The project leader has ensured timely commencement of the project by holding 2 kickoff meetings in Corfu (16/7/12 & 27/9/12).During the 2 meetings,the objectives and targets of ELPORTAL were discussed and LP1 detailed the role and benefits of each port.The overall structure of the joint management team of the project was outlined and agreed and a detailed work plan was prepared by P3 setting out the tasks to be undertaken as part of the project, the role of the project partners in their implementation and the project budget.As for the WP1 each partner has appointed a management team responsible for monitoring the implementation of the actions of each work package, collaborating with Overall Project Manager in order to assure the quality of work.Moreover, LP1 appointed (October 2012) a Project Manager who has the operational responsibility for the coordination of the sound implementation of the project (D.1.2.2).LP2 signed the contract with the Audit firm appointed for the expenditure verification reports for the Albanian partner (D.1.2.4).

Each partner has made an exhaustive research as regards the specifications of the website (WP2) and the study assessment of Environmental Aspects & Impacts (WP3).More in WP2 the potential programme for a one-day genuinely interactive Workshop (D.2.3.1) on Environmental Management Systems with participation encouraged and decided by all delegates.There was detailed discussion on the date and format of the Corfu-based Workshop and it was suggested that mid/late December would be preferable given the activity profile to optimize impact and attraction of the WS.LP1 has signed the contract for the Website-Forum (D.2.1.1) and the design-preparation of the Newsletters (D.2.1.3).The website is now under construction.However, the project web address is the following www.elportal.eu and Project Logo has been designed and delivered. LP2’s and P3’s project teams are collecting their port material and national and European environmental laws and directives to be provided to the website.

The Albanian content deployment will be available after the contracts D.2.1.2-Website Translation and D.5.1.4-(Translation of Key Environmental legislation in Albanian) have been delivered. The above mentioned contracts are now pending and LP2,P3 project teams are working on the technical specifications and tender preparation.During the meetings and in respect to the WP3 and WP4, common environmental problems have been approached and identified. Partners exchanged experience on a)port profile,port operations and marine traffic,b)environmental issues such as port waste management, dredging and dredging disposal,dust,noise,air quality,hazardous cargo,port development, which is related to land use, ship discharge policies,c)applicable laws and practices d)environmental management systems and related monitoring. LP1,P3 analyzed specifications with regards to study of Environmental Aspects.