As part of the Adriatic Sea Forum, currently taking place in Venice, a presentation of the CROSS-CONNECT project was held this morning. The project aims to integrate the management of maritime, air and urban transport in the Adriatic region and is funded by the Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme 2021–2027, for which the Veneto Region is the Managing Authority.
The partners involved in the project – the ports of Venice, Bari-Brindisi, Pula and Dubrovnik; the airports of Venice and Dubrovnik; and the urban transport companies of Bari-Brindisi and Pula – presented the document ‘Strategic Roadmap – The Framework of Innovative Intermodal Connections Between Ports and the Hinterland’ and the solutions tested for integrated and sustainable mobility, together with the relevant planning and governance frameworks.
The eight partners focused on their respective metropolitan areas (Venice, Bari-Brindisi, Pula, Dubrovnik), each contributing to the overall objectives through a methodology implemented and tested in the local contexts in which they operate.
The meeting concluded with the partners signing a Memorandum of Understanding, demonstrating their commitment to continuing their collaboration beyond the pilot phase and moving on to the next stage.
The Fly & Cruise pilot project at the Port and Airport of Venice
One of the most innovative initiatives developed by CROSS-CONNECT is the pilot project carried out in the Venice area thanks to the collaboration between the Port System Authority of the Northern Adriatic and SAVE, the company managing Venice Marco Polo Airport.
The project focuses on intermodality between air and sea transport, promoting greater integration between the port and the airport through organisational, technological and operational solutions, with a view to enhancing the efficiency and quality of the services offered to passengers.
The specific focus of the study is the seamless handling of cruise passengers’ luggage and travel procedures. Under this model, passengers can check-in their luggage directly at the airport and collect it on board the cruise ship, or complete check-in procedures at the port and collect their luggage at their final destination airport. The system therefore eliminates the duplication of luggage handling operations and simplifies the transfer between different modes of transport.
Thanks to the project’s financial support, in addition to special signage to guide passengers along the Fly & Cruise route, new equipment has been purchased, such as a real-time system to display information on ship timetables, flights and traffic updates on LED screens, two dedicated, fully equipped indoor check-in desks installed at the port, and security measures have been enhanced through the acquisition of an ETD machine for detecting traces of explosives and the installation of state-of-the-art cameras, integrated into the SAFE video surveillance system at Porto Marghera.
Given the success of the pilot test carried out in April, during which some passengers were able to check in at the airport for the first time in the arrivals hall of the Venice-Fusina terminal, the initiative has the potential to become a model that can be replicated in other contexts for future intermodal transport solutions. This success was also made possible thanks to the constant support of all the institutional bodies involved in the process, such as the Customs and Monopolies Agency, the Harbour Master’s Office, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, the Guardia di Finanza and the Border Police, as well as private stakeholders, such as Venice Terminal Passeggeri Spa, baggage handlers, airlines and cruise lines, and shipping agencies.
The Brindisi pilot project
The pilot initiative, which involves collaboration between the Southern Adriatic Ports Authority (ADSPMAM) and the transport company STP Brindisi Spa, aims to improve intermodal connectivity between the Port of Brindisi, the city centre and the main transport hubs through smart infrastructure, real-time information systems and improved management of passenger flows. It involves the introduction of systems that provide passengers and tourists with real-time information on maritime connections (ferries and cruises) and local public transport, facilitating travel between different modes of transport.
The Pula pilot project
Carried out jointly by the Regional Port Authority of Pula and the public transport company Pulapromet d.o.o., the project aims to improve sustainable and integrated transport links between the port, the main bus station, the railway station, the city centre and the hospital, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions. The project includes the introduction of a new electric bus route, the construction of a new bus stop, the installation of a ticket machine and a charging point for electric vehicles, as well as the installation of solar-powered waste compactors near the catamaran terminal.
The Dubrovnik pilot project
Developed jointly by Dubrovnik Airport and the Dubrovnik Port Authority, the project focuses on improving the integration of passenger information between the airport and the port and on reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport. The project has developed a shared ICT tool that integrates airport, port and public transport timetables, with the aim of optimising passenger flows and promoting intermodal travel. The web application provides travel guidance, real-time flight information via an API link with Dubrovnik Airport, and up-to-date traffic and journey time data thanks to integration with Google services. To promote more sustainable mobility, both partners have introduced electric vehicles and equipment. Dubrovnik Airport has purchased an electric tractor for towing luggage and electric bicycles for day-to-day operational activities. The Dubrovnik Port Authority, meanwhile, has introduced electric golf trolleys with trailers to transport passengers within the port area, linking the cruise ship arrival point to the boarding areas.