Preparing for the ‘Port of the Future’

For this new section, the document outlines the need for research to implement new port concepts, new management models and innovative design, engineering, construction and operations technologies solutions

In particular, the document calls sustainable maintenance, repair and reconfiguration, low environmental impact, climate change adaptation, and efficient connections with the hinterland transport network contributing to an increased use of the most energy-efficient transport modes, in particular rail.

Inland waterways and short sea shipping ports “deserve particular attention”, so proposals should take into account the possible transferability of solutions to other ports and multimodal hubs like rail-freight terminals, inter-ports, airports and dry ports.

In addition, research is needed for multi-modal optimised cost-effective and flexible operations inside the terminal and in the wider port area as well as improved ICT systems to integrate port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, customs and security to facilitate critical decision-making.

The calls for ‘Port of the future’ will start from 2017 and will have a budget of €37m for Research and Innovation Actions to be shared with the other two headlines of the infrastructure chapter: ‘Resilience to extreme events’ and ‘Optimisation of transport infrastructure including terminals’. With regards to Coordination and Support Actions, the ‘Port of the Future’ 2017 call will have a budget of €1m.

The Commission considers that proposals should request a contribution from the EU of between €3m to €5m each for Research and Innovation Actions, and up to €1m for Coordination and Support Actions, in order to reach the goals of the heading.

The adoption and the publication of the Work Programme by the Commission are expected in mid-October 2015.