DocksTheFuture · Project

A Roadmap and KPI Toolkit Helping Ports Modernize by 2030

transportPrototypeTRL 3Thin data (2/5)

Imagine every major port in Europe trying to go green, go digital, and get smarter — but each one doing it differently with no shared playbook. DocksTheFuture gathered port operators, researchers, and tech companies to write that playbook. They defined what a "port of the future" actually looks like by 2030, created measurable KPIs to track progress, and built a network so ports can learn from each other instead of reinventing the wheel. Think of it as a shared GPS for port modernization across Europe.

By the numbers

40%

Share of EU internal trade served by maritime transport

75%

Share of EU external trade served by maritime transport

2030

Target year for Port of the Future vision and roadmap

Total project deliverables produced

Consortium partners across 4 countries

The business problem

What needed solving

European ports handle 40% of EU internal trade and 75% of external trade, but they lack a shared methodology to plan and measure their transition toward digitalization, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Without common KPIs and benchmarks, port authorities invest blindly and technology suppliers struggle to identify where their solutions are most needed.

The solution

What was built

The project produced a Port of the Future Roadmap for 2030, a Projects Common Index for monitoring port innovation results, tools for evaluation and transferability of port solutions, R&D and policy recommendations, training packages, and a Port of the Future Network of Excellence. In total, 28 deliverables were completed.

Audience

Who needs this

Port authorities planning infrastructure modernization investmentsEnergy companies developing shore-side power or smart grid solutions for portsICT vendors building port digitalization and automation platformsMaritime logistics companies evaluating supply chain integration improvementsConsulting firms advising on port governance and port-city development

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Port Operations & Maritime Logistics

enterprise

Target: Port authorities and terminal operators

If you are a port authority trying to plan investments in electrification, smart grids, or emission reduction — this project developed a Port of the Future Roadmap for 2030 with concrete KPIs and evaluation tools. Instead of guessing which upgrades matter most, you get a structured methodology to prioritize investments and benchmark your progress against other European ports handling 40% of EU internal trade and 75% of external trade.

Energy & Utilities for Maritime

mid-size

Target: Energy providers serving port infrastructure

If you are an energy company looking to supply renewable energy, shore-side power, or smart grid solutions to ports — this project mapped out the energy transition targets ports need to hit by 2030. The roadmap identifies specific gaps in electrification and renewable energy management, giving you a clear picture of where demand will grow and which port clusters are actively planning upgrades.

Smart Port Technology

SME

Target: ICT and automation solution providers for ports

If you are a technology company developing port digitalization solutions — this project created a common index for monitoring and evaluating port innovation projects across Europe. The 28 deliverables include transferability tools and R&D recommendations, helping you understand which digital solutions ports are actually adopting and where the biggest implementation gaps remain.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to access the roadmap and tools?

DocksTheFuture was a publicly funded Coordination and Support Action. Its roadmap, KPIs, and evaluation tools were developed as public deliverables. Access to the 28 project deliverables and the Port of the Future Network of Excellence should be available through the project website.

Can these tools be applied to ports of any size?

The methodology was designed to cover all ports in Europe and neighbouring partner countries. The tools for evaluation and transferability were specifically built to allow different port types to adapt the solutions. However, the project focused on strategic planning rather than plug-and-play software.

Is there IP or licensing involved?

As a CSA (Coordination and Support Action), DocksTheFuture produced methodology, recommendations, and training packages rather than patentable technology. The outputs are policy and planning tools, so IP restrictions are unlikely. Check with the coordinator for specific reuse terms.

How does this connect to EU port regulations?

The project directly addressed EU standards, port governance, and port-city relations. The roadmap includes R&D and policy recommendations aligned with TEN-T objectives, which drive EU port infrastructure investment requirements.

Is this still active or was it a one-off study?

The project ran from 2018 to 2020 and is now closed. However, it created a Port of the Future Network of Excellence designed to continue beyond the project. Check the project website for current network activities and updated resources.

Can we use the KPIs for our own port benchmarking?

Yes, the project developed a Projects Common Index for monitoring and evaluating port innovation results. Based on available project data, this index was deployed and tested across clustered projects. The deliverable on analysis and monitoring results documents these KPIs.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium of 5 partners across 4 countries (Italy, Belgium, Germany, Portugal) is compact but well-balanced for a coordination project, with 2 industry players (40% industry ratio), 1 university, 1 research organization, and 1 other entity. The coordinator CIRCLE SPA is an Italian SME, and 2 of the 5 partners are SMEs, suggesting practical orientation despite the strategic nature of the work. The geographic spread covers major European port regions (Mediterranean, North Sea, Atlantic), giving the roadmap credibility across different port types and governance models.

CIRCLE SPACoordinator · IT
MAGELLAN-ASSOCIACAO PARA A REPRESENTACAO DOS INTERESSES PORTUGUESES NO EXTERIORparticipant · PT
INSTITUT FUR SEEVERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT UND LOGISTIKparticipant · DE
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVAparticipant · IT

How to reach the team

CIRCLE SPA (Italy) — use SciTransfer's coordinator lookup to find the project lead's direct contact

Order a report on this consortium See CIRCLE SPA profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to know which ports are actively implementing this roadmap and where your solution fits? SciTransfer can connect you with the right port authority contacts and help position your offering against the 2030 targets.

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