response capabilities in case of hazardous substance spills at sea.
All of these activities are helping lay the groundwork for real-life emergency response exercises that will take place in the near future.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Sea Exercises
The second half of the meeting focused on planning hands-on training exercises at sea, where first responders from different countries will work together to test emergency procedures.
🔹 The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure (MSTI) shared its methodology and a timeline for an international sea exercise planned for October 2025 in Croatia.
🔹 ATRAC (Adriatic Training and Research Centre) introduced a draft training program to ensure that teams are well-prepared.
To better understand the latest technologies supporting emergency response, participants also visited UL-FPP’s high-tech simulation centres in Portorož. These simulators provide a realistic training environment for handling maritime incidents and will be essential in preparing for upcoming exercises.
Why This Matters
The ASAP project is about cooperation, innovation, and preparedness. By bringing together experts, public authorities, and research institutions, we are working towards a safer and more resilient maritime environment in the Adriatic. The recent meeting in Portorož was a key step in ensuring that all partners are aligned and ready to take action.
🌊 Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for the next phases of the project!
