DocksTheFuture, the European Commission-funded project aimed at defining the vision for the ports of the future in 2030, has announced the launch of a ‘Network of Excellence’.

The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) represents Irish ports in this network with gathers the most innovative ports to encourage development of innovative projects towards achieve their targets under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Preliminary core topics will focus on energy efficiency (eg cold ironing, smart grid), alternative fuels (bio-fuels, hydrogen), sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure system, emerging technologies and digitalisation across the logistics chain, cyber security, innovative financing tools, multimodal transport, city-port relations and the circular economy.

The Network of Excellence promotes ideas for the Port of the Future, overcoming the ports and shipping industry challenges of today and tomorrow with practical innovative ideas and best practices, promoting useful new technologies — and improving dialogue with and among the likes of international associations and maritime clusters.

The Network of Excellence — which is open to co-operation with any organisation from maritime and logistics interested in contributing — will soon offer calls for proposals as it engages members through digital channels, as well as in-person events where possible.