nterreg DecarBOATS kicks off to drive the decarbonization of small boats across the South Adriatic

21 October 2025
Interreg DecarBOATS kicks off to drive the decarbonization of small boats across the South Adriatic
Overview

Interreg DecarBOATS project officially starts with the KOM on October 23rd at DHITECH’s Meeting Room in Lecce, where the project partners (DHITECH Foundation, ITS Mobility, LAG Coastal Molise, University of Montenegro, Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës and Municipality of Tivat), will gather to define the detailed work plan, coordinate technical and communication activities, and set the basis for collaboration. The meeting will include presentations of the project roles, discussions on the project timeline and pilot implementations, and summary of implementation rules, aimed at aligning strategies for a successful start of the initiative.

The project aims to tackle a pressing issue in the southern Adriatic Sea: the heavy reliance of maritime transport on fossil fuels and the lack of infrastructure for cleaner alternatives. Small boats, often overlooked in ecological transition plans, represent a significant share of local traffic and contribute to both air and marine pollution.

To address this challenge, the project focuses on developing and testing green technologies for coastal navigation: electric propulsion systems, renewable-powered charging stations, and digital tools for energy management. Solutions will be tested in real-world scenarios: an electric boat for waste collection between Termoli and the Tremiti Islands (IT), a self-sufficient laboratory boat in Orikum (Albania) for water analysis, and an electric vessel in Tivat (ME) for pollution monitoring.

Expected results include tangible reductions in emissions, the creation of shared guidelines for the decarbonization of small boats, and stronger cooperation among Italy, Albania, and Montenegro toward sustainable and shared maritime mobility.

Download the meeting Agenda.