Ports central to EU cybersecurity

The project aims to strengthen the implementation of key EU cybersecurity legislation, with a particular focus on critical infrastructure sectors, including ports and maritime transport.

DETANGLE (Delivering holistic, customised and easy-to-implement solutions towards efficient implementation of EU legislation and compliance) is designed to support organisations in meeting the requirements of the NIS2 Directive.

This directive significantly tightens cybersecurity obligations around risk management, incident reporting, supply chain security and certification, posing notable challenges for complex and interconnected environments such as ports.

As a core partner, Fundación Valenciaport will be responsible for assessing regulatory compliance and optimising incident management processes within port authorities. Its role reflects the growing recognition of ports as critical nodes in European supply chains and as high-value targets for cyber threats due to their reliance on digital systems and global connectivity.

In addition to NIS2, the project will also support compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the Cybersecurity Act (CSA). The CRA introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, many of which are increasingly deployed in port operations, logistics systems and terminal infrastructure.

Coordinated by ITML, the project has a total budget of nearly €7 million and is co-funded by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, bringing together a consortium of leading European industry, research and technology organisations.

The project will develop a range of practical tools tailored to operational environments such as ports. These include an AI-based incident management platform to enhance detection, response and coordination, as well as the NIS2 Compliance Tracker to support gap analysis, monitoring, reporting and staff training.