The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a key EU tool for protecting and conserving the health of coasts, seas and oceans. It aims to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES) for the EU’s marine waters of its member states and to sustainably protect the resource base on which marine-related economic and social activities depend. Greece, with its extensive coastline and numerous islands, plays a significant role at EU level, regarding the implementation of this Directive. The strategically important LIFE IP GR-Blue project systematically and long-term supports  the full implementation of MSFD while at the same time, considering the Nature Restoration Law as well as the Barcelona Convention.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment & Energy, Green Fund, Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Terra Nova, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation – Dimitra, University of the Aegean, University of Piraeus, Region of North Aegean, National Technical University of Athens, Agricultural University of Athens, Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development, South Aegean Region, Region of Central Macedonia, ThPA S.A. as the only participating Port, will act as a testbed/piloting site for the evaluation of the measures implemented within the framework of the project.

LIFE IP GR-Blue encompasses an ecosystem-based approach to the development of national marine strategies, utilizing the 11 descriptors that define Good Environmental Status (GES). The marine strategies comprise regular assessments of the marine environment, setting objectives and targets, establishing monitoring programmes, and implementing measures to improve the state of marine waters. Final goal of the project will be the:

• improved coordination among governance, academia, NGOs and the private sector;
• enhanced implementation of MSFD measures;
• adoption and upscaling of innovative marine protection technologies;
• contribution to EU policy coherence
• progress towards EU 2030 targets for biodiversity

The project will also implement an extensive nationwide information campaign and capacity-building actions to mobilize stakeholders and local communities towards marine environment protection and establish networks of key actors.

LIFE IP GR-Blue project has received funding from LIFE, the European Union’s funding instrument for the Environment and Climate Action program, under Grant Agreement No 101203482.

ThPA S.A., along with University of Peloponnese and Bytelepa Solutions S.R.L. are participating in the project Portal-XR, an XR-based training solution that introduces three immersive training scenarios focused on enhancing safety and operational efficiency in port operations. These scenarios involve complex tasks such as Ship-To-Shore (STS) crane operation, hazardous material handling, and emergency management.

The Portal-XR project aims to introduce a state-of-the-art Virtual/Extended Reality (VR/XR) training environment. By leveraging such technologies and digital twin integration, the project offers  realistic simulations for safe and effective training. These simulations enable port personnel to develop critical skills and handle complex scenarios without real-world consequences.

Key features of the Portal-XR training environment include real-time simulation of equipment operations, dynamic environmental conditions (such as weather changes), and interactive feedback mechanisms. The system is also designed to support remote training and leverages XR2Learn’s INTERACT authoring tool, enabling scalable content creation and real-time responsiveness through edge-enabled computing.

The PORTAL-XR Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation action programme, via the Open Call #2 – XR2Learn issued and executed under project XR2Learn (grant agreement Nr. 101092851).

Beyond its role as a port operator, ThPA S.A. participates as a partner in the AMAZING-6G project, which introduces 14 use cases in Healthcare, Public Safety, Energy, and Transport (including Rail) through large-scale trials across Europe. The project will develop and test cutting-edge technology in Communications, Compute-as-a-Service, Applications and AI, IoT and localisation.

Beyond validating technical capabilities, these trials unveil new use cases and applications, driving innovation in IoT, augmented reality, and AI. They offer a unique opportunity to explore the potential of B5G/6G in transforming daily life across sectors such as healthcare, transportation, utilities, and public/ environmental safety. By engaging in these trials, stakeholders gain valuable insights to strategically leverage this groundbreaking technology.

ThPA S.A. will focus on optimizing port logistics, safety, and transport operations by implementing real-time, large-scale digital twin technology. A dedicated B5G-6G network will enable process monitoring and teleoperation, enhancing efficiency and safety. 31 partners from 14 countries implement the project: Wings ICT Solutions Technologies, University of Patras, CERTH, p-NET Emerging Networks & Vertical Applications, Telecom Italia SPA, Nextworks, Links Foundation, Municipality of Turin, Hewlett Packard Italiana s.r.l., Bellantenna s.r.l., Dutch Organization for Applied Nature, Oslo University Hospital HF, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LTD, Ilmatieteen Laitos, Aurora Powertrains OY, Interuniversitair Micro-electronica Centrum, ISRD SP Z O.O., Orange Romania SA, Simtel Team SA, Custom Soft Solutions S.R.L., Serviciul de Telecomunicatii Speciale, Technical University of Chemnitz, Smart Rail Connectivity Campus E.V., University of Surrey, University Carlos III of Madrid, Capgemini Portugal SA, Acromove Europe single member IKE, Telefonica Innovacion Digital SL, Telefonica SA, OQ Technology.

AMAZING-6G project has received funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 101192035.

ThPA S.A. is one of the partners of POSEIDON project, whose overall goal is to demonstrate the use of synthetic methanol (e-methanol) for the decarbonization of the shipping sector. The project will prepare the implementation of local value chains based on e-methanol as fuel for shipping in the ports of Valencia, Spain and Thessaloniki, Greece, which will be achieved by connecting local stakeholders into a Community of Practice and collecting their requirements and insight.

Furthermore, in the framework of the project, a performant power-to-e-methanol demonstration plant will be built, based on a novel concept. This plant will be tested in relevant operational environments, while the produced e-methanol will be used in 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines to evaluate and verify the fuel quality and compatibility with Vessel’s engines.

In line with the mission of ThPA S.A., detailed technical, economic, environmental, and social assessments will be carried out for the Port of Thessaloniki, in order to quantify the economic value created under different scenarios and to identify potential obstacles and optimisation opportunities. To pave the way for market uptake and future deployment of e-methanol both locally and in the EU, roadmaps and a replication tool to assess the feasibility of e-methanol deployment in EU ports will be developed. The new methods, tools and results produced by POSEIDON will be communicated to the scientific and research community and EU citizens, to promote innovation and raise awareness of the benefits of synthetic fuels utilization for clean shipping.

The project consists of 19 partners from 7 European countries: European Institute for Energy Research – EIFER (coordinator), EDF, KIT, RINA, Fundación Valenciaport, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, ICODOS, Fincantieri, Isotta Fraschini Motori – IFM, Winterthur Gas & Diesel – WinGD, Steinbeis Innovation GmbH, Global Omnium, ThPA S.A. – Port of Thessaloniki, CERTH, CNR-STEMS, Swedish Maritime Administration, Inventors, CAO Hellas, and AVEBIOM.

POSEIDON project is co-funded by EU Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027), with nearly € 9,7 million.

ThPA S.A. is one of the partners of HECTOR project, which aims to create an holistic approach for the protection of tourism infrastructure throughout Europe, that will include actions deriving from the cooperation between the private and public sector (SOPs, recommendations, guidelines, tools, management protocols and good practices at all levels of safety, security); thus, merging the elements of specific experience and expertise from several stakeholders (LEAs, municipalities, academia, tourism operators, etc.), with both the strategic priorities of the EU regarding the protection of public spaces, and the EU developed tools, methods and recommendations in this area.

In the framework of the project, security challenges and related weaknesses on specific tourist sites will be identified, utilizing EU tools and methodologies, while Large Scale Exercises will take place, to validate the results. Raising awareness of local communities and tourism industry practitioners in security related activities is a cornerstone for HECTOR, which will be achieved via common training curricula for Joint Training Programmes for touristic sites and events, utilizing modern methodology. HECTOR’s ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive Security Model Plan for Touristic Sites that will incorporate both the existing EU established methods and developments, and those raised during the endeavors of the project.

The project consists of 18 partners from 5 European countries: Hellenic Police, Center for Security Studies (KEMEA), Municipality of Mykonos, Major Development Agency Thessaloniki S.A., Athens Development and Destination Management Agency, Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, Louis Hotels Royal Apollonia, Athens International Airport S.A., Cyprus Police – Nicosia Cyprus, FEG – European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities, University of West Attica, ThPA S.A. – Port of Thessaloniki, Police nationale, Brink’s Hellas S.A., Polish Police (KPG), Limassol Marina, Hertz – Autohellas Tourist and Trading Societe Anonyme.

HECTOR project is co-funded by European Commission’s Internal Security Fund, the Framework Programme for European Security Agenda, with nearly € 1,9 million.