
The North Adriatic Ports Association has been working hard to boost the regional economy, and it's paying off. One of their key initiatives is the promotion of cruise tourism, which has seen a significant increase in recent years.
By investing in infrastructure and marketing, the association has made the North Adriatic region a more attractive destination for cruise ships. This has not only generated revenue for local businesses but also created new job opportunities.
The association's efforts have also focused on improving logistics and transportation services, making it easier for businesses to import and export goods. This has helped to reduce costs and increase efficiency for companies operating in the region.
As a result, the North Adriatic region has seen a significant increase in trade volumes, with a notable rise in the transportation of goods by sea.
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North Adriatic Ports Association News
The North Adriatic Ports Association, or NAPA, was first conceived in 2001 at the Transport Logistic trade fair in Munich. We saw the germ of the idea before it even began.
The association started with the Port of Koper, which wanted a creative solution featuring a lighthouse and graphics with the names of ports along all the world's seas. They had a showroom made of the same material with similar graphics, differing only in primary color.
The Port of Trieste, the Port of Monfalcone, and the Port of Rijeka soon followed, each with their own showroom and lighthouse. Four lighthouses stood out due to their significant height and red flashing lights at the top.
The main communication slogan of all these ports was "TAKE THE SHORTCUT", emphasizing the benefits of using the northern Adriatic route to transport goods to Central Europe. This route is especially beneficial for logistics engineers from the Far East.
In 2013, the ports connected to NAPA at the time, including the Port of Venice, joined forces to present themselves again in Munich. They wanted to underline the message that the North Adriatic route is much shorter than the northern European route as regards transport through the Suez Canal to reach Central European markets.
The northern European ports represent the main competition to the northern Adriatic, but the northern boat route requires two and a half more days. This makes the North Adriatic route a more attractive option for those looking to transport goods efficiently.
In 2015, the ports of the North Adriatic Association presented themselves again in Munich, this time with four large gates - portals that emphasized the entrance to the ports in the North Adriatic. The presentation also included a map showing the benefits of the North Adriatic route using infographics.
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North Adriatic Initiatives

The North Adriatic Ports Association has been actively promoting the development of the region's ports through various initiatives.
The association has been working on the North Adriatic Gateway project, a strategic plan aimed at improving the region's connectivity and competitiveness.
This project involves the development of a multimodal transport network, including roads, railways, and waterways, to facilitate the exchange of goods and services.
The North Adriatic Ports Association is also involved in the development of the Rhaetian Railway, a project that aims to improve the region's rail network and reduce congestion.
The association has been working with other stakeholders to promote the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation modes.
The North Adriatic Ports Association has been actively promoting the development of the region's ports through various initiatives.
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European Seas Governance
The European Maritime Space, formerly known as Motorways of the Sea, is a key area of focus for the North Adriatic Ports Association (NAPA). NAPA members include five key ports: Port of Koper (Slovenia), Port of Rijeka (Croatia), Port of Trieste (Italy), Port of Venice (Italy), and Port of Ravenna (Italy).
These ports are located at the Northern tip of the Adriatic Sea and participate in the governance of the European Maritime Space. They collaborate to promote regional inter-port cooperation and strengthen the position of the Adriatic region in European logistics.
A significant gap remains between the idealised objectives of EU policy and the practical realities on the ground. This gap is particularly evident in the governance of the European Maritime Space.
NAPA can be seen as a response to the need for regional cooperation to influence EU policy processes.
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Sources
- https://adriaticeurope.org/2023/06/21/venice-rijeka-napa-association/
- https://www.imago.si/en/2021/08/30/napa/
- https://medblueconomyplatform.org/vkc/projects/north-adriatic-ports-association-aee83677f4
- https://www.luka-kp.si/en/news/the-north-adritic-ports-to-become-smart-and-green/
- https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/north-adriatic-port-association-in-european-maritime-space-pdf/277924991
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