Successful Conference on Autonomous maritime systems held in Rijeka: Shaping the future of the Adriatic maritime sector

Rijeka, Croatia – On January 29, 2025, the conference titled “Autonomous Systems at Sea and Their Implementation in the Adriatic Sea” successfully brought together industry leaders, researchers, and government representatives from Croatia and Norway to discuss the future of autonomous and green maritime transportation. The event, held at the Rijeka Development Agency – PORIN, served as a key milestone in the AGATI project, a transformative initiative aimed at driving innovation in the maritime sector across the Adriatic region.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Prof. Dr. Marko Valčić from the University of Zadar, Mr. Rajko Jurman, Head of the Department for Commercial Affairs at the Port Authority of Rijeka, Mr. Predrag Domijan, Head of ICT Support at the Port Authority of Rijeka, izv. prof. dr. sc. Srđan Žuškin the Faculty of Maritime studies, University of Rijeka, Mr. Aleksandar Vuković, technical director – Lürssen Design Center Kvarner d.o.o., Mrs. Lisa Marie Dickenson, Trondheim Municipality and Mr. Frode Halvorsen, CEO of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, from the technical aspects of autonomous systems to their regulatory implications and potential benefits for the Adriatic region.

Following key topics were addressed at the Conference:

1. Regulatory frameworks for autonomous systems in the Adriatic Sea.
2. Technological developments and innovation in maritime automation.
3. Challenges in integrating autonomous systems into existing maritime operations.
4. Cross-sector collaboration for sustainable implementation.

Mr. Frode Halvorsen, CEO of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, shared insights into the advancements Norway has made in autonomous maritime systems, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in developing sustainable solutions for the future of maritime transportation: “Norway’s experience with autonomous systems has shown that innovation, sustainability, and collaboration are key to driving change in the maritime industry. Today’s conference is a great example of how Croatia and Norway can work together to create a more sustainable and autonomous maritime future in the Adriatic.”

The conference also featured a panel discussion on the feasibility of implementing autonomous maritime systems in the Adriatic, with experts exploring challenges, opportunities, and the technical and regulatory requirements for such advancements. The discussions underscored the significant potential of autonomous and green technologies to reduce carbon emissions, increase operational efficiency, and enhance the safety of maritime transport in the region.

During the lunch and networking session, participants had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The conference facilitated productive B2B meetings, enabling Croatian and Norwegian companies to forge valuable partnerships and discuss the practical steps needed to bring autonomous and green solutions to the Adriatic Sea.

This successful event is a significant step forward for the AGATI project and the ongoing collaboration between Croatia and Norway to advance autonomous and green maritime technologies. The discussions and partnerships formed during the conference are expected to pave the way for concrete actions and further cooperation in the development of autonomous systems at sea in the Adriatic.

Even though the AGATI project is in its final stage, the experiences and connections gained at the conference will play an important role in shaping the future of the maritime industry in the Adriatic, positioning both Croatia and Norway as leaders in the global movement towards sustainable and autonomous maritime transportation.