The International Summer School “Sustainable Development of the Yachting and Cruise Industry” recognised Francesca Orlando as the best graded student of the programme.
Organised within the Interreg IPA South Adriatic project “High LEVEL and market-respondent competences for a blue and digitalized ‘Smart and skilled South Adriatic’ - SKILLS”, the Summer School brought together students and young professionals from Montenegro, Albania and Italy for an intensive cross-border learning experience in Kotor.
Francesca Orlando comes from the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Politecnico di Bari. Her academic and professional interests are closely connected with the design and construction of large infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on environmental aspects and sustainability.
During her studies, Francesca worked on different types of design projects, including structural systems, foundations, coastal engineering and hydraulic engineering works. She also gained practical exposure through visits to construction sites, including high-rise buildings and tunnel projects.
Her background strongly connects with several key themes of the Summer School, particularly infrastructure planning, sustainable marina and cruise port development, environmental protection, and the role of engineering in supporting responsible Blue Economy growth.
As the best graded participant, Francesca received a symbolic present from the Aquarium Boka, the only public aquarium in Montenegro and an important educational and conservation facility of the Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro.
This recognition highlights the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in the Blue Economy. The future development of yachting, cruise tourism, marinas and coastal infrastructure requires professionals who can connect engineering, sustainability, environmental awareness and international cooperation.
Through the achievement of its participants, the SKILLS project continues to promote practical, cross-border education and the development of new competencies for a smarter, greener and more sustainable South Adriatic Blue Economy.
Cover photo: Dr Ana Pešić (left), Francesca Orlando (right)