PortForward is a project funded under the H2020 MG-7.3-2017 topic: “The Port of the Future.” The project proposes a holistic approach towards smarter, greener, and more sustainable port ecosystems enabled through:
- Smart ICT solutions: Improving the exchange of information flows between ports and the port community.
- Interconnected modes of transport and integration of technologies: Enhancing monitoring and control of freight flows.
- Green technologies: Reducing the environmental impact of port operations and conserving resources.
The kick-off meeting was held in Magdeburg, Germany, on July 10–11, 2018. The PortForward consortium, consisting of top-level EU research organizations, key ports, industry leaders, and educational partners, discussed individual work packages and activities planned for the project’s first year.
During the first five months of the project, the consortium successfully organized and participated in three focus group workshops at partner ports:
- Port of Vigo: On September 25–26, PortForward partners, including delegates from Brunel and Leitat, visited this Atlantic port with a notable container terminal. The visit was hosted by the Port Authority of Vigo and Termavi, the container terminal operator.
- Port Authority of Baleares: On October 4–5, partners including Acciona, Leitat, and IMEC conducted a workshop. Acciona, a provider of port infrastructure solutions, collaborates with the Port Authority of Baleares, known for its short sea shipping operations involving five ports on the Balearic Islands.
- Port of Livorno: On October 10–11, the project’s Livorno use case tested state-of-the-art IoT solutions in collaboration with Ubimax, a leading SME in Augmented Reality solutions.
On October 29–30, PortForward participated in the DocksTheFuture experts’ workshop in Porto, Portugal. The workshop aimed to share knowledge and ideas about the “Port of the Future.” As a member of the Port of the Future Network, PortForward contributed insights on increasing port digitalization and future-proofing port infrastructures.
On November 6, PortForward project partners attended the Industry and Projects Exhibition, part of the Collaborative Innovation Day titled “New Global Routes: One Belt One Road Initiative & TEN-T.” Organized by ALICE and ICCS and held at the Greek Ministry of Transportation in Athens, the event featured posters, banners, and brochures presented by PortForward alongside prominent local industrial partners. All four “The Port of the Future” projects—DocksTheFuture, PIXEL, PortForward, and Corealis—shared their visions for future transportation challenges and solutions.
PortForward is currently conducting a survey to gather the needs and expectations of all port stakeholders. These insights will help shape the ‘Port of the Future’ vision. Survey responses will be processed to capture and prioritize stakeholder requirements, forming the foundation for developing the PortForward platform.
Access the survey here.
