On June 12, Portorož hosted the Innovation Breakfast and “Citizens Connect” Policy Conference, two key events organized within the framework of the Inno2mare project. These events aimed to promote collaboration and showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of the maritime sector.
The day began with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Niko Herakovič from the University of Ljubljana (UL), who emphasized the growing importance of innovation in maritime industries and the pivotal role of the Inno2mare project in advancing sustainable development.
Dr. Marko Šimic (UL) then presented the day’s agenda, paving the way for a series of thought-provoking presentations and expert discussions.
Keynote Sessions: Smart Technologies and Safety in Maritime Operations
The first keynote session featured Mr. Jurij Mirnik from the Port of Koper and Dr. Janez Sterle from Internet Institute d.o.o., who jointly presented on:
“Smart Ports: From Sensors to 5G, IoT, AI, and Digital Twins for Maritime Innovation.”
Their presentation explored how emerging technologies—such as 5G, IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twins—are reshaping port operations. These advancements are enabling smarter, safer, and more environmentally friendly logistics systems, paving the way for more resilient and future-ready port infrastructure.
The second keynote, delivered by Assoc. Prof. DDr. Aleš Jug, was titled:
“Process Safety in Ports and on Ships: From Risks to Solutions.”
He addressed the critical issue of safety in maritime transport, identifying common operational risks and introducing innovative technologies and practices to enhance safety protocols and accident prevention in port environments.
Expert Panel: Digitalization and Sustainability in Maritime Logistics
The second part of the event featured a dynamic panel discussion and round table with leading voices from academia and industry:
- Dr. Niko Herakovič (University of Ljubljana)
- Jurij Mirnik (Port of Koper d.d.)
- Prof. Dr. Andrej Adrojna (University of Ljubljana)
- Johann Marquez Barja (University of Antwerp – online)
- Dr. Jonatan Lerga (University of Rijeka – RITEH)
The panel explored key topics under the theme:
“Digitalization and Sustainability in Maritime Logistics.”
Areas of focus included:
- The digital transformation of port logistics
- Infrastructure for digitalization and communication, including 5G deployment
- Development of sustainable and green port ecosystems
- The rise of autonomous shipping
- Innovation and entrepreneurship in the maritime sector
- EU and national regulatory frameworks supporting innovation
- The blue economy as a driver of growth
- Safety challenges and the importance of education, training, and updated regulations
The discussion emphasized the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration, forward-thinking policy support, and continuous innovation to ensure the maritime industry remains both sustainable and competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Following the expert panel discussion, the event continued with a Mini Conference Session dedicated to showcasing Research and Innovation (R&I) Pilot Projects developed under the Inno2mare initiative. Each pilot team presented their progress, objectives, and early results:
· Pilot Project 1 – Improved fire evacuation VR model of a ship engine room – Presented by PFRI
· Pilot Project 2 – Digital twin with AI for sustainable and efficient energy management – Presented by DIGITEHand ISKRA
· Pilot Project 3 – Autonomous shipping technology supported by AI – Presented by RITEH and FIDIT
These sessions highlighted real-world applications of smart technologies and innovations aimed at modernizing maritime operations, improving efficiency, and supporting the green transition of the sector.
Alongside the presentations, participants were introduced to pilot project demonstrators, offering a closer look at the technological solutions being developed and tested.
The session also featured public networking activities, focused on the communication and dissemination of results among stakeholders and project partners, promoting transparency and collaboration.
A brainstorming session followed, sparking discussions on:
- Future directions and scale-up potential of the pilot projects
- Integration of innovative technologies
- Alignment with EU maritime strategies
- The strategic importance of Slovenia and Croatia as key maritime nations in Europe
This interactive session further emphasized the need for cooperation across borders and sectors to strengthen innovation capacity and support a smart, sustainable maritime future.
Bringing together researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators, the event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and building partnerships to support the digital and green transition of Europe’s maritime sector.
The outcomes of the Innovation Breakfast and Citizens Connect conference reflect the Inno2mare project’s commitment to smart, sustainable, and inclusive innovation, aligned with EU goals for the maritime and blue economy.
For more information, please visit the full conference details at the link below:
