In the age of digital transformation and climate urgency, the maritime sector stands at a crossroads. Are “smart” and “green” ports two sides of the same coin – or competing paradigms? The answer, as emerging global trends suggest, lies in their complementarity.
From Smart to Sustainable
Smart ports use digital technologies, automation, and analytics to improve efficiency, safety, and logistics.
Green ports focus on environmental sustainability, reducing emissions, using renewable energy sources, and ensuring environmentally friendly operations.
Set theory question: is a green port a subset of a smart port?
Traditionally, these concepts evolved separately. Smart ports focused on optimisation, green ports on preservation.
But today’s leading maritime hubs — from Rotterdam and Singapore to Hamburg, Los Angeles, Miami, and Osaka — show that technology and ecology can reinforce each other rather than compete.
SeaCras’ CEO, Mario Špadina, held this lecture at the Croatian Port Days conference in Dubrovnik, March 27-28, 2025
The Convergence: When Data Meets Decarbonisation
The convergence of smart and green principles is redefining how ports operate.
Digitalisation enables precise energy management, predictive maintenance, and emissions tracking. Automation reduces idle times and fuel consumption. Data analytics and digital twins provide real-time insights that help optimise vessel movements, cargo handling, and infrastructure use — all while reducing the carbon footprint.
In practice, digital twins represent the next frontier, or they did 5 years ago. Now these should be benchmark already, if for nothing, then for derisking operations of port areas. These virtual replicas of port systems integrate all available data — from IoT sensors to physics-based simulations — creating a unified digital ecosystem. By mirroring real-world conditions, digital twins support decision-making, improve asset management, and align operational performance with sustainability goals.
“The modern trend is the convergence of smart and green principles, where technology enables sustainable port operations — creating efficient and environmentally responsible maritime hubs.” (Source: Critical Success Factors for Green Port Transformation Using Digital Technology, JMSE, 2024)
Navigating the Digital Seas: Cybersecurity as Sustainability
However, this digital-green synergy comes with new challenges. The more connected a port becomes, the more vulnerable it is to cyber-attacks. Ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical risks represent tangible threats, with potential economic losses exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.
As the maritime sector accelerates its digital shift, cyber resilience becomes part of environmental responsibility. Protecting digital infrastructure means safeguarding operational continuity — and by extension, reducing the environmental costs of disruption.
Toward Ports of the Future
The port of the future will not be defined solely by its cranes or terminals, but by its data flows, carbon metrics, and resilience frameworks.
AI, automation, and sustainability will not exist in silos, but within an integrated strategy that aligns economic efficiency, security, and ecological balance.
In this sense, the question “Smart or Green?” becomes obsolete. The future belongs to ports that are both — simultaneously intelligent and sustainable.
We’ve entered a strong partnership with cross-border water protection as the main goal. More precisely, climate security of lakes and rivers across the Balkan Peninsula. This collaboration marks an important step toward safeguarding shared water resources, strengthening regional cooperation, and advancing data-driven environmental protection efforts across borders.
A quadrilateral partnership has been formalised between three key national institutions in North Macedonia — the Hydrometeorological Service (HMS), the State Inspectorate for Environment and the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola (UKLO) — and SeaCras.
This agreement marks a big step forward in aligning scientific research, satellite and AI technologies, and institutional knowledge and operative capacity for the protection of cross-border water bodies that are key resources shared among multiple countries in the Balkan region.
And the phrase ‘sharing is caring’ takes on a whole new meaning in this case:
Both pollution and security threats are shared among countries.
Water scarcity and climate-change boosted issues make these water reservoirs vulnerable.
This partnership aims at long-term capacity building of all partners, and its key goals are:
transfer of knowledge based on open science policy
technology implementation and data sharing
high-level actionable planning of early-warning and response
and most importantly: bringing people together for a common goal – climate security of water resources
In particular, for Balkan region, there is an urgent need for implementing a Disaster Management System for the cross – border water protection — specifically, lakes in Ohrid and Prespa region.
Aleksandar Ivanov, professor at UKLO and Mario Špadina, CEO at SeaCras
Requirements for climate security of cross-border lakes:
First enabling system implementation and data integration;
Implement advanced trend and risk analysis models;
Develop a pollution source fingerprint program.
Enabling forecasting and Early Warning Actions based on the developed forecast models for specific threats which is a base for an Early Warning System.
Response and Mitigation actions – when a disaster is forecast or occurs, what actions and scenarios should be implemented.
This new partnership shows how cross-border collaboration, the combination of data-driven innovation, and public expertise can make a real difference in addressing today’s environmental challenges.
On October 13 and 14, Ljubljana set the stage for an important step forward in tackling marine pollution. Our SeaCras team joined the PREVENT Steering Committee, a key initiative focused on pollution prevention across the Adriatic–Ionian regions.
The meeting gathered leading experts, policymakers, and innovators working to develop coordinated strategies and technologies that reduce marine litter and other pollutants affecting our shared seas.
A day later, the participants showcased their ongoing work and research findings at the conference Slovenia and Europe for Clean Waters: Innovations and Solutions Against Plastic Pollution. The event highlighted practical, science-based solutions and cross-border collaboration aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.
This conference brought together Slovenian research projects and their network of partners focused on plastics, microplastics, pollution in the Adriatic and Ionian seas, as well as riverine systems’ environmental challenges.
Our company was represented by our CEO, Mario Špadina as well as our experts, Robert Šulc, Josip Karadža and Davor Blaženčić. Mario took part in a panel discussion, sharing insights from our ongoing research and connecting with peers working on similar initiatives.
Mario showcased results for the cross-border monitoring of the pilot location, the Pupnatska Luka beach on Korčula island, and the Mljet island. While results are alarming, the focus of the working group is to deliver tools for cross-border action. In particular, the assembly of:
Transnational Marine Litter Management System (JTMLMS)
Joint Marine Litter Prevention and Management Strategy (JMLPMS)
Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP)
Major thanks to our Slovenian friends for inviting us. This conference was a strong example of cross-border collaboration, scientific expertise, and collective commitment to addressing plastic pollution.
Also, there was strong emphasis on public and community engagement, as it is one of the core activities in pollution prevention.
Of course, we look forward to further deepening our collaboration with our partners from across the border and turning our joint efforts into tangible impact for the Adriatic and Ionian regions, and well beyond.
We came to New York City for Climate Week not just to be seen. We came to listen, question, and contribute to the global conversation on climate action. And as one of the most influential gatherings for sustainability leaders, innovators, and policymakers, Climate Week NYC offered a powerful platform to exchange ideas and push forward real solutions to environmental challenges.
This year, Climate Week NYC was held from September 21-28. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York. We’re talking about the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 900 events and activities across the Big Apple!
For SeaCras, it was an opportunity to showcase how satellite-based data can redefine transparency in environmental monitoring — and make pollution visible, measurable, and actionable.
Because for us, sustainability isn’t a story you tell. It’s something you prove every single day through data, transparency, and action.
From the World Economic Forum’s events and private gatherings to major conferences like Techonomy, along with many side meetings and spontaneous exchanges, our CEO, Mario Špadina, joined conversations at the crossroads of technology, policymaking, and immediate impact.
Meanwhile, our Head of Communications, Ana Čupić, connected with United Nations Global Compact Network members at their Hub and attended the 8th Leaders on Purpose Summit, focused on leadership with more accountability — not just performative, but practical.
Our delegation during NYC Climate Week — CEO, Mario Špadina & Head of Communications, Ana Čupić
After an intense and inspiring week filled with meaningful discussions, new connections, and shared visions for a cleaner planet, our team has safely returned home — energised and ready to turn ideas into impact.
SeaCras remains committed to protecting our oceans and coastlines through science, technology, and collaboration. What we witnessed in New York reaffirmed our belief that measurable change starts with knowledge. And that knowledge should always be shared.
Also, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come, until moments like this remind us. SeaCras started as a local idea and has grown global in just a few years.
Sharing our results and getting direct feedback on a global stage gives us what matters most: ideas, direction, and drive to push boundaries further. At least until next year, when we return to New York to show how much more we’ve grown.
At SeaCras, our mission is clear and straightforward. To protect marine environments with cutting-edge technology that turns satellite data into real-world applications. As climate change and pollution continue to challenge the health of our seas, we are immensely proud to be endorsed by the EU Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries’ BlueInvest initiative, which has been instrumental in shaping our strategic development.
From our early beginnings, transitioning research into a business was both a challenge and an opportunity. With BlueInvest’s ongoing support, we are now able to strengthen our business strategy, refine our market approach, and better connect with key industries — from shipping and aquaculture to tourism and energy.
As a portfolio company of the European Commission, this endorsement not only validates our vision but also provides the momentum needed to scale up.
Today, SeaCras stands among the leading ocean data providers in Europe. Our AI-powered platform combines open and commercial satellite sources to detect marine emission by the MARPOL convention, marine biochemistry, maritime transport, tourism and urbanisation emissions, and other human impacts on marine ecosystems, enabling faster responses by both industry and authorities.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the next growth phase through new financing instruments in partnership with the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development finance instrument in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). This investment will help us expand our team, deepen our research, and bring our services to a global market.
We are proud of how far we’ve come — and even more determined to scale our impact on ocean health worldwide.
Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF), BlueInvest program supports startups, SMEs, and scale-ups active in ocean-based sectors, such as aquaculture, blue biotechnology, ocean observation, renewable energy, coastal protection, fisheries, maritime tourism, and shipping — by helping them become investment-ready and by facilitating their access to finance and markets.
SeaCras completed both Readiness and Fundraising Assistance programs and was a BlueInvest Awards 2022 finalist in the Ocean Observation category. It’s a recognition that underscores our role as a leading force in ocean innovation.
Together with our partners, Zadar Cruise Port (ZCP) and Rewilding Velebit, we have been nominated for the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) in the World’s Leading Marine & Biodiversity Conservation Programme category, for our launch of sustainability and public awareness action in two touristic destinations, powered by SeaCras App.
For this action, the SeaCras App was made free and publicly accessible to everyone, including guests on cruise ships, swimmers, tourists, and the local population, to check up-to-date sea quality for specific locations — a unique project setting new standards for the future of regenerative tourism.
From four nominees worldwide, your votes will decide the winner which will be revealed at the Awards Gala Ceremony on 29 October 2025 at Terra, Expo City Dubai.
The WSTHA showcase people, companies, and destinations making tourism better for the planet and local communities.
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards were first launched at COP28 (the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Dubai in 2023 as a branch of the World Travel Awards.
While the World Travel Awards honour excellence in tourism overall, the WSTHA focuses specifically on sustainability and highlights initiatives that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In short, they’re the Oscars of green travel.
SeaCras App: Transparency at Your Fingertips
SeaCras App is an AI-powered platform that analyses high-resolution satellite imaging to monitor and visualise sea quality.
Zavratnica, considered one of Croatia’s most breathtaking beaches, and Zadar Cruise Port, one of Mediterranean’s top cruise destinations.
And through this trilateral partnership, the service is available at locations within Zadar Cruise Port — one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious and renowned cruise destinations — as well as in Zavratnica and the nearby Jablanac coves, located within Velebit Nature Park and among the most recognisable and photographed beaches along Croatia’s stunning coastline.
This user-friendly app offers an interactive real-time sea quality map accessible via QR codes, placed throughout these locations, reminding guests, locals, and cruise ship passengers to check current sea quality and potential pollution information.
Partnerships That Shine in the Public Eye
Although the app was piloted two years ago, it was first made publicly available last summer in Zadar, followed by this year’s launch in Zavratnica.
Both destination launches have gained significant media attention, with national newspapers, social media platforms, and tourist offices actively amplifying their reach.
Easily scan the QR code or click this link for real-time sea quality data
This collaboration also involves local governments, tourism boards, hotels, shops, and community organisations that display QR codes, information boards, and flyers to promote access.
The partnership is truly cross-sector, bringing together a nature park and preservation, AI technology, and the cruising industry, along with destination management and the strategic branding of entire destinations — making it a uniquely powerful collaboration.
Rebeka V. Pevec, MBA, General Manager of Zadar Cruise Port, and Mario Špadina, PhD, CEO of SeaCras
Shaping the Future of Tourism and Marine Protection
The results speak for themselves: Zadar’s cruise visitors have reported greater trust in the destination, leading to increased revenues across the hospitality value chain, all while helping preserve the environment.
As a pioneering anti-greenwashing tool, the app enables all stakeholders — from ports and hotels to local communities — to transparently share environmental impact and take proactive action.
While already a first-of-its-kind large-scale sustainability initiative, SeaCras App is fully scalable. Any port, hotel, or protected area can integrate it with minimal infrastructure, enabling destinations worldwide to adopt transparent, data-driven marine sustainability.
The app is part of our larger campaign ‘We make the blue economy sustainable and transparent’, through which we have joined the family of the ‘Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters’ Charter. Using our AI-satellite technology, we deliver data and insights on sea health and report pollution incidents across Europe, with results to be published on the UN OceanPrediction Atlas. The campaign rests on four pillars: raising public awareness, increasing ocean and sea literacy, fostering community engagement, and strengthening public–private partnerships.
We were also honoured with an invitation from the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, FII Institute, and Red Sea Global to take part in a curated session at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, held as part of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference 3 — UNOC3.
With a specialisation in maritime AI and a proven record of innovation, global recognition, and awards, SeaCras continues to lead in safeguarding our seas, setting new standards for sustainable travel and hospitality industries.
