Mapping and classification of ports and marinas for the definition of long-term development strategy

Mapping and classification of ports may be of great help to define effective development strategies based on the concept of “intelligent, green and integrated port”, within the frame of sustainable development. To this end, classification tools and knowledge of the initial situation are crucial points needed, just as an example, to boost the maritime and short-sea connectivity by promoting the creation of regional touristic port network, capable of implementing a smart, green, and integrated transport system. This work deals with the mapping and classification of ports and marinas. A possible methodology to define a priority matrix intervention rank is proposed and applied to all the harbors in the Puglia region, as a case study. The collected open data aim to describe several aspects: the services, the urban planning whereby the port is thought, the facilities and structures, the connection with multi-modal local transport. The mapping activity has been performed within the frame of the AI-SMART project funded by the European Regional Development Fund that aims to implement and develop a common port network in the Adriatic-Ionian area. The case study served to highlight the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method to a real case.