Cross-border Cooperation for Smart and Resilient Port Security
Program: Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027
Duration: 30 months: 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2029
Total budget: 1,374,865.70 €
ERDF contribution: 1,099,892.56 (80%) €
Port of Dubrovnik Authority budget: 196.850,00 €
Project Summary and Objectives
The SHIELDPORT project aims to strengthen the resilience of Adriatic ports through an integrated approach to physical and cybersecurity. The project brings together seven port authorities from Italy and Croatia, which will jointly develop knowledge, test security solutions, and enhance cooperation in preventing, detecting, and responding to security threats.
Adriatic ports are key hubs for trade and mobility, making their security essential for the smooth functioning of transport connections and supply chains. The increasing digitalisation of port systems introduces new challenges and risks, particularly in integrating physical security and cybersecurity.
The main objective of the project is to improve the security and resilience of Adriatic ports through joint risk assessment methodologies, training for port personnel, and the enhancement of video surveillance and access control systems, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. To this end, SHIELDPORT will implement a cross-border training programme for port operators and relevant authorities, strengthening technical skills and raising awareness of emerging security risks.
The project involves seven partners: three from Italy and four from Croatia: Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (Ports of Venice and Chioggia), Port of Ravenna Authority, Port of Rijeka Authority, Port of Zadar Authority, Port of Šibenik Authority and Port of Dubrovnik Authority.
The project focuses on three key areas:
- Strengthening knowledge and capacities through vulnerability analysis, risk assessment, and training for port personnel.
- Improving security systems through a joint pilot action involving investments in all seven partner ports and cybersecurity risk assessments.
- Ensuring long-term cross-border cooperation through the development of a joint strategy and action plan, the definition of operational guidelines, and the establishment of a framework for continued cooperation beyond the project’s completion.
Through a joint approach and the exchange of experience, SHIELDPORT will contribute to making Adriatic ports safer, more resilient, and better connected, while strengthening cooperation between Croatian and Italian port stakeholders.
As part of the project, the Port of Dubrovnik Authority aims to strengthen its knowledge of cybersecurity and risk assessment and implement improved measures to protect maritime domain surveillance systems. This will include monitoring the port area and anchorages using unmanned systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Project Kick-off Meeting
On 23 October 2026, the first online kick-off meeting was held with the project partners. During the meeting, partners discussed the implementation of activities under the work packages, presented their pilot actions and agreed on the next steps for implementation.
The Port of Dubrovnik Authority is the Work Package 1 (WP1) coordinator, entitled “Assessing vulnerabilities and strengthening cross-border skills for integrated port security.”
In this role, Port of Dubrovnik Authority will coordinate vulnerability analysis and security risk assessments, oversee the assessment of the current state of physical security and cybersecurity, and collect and analyse data on vulnerabilities in video surveillance systems, access control systems, and related digital infrastructure. Port of Dubrovnik Authority will develop and deliver an online training programme on physical security and cybersecurity and promote common approaches to risk management and protective measures.
Project website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/shieldport
