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May 12, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

MACOMI with visit to the Port of Constanta

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] MACOMI with visit to the Port of Constanta [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On May 6–7, 2026, representatives of MACOMI company carried out a working visit to the Port of Constanta and Navigable Canals administrations as part of a workshop dedicated to digital solutions for monitoring and optimizing barge traffic on the Danube–Black Sea Canal and the river-maritime area of the Port of Constanța. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The activities took place within the framework of the PIONEERS project, which aims to transfer innovative solutions developed in European ports such as Port of Antwerp-Bruges to partner ports, including Port of Constanța. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] During the meetings, a demonstration application based on the PortGenie platform was presented. Developed by MACOMI based on experience gained from implementations in Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam, the solution was further adapted, in collaboration with APM and ACN, to address the specific operational characteristics...

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May 10, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS together with sister project MAGPIE took part in ESPO 2026!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS together with sister project MAGPIE took part in ESPO 2026! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The PIONEERS Project was proudly represented at the ESPO (European Sea Ports Organisation) Conference, held on 7–8 May 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Our coordinator, Inge De Wolf, together with representatives from the fellow project MAGPIE, presented the work carried out within both projects through an interactive quiz-based session. This format contributed to an engaging and collaborative exchange with conference participants. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The event provided a valuable opportunity to share progress on sustainable and innovative port solutions, exchange knowledge and experiences, and strengthen connections with stakeholders and professionals from the maritime and logistics sectors. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Isabelle Ryckbost and the entire ESPO team for the opportunity to contribute to this important...

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April 24, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

Port of Antwerp Bruges Ideathon

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Port of Antwerp Bruges Ideathon [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Forty students from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Ghent University, Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel, and the Sustainable Business & Innovation programme at Karel de Grote Hogeschool participated in the PIONEERS Ideathon. They were invited to challenge the status quo by turning sustainability laggards into proactive leaders, reframing sustainability as a competitive advantage, and mobilizing stakeholders to act despite economic pressure. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Throughout the Ideathon, students collaborated intensively, combining their own perspectives with insights from experts and facilitators Eva Burm, Marleen Eyssen, Kaat Bots, Arno Van Camp, Nathalie Van Ingelghem, and Stef Callaerts. This resulted in eight well-developed pitches, each addressing sustainability from a distinct angle, ranging from stakeholder activation to the design of new incentive systems. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The winning team, “Future Trees,” consisting of Kobe Vermeylen, Mamuna Sheikh, and Anaïs Louche, presented an...

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April 23, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS April 2026 Newsletter is out!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS April 2026 Newsletter is out! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this issue, you will find a snapshot of our past achievements, upcoming activities and PIONEERS’ developments.   From international conferences to technical developments, make sure you don’t miss any future relevant event and outcome of the project by subscribing to our newsletter here!   We look forward to seeing you in person soon at the upcoming events. Happy reading on behalf of the whole PIONEERS team!   Read the PIONEERS Newsletter #16[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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April 21, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERSxMAGPIE Joint Conference 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERSxMAGPIE Joint Conference 2026 [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]INVITATION [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Join us on 17 September 2026 at De Doelen, Rotterdam for the joint conference of the MAGPIE and PIONEERS projects. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] This event brings together port authorities, policymakers, industry leaders, and knowledge partners to explore what works in practice—and how to turn ambition into action. Through concrete demonstration results, hands-on exchange, and tools like the Green Port Master Plan, we’ll show how innovation can be embedded into long-term port strategies. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] What does this mean for you? [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Join the discussion, exchange with peers, and identify your next steps toward a green, resilient, and competitive port ecosystem. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Register here: https://events.magellancircle.eu/2026-ports-in-transition-building-resilient-ecosystems/ More detailed information will follow soon!  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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April 17, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS Publications Update

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] We are pleased to announce the latest update to our website. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] New publications have been added, offering valuable insights drawn from approved project deliverables. These updates reflect the depth of our work, highlight key learnings, and showcase the outcomes achieved across our projects. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] We invite you to explore our portfolio to gain a comprehensive view of our experience, approach, and the impact we have delivered over the years. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Visit our subpage Publications to learn more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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March 30, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS at the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS at the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026 [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] PIONEERS Ports will be there together with fellow EU-funded initiatives Stargate - EU Green Deal, TULIPS , OLGA Project – hOListic & Green Airports, and MAGPIE for the “𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬” side event at TRA 2026. This joint event will bring together innovation from ports, airports, and multimodal logistics, highlighting how European projects are working together to accelerate the transition toward cleaner, smarter transport systems. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: • 19 May | 13:00–17:00 • 20 May | 09:00–12:00 [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] We hope to see you there![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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February 9, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS at the ALICE #BrokerageEvent!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS at the ALICE #BrokerageEvent [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PIONEERS part of ALICE Brokerage Event on 2-3 February 2026   Last week, we were proud to be part of this key European gathering. Naturally, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to connect, share, and shape the future of logistics.   Represented by ALICE, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ETP LOGISTICS), we engaged with partners, explored synergies, and strengthened our contribution to the EU perspective on innovation and collaboration.   A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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February 9, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

From Concept to Reality: Demonstration of Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) at DP World Antwerp

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] From Concept to Reality: Demonstration of Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) at DP World Antwerp [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Previously on PIONEERS:In May 2025, the first electric autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) was demonstrated at Medrepair Terminal in collaboration with VDL Groep and Akkodis. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] By January 2026, the AGV was tested in a fully operational container terminal at DP World, transporting empty containers in mixed traffic conditions. This allowed for the validation of performance, safety, and operational integration under real terminal conditions. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] This demonstration reflects the core objective of PIONEERS Ports: transforming innovative technologies into scalable, transferable, and sustainable solutions for port operations. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] We extend our thanks to John Thelen and Karel Smits (VDL Automated Vehicles BV) and Chris Breugelmans and Tom Mortelmans (DP World) for their collaboration in achieving this milestone. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEucW9kZWYtcG9ydGZvbGlvLXRpdGxlJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwRElTUExBWSUzQSUyME5PTkUlMjAlMjFpbXBvcnRhbnQlM0IlMEElN0QlMEEuc21hbGwtc2xpZGVyLnFvZGVmLXBvcnRmb2xpby1zaW5nbGUtaG9sZGVyJTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwTUFSR0lOLVRPUCUzQSUyMDEwMFBYJTIwJTIxaW1wb3J0YW50JTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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February 3, 2026
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by Julia Kosiek

PIONEERS attended the BluePorts Limburg Conference

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS attended the BluePorts Limburg Conference [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] On 28 January 2026, BluePorts Limburg presented a new vision for inland ports in the province. The event attracted significant interest, with more than 125 participants, including senior representatives from the business community, government, knowledge institutions, and relevant interest groups. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] BluePorts Limburg represents a collaboration between the eleven port municipalities in the Dutch province of Limburg. The initiative is currently led by Venlo/Port of Venlo in collaboration with the Province of Limburg. Lessons learned from PIONEERS are being shared with a wider audience. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The session focused on cooperation, forward-thinking strategies, and actionable steps for inland ports. It became clear that collaboration is essential to maintaining the economic strength of the regions, with an emphasis on further development, professionalisation, and strategic coordination. This collaboration extends not only within the region...

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Project coordinator

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

pioneers@portofantwerpbruges.com

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement 101037564.