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Pioneers
PORTable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions
Developing and demonstrating innovative technologies, digital solutions and clean energy systems to accelerate the transition towards greener, smarter and more efficient European ports.
Project information
Status
Ongoing
Duration
October 2021 - September 2026
Project type
Horizon 2020
Grant Agreement Number
101037564
ALICE Project Manager
Factsheet
Related ALICE Thematic Group
Related Community
Keywords
- Green ports
- From GA: Port, Transport & Mobility, Multimodality, Inland Waterways (IWW), Energy,
- Hydrogen
Project overview
PIONEERS is a Horizon 2020 flagship initiative bringing together ports, research organisations, technology providers and public authorities with the shared ambition of making green ports the norm across Europe.
The project joins four ports with different operational characteristics but a common commitment to supporting the European Green Deal and Blue Growth objectives. Through a coordinated programme of innovation and demonstration activities, PIONEERS develops and validates practical solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving operational performance and resource efficiency.
A major outcome of the project is the development of a Green Port Master Plan, providing a harmonised framework and roadmap for the energy transition of European ports. The project combines technological innovation, regulatory and business analysis, stakeholder engagement and real-life demonstrations to create a scalable blueprint for sustainable port development across Europe.
Objectives and expected outcomes
Objectives
01
Accelerate the decarbonisation of port operations.
02
Demonstrate innovative technologies and operational solutions in real port environments.
03
Improve energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy in ports.
04
Increase the use of digital technologies to optimise logistics flows and operational performance.
05
Support modal shift and enhanced multimodal transport planning.
06
Develop a harmonised approach for green port planning across Europe.
Expected results
01
A comprehensive Green Port Master Plan.
02
A roadmap supporting energy transition strategies for European ports.
03
Technology evaluation methodologies for sustainable port solutions.
04
Business case assessments for innovative green technologies.
05
Regulatory, institutional and financial recommendations supporting deployment.
06
Validation of innovative technologies through 19 large-scale demonstrations.
Demonstrations, pilots and validation
PIONEERS validates its solutions through 19 demonstration projects implemented across four European ports.
Demonstration ports
01
Antwerp-Bruges
Belgium
02
Barcelona
Spain
03
Constanța
Romania
04
Venlo
Netherlands
The demonstrations address four strategic areas:
01
Clean energy production and supply
- Renewable energy generation and integration.
- Deployment of electric vehicles.
- Hydrogen-powered equipment and vehicles.
- Methanol-based transport solutions.
02
Sustainable port design
- Energy-efficient retrofitting of port buildings.
- Heating network improvements.
- Integration of circular economy principles into infrastructure development.
03
Modal shift and flows optimisation
- AI-enabled transport planning.
- 5G-supported operational systems.
- Digital platforms for freight and passenger transport optimisation.
- Enhanced vehicle, vessel and container movement management.
04
Digital transformation
- Advanced digital platforms.
- Automation technologies.
- Data-driven operational optimisation.
- Digital tools supporting smart port management.
A notable achievement is the development by Antwerp Terminal Services (ATS) and PSA Antwerp of the world's first hydrogen dual-fuel straddle carrier, demonstrating the feasibility of low-emission cargo handling equipment in operational port environments.
Innovative solutions
Port Digital Twin for efficient operations and CO₂ emissions tracking
A digital replica of port operations that combines real-time data and analytics to optimise terminal activities, improve decision-making, and monitor CO₂ emissions across logistics processes.
Maritime 5G for intelligent vessel location
A 5G-enabled solution that improves vessel positioning, tracking and situational awareness, helping ports enhance navigation efficiency, safety and traffic management.
Container Transport Forecast for road haulage
A forecasting tool that uses operational and logistics data to predict container transport demand, enabling more efficient planning of road haulage resources and reducing congestion.
Battery storage and smart management of green energy in terminal operations
An energy-management solution that integrates battery storage with renewable energy sources to optimise energy consumption, increase flexibility and support low-carbon terminal operations.
IT platforms for planning multimodal transport
Digital platforms that support the coordination of road, rail, inland waterway and maritime transport, improving visibility, route planning and multimodal logistics efficiency.
Hydrogen dual-fuel straddle carrier
Developed by ATS and PSA Antwerp, this is presented as the world's first hydrogen dual-fuel straddle carrier. The solution demonstrates how hydrogen can be used to reduce emissions from container-handling equipment while maintaining operational performance.
ALICE's role
ALICE supports PIONEERS by contributing to stakeholder engagement, dissemination, communication and the promotion of project results across European logistics and supply chain communities.
Through its extensive network of industry, research and policy stakeholders, ALICE helps maximise the uptake of project outcomes, facilitates knowledge sharing and supports the transferability of innovative port solutions to other European logistics ecosystems.
Missing information: Detailed description of ALICE work package responsibilities not provided.
Related ALICE activities
Related project contributions
Related policy activities
Project resources
Project consortium
Coordinator
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Consortium
47 partners from 11 European countries, including ports, research organisations, technology developers, logistics stakeholders and public authorities.
ALICE members participating in the consortium
Port of Barcelona, University of Antwerp, IMEC and IWT Platform
Consortium partners
Port of Antwerp, Port of Constanța, Gemeente Venlo, Mosaic Factor SL, Balance Technology Consulting GmbH, VECTOS GmbH, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), PSA Antwerp NV, AKKA Industry Consulting GmbH, MAGELLAN, MJC2 Limited, Procter & Gamble Services Company NV, Antwerp Euroterminal, European Integrated Project, SEAFAR, Envision Digital Netherlands BV, Constructiewerkhuizen De Meyer, Shanghai Maritime University, MACOMI BV, Stad Antwerpen, Università degli Studi di Genova, Danser Group BV, ENGIE, Centre International de Méthodes Numériques en Ingénierie (CIMNE), Infrabel SA, L'Air Liquide Belge, TCT Belgium NV, ECT Delta Terminal B.V., Prodevelop SL, Vlaams Gewest, Medrepair, Automobil Club Assistencia SA, Lineas, VITO, VDL Steelweld BV, Universiteit Maastricht, Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP), Centre Scientifique et Technique de la Construction (CSTC), Cooperative e-GLM UA, Panteia BV and Antwerp Management School.
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EU funding
PIONEERS has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101037564. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.