Puglia, port upgrade projects

Bari - The Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea (SAS PSA) has applied for funding within the Puglia POR FESR-FSE 2014-2020 Action Plan 7.4, for a programme of projects that are “upgrades aimed at the competitiveness of the port and inland port system,” the so-called Priority Axis VII - Action 7.4.

Several port infrastructure and port facilities upgrade projects aimed at compliance with best environmental and operational practice for sea basins and quays were presented; the projects involve the five seaports concerned: Bari, Brindisi, Manfredonia, Barletta and Monopoli.

A study of the seafloor and of the sediments that occur at these ports, undertaken in cooperation with ISPRA, ARPA PUGLIA and Bari-based universities, underpins the project proposals.

The studies have been instrumental in devising projects that are in line with existing environmental regulations, and pay careful consideration to each particular marine environment.

The project programme that the SAS PSA is applying for, worth around €30 million, consists mainly of dredging activities and deepening of the five seabeds, as well as sediment management programmes, and is aimed at improving the depths of the ports, thereby increasing their performance and their business potential.