This project aims to develop and support the growth of a nascent connected port solutions ecosystem backed by data science and IoT technologies. Bottom-up initiatives are forming around this common goal, mainly among maritime logistics players, port authorities and large IT providers. The current objective is to also connect to and develop a community of ambitious data science entrepreneurs (start-ups and SMEs), data science & maritime experts and knowledge centers. As such, the project aims to translate innovations from both technologies into a connected and multi-modal port environment and generate more efficient communication and logistical streams through dedicated data-based solutions. On top of this, the project aims to reap the full business potential of high-tech start-ups and SMEs, professionalize their business activities and increase their overall (international) performance.

• Mobilizing a network connecting 2 Seas regional data science high-tech start-ups and SMEs, data science and maritime experts and knowledge centres and port stakeholders, to support the Western European ports and port stakeholders who are in need of data science solutions,
• Building a common approach to facilitate the development of data science applications for port logistics problems, supporting the Western European ports and port stakeholders who benefit from improved technology adoption and a joint technology roadmap.
• Build a common approach to develop and improve the technical value delivering, commercialisation capacities and professionalization of smart port entrepreneurs and for the adoption of smart port solutions, to the benefit of (internationalizing) high-tech start-ups and SMEs, and port application users.

In the light of a number of global trends in maritime transportation, market positions and traffic flows are expected to shift. Changes such as the next-shoring of manufacturing from China to other South-East Asian countries and the upgrading of its industry along the value chain (from mere routine production to value-adding activities) have triggered the Chinese policy makers to redefine their strategy toward globalization and trade. Their investments in the port of Piraeus and central European transport infrastructure have a substantial effect on the 2 Seas ports’ positions in European transport corridors. With the increasing global competitive pressures, Western European ports will have to be more efficient and more innovative to remain competitive. In the light of the increased globalization, only a cross-border approach can result in sufficient efficiency gains resulting in increased competitiveness.