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PIONEERS at the Danube Ports Days 2025

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] We were proud to be strongly represented at Pro Danube Ports Days 2025, held on 16–17 September in the vibrant port city of Constanța, Romania! [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Our project was featured prominently through an insightful and well-received presentation delivered by Timothy Durant (SLR Consulting) and Peter van Wijlick (Gemeente Venlo). Their session focused on Green Port Masterplanning, showcasing the PIONEERS methodology and how it can be effectively adapted to the specific needs and challenges of inland ports. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The presentation highlighted the importance of strategic, sustainable planning in achieving greener, more resilient port ecosystems—aligning with the overarching goals of the PIONEERS project. We extend our sincere thanks to the organisers of Pro Danube Ports Days for hosting such an engaging and forward-thinking event, and to our colleagues for representing us with such professionalism and impact. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center"...

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PIONEERS IDEATHONS: Port of Constanta!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] On September 19–20, brilliant students from Universitatea OVIDIUS din Constanta took on our Port of Constanta challenge bringing fresh, forward-thinking ideas to one of Europe’s most strategic hubs. The creativity, teamwork, and drive they showed were nothing short of exceptional. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The first day of the event was dedicated to an information session for students and mentors regarding the Constanta Port, the PIONEERS project, the ideathon concept and the presentation of the challenge that constitutes the theme of the Ideathon. On the second day,  students grouped in 5 teams worked together to identify solutions for the Ideathon challenge: concept of an AI system with focus on collaboration, communication and awareness. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Watch photos and video from the event! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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PIONEERS July 2025 Newsletter is out!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] PIONEERS July 2025 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 #13[/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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PIONEERS IDEATHONS: Port of Venlo – Meet the Winners!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] We are proud to announce the winners of the Port of Venlo Ideathon, held on June 16–17, and invite you to watch the exclusive interview with the winning team as they share their experience and innovative ideas. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Organized by BISCI in collaboration with Gemeente Venlo, the Ideathon challenged participants to address a critical question:How can the Port of Venlo become climate neutral by 2050? [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Over two days, 61 Business Engineering students from Maastricht University, divided into 10 teams, immersed themselves in the challenge. The event began with a guided site visit to key logistics hubs—including Hutchison Ports, Cabooter Group, and the emerging EnergyHub Venlo—led by Peter van Wijlick. These visits offered students crucial insights into the region’s infrastructure and sustainability ambitions. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] After a focused ideation sprint...

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Enhanced Project Visibility Beyond the European Port Sector

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] “Climate Adaptation in TEN-T: Resilient Airports and Ports for a Sustainable Future” — PIONEERS Presentation at the European Parliament (24 June 2025) [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] On 24 June 2025, representatives of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) were invited to the European Parliament to present at the high-level event “Climate Adaptation in TEN-T: Resilient Airports and Ports for a Sustainable Future.” [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The session brought together EU policymakers, transport authorities, and infrastructure experts to discuss the crucial role of climate resilience across Europe’s multimodal transport network. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] PoAB’s contribution highlighted how ports—situated at the intersection of strategic logistics, industry, and climate impact—must lead the transition toward resilient, low-carbon transport systems. During the presentation, PoAB showcased best practices and forward-looking solutions designed to future-proof port operations within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). [qodef_separator class_name=""...

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PIONEERS at the European Energy Transition Conference!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PIONEERS at the European Energy Transition Conference!   We were pleased to contribute to the European Energy Transition Conference last week in Strasbourg (24-26 June), where we presented the innovative work of the PIONEERS and MAGPIE green port projects. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The presentation focused on key themes critical to the decarbonisation of port ecosystems, including: Electrification of port operations Hydrogen and ammonia demonstrator projects Total Cost of Ownership analysis for green shipping solutions [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The session fostered meaningful dialogue around the operational and strategic challenges ports encounter when integrating alternative energy sources across shipping, logistics, and industrial activities. We also examined the relative merits of different fuels and technologies at varying stages of maturity and deployment. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Project representatives: MAGPIE: Pia Willers, Institute of Energy Economics, University of Cologne PIONEERS: Timothy Durant,...

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Experience PIONEERS DEMO 12: A Visual Journey Into MOBILITY AS A SERVICE FOR A BETTER PORT-CITY ACCESSIBILITY

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Experience PIONEERS DEMO 12: A Visual Journey Into MOBILITY AS A SERVICE FOR A BETTER PORT-CITY ACCESSIBILITY [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, particularly for cruise ship passengers making short stopovers in the city. However, many of these visitors often find the cruise terminal disconnected from the urban transport network, leading them to rely on private or individual motorized transport options. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] To address this issue, partners of the PIONEERS consortium—RACC, the Port of Barcelona, and Mosaic Factor—are collaborating to implement Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions through the RACC CityTrips platform. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The ultimate goal of this initiative is to enhance port-city accessibility and encourage more environmentally friendly travel behavior among cruise visitors. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Get a glimpse...

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PIONEERS at the European Sustainable Energy Week!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PIONEERS Project Showcased at EUSEW 2025   The PIONEERS project was prominently featured at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025 from 10 to 12 June 2025, the European Union’s largest annual event dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency. The event was organized by CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] PIONEERS participated in a dedicated booth alongside several innovative EU-funded initiatives, highlighting collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable and decarbonized future for Europe. Projects featured at the booth included: [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] - Blue Supply Chains- H2Deri@BSP- Green Supply Chains- H2ignite- REDII Ports- InterSTORE- MAGPIE [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The joint presence of these pioneering projects emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation in advancing green technologies and sustainable energy solutions across European ports...

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PIONEERS IDEATHONS: Port of Barcelona Wrapped!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The PIONEERS IDEATHONS: Port of Barcelona  [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] On May 14, 2025, the Ideathon at the Port of Barcelona has officially kicked off with a successful and engaging information session. Out of 27 registered applicants, 15 participants joined on-site, creating a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] The session began with a maritime tour of the port’s facilities, offering participants a first-hand look at port operations, infrastructure, and daily logistics. This immersive experience provided valuable context for the real-world challenges they will be addressing throughout the Ideathon. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Following the tour, participants attended two insightful presentations: [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Innovation and Strategy in the Maritime-Port SectorThis session explored emerging opportunities in sustainable development, digital transformation, and the evolving strategic role of ports in the global...

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Experience PIONEERS DEMO 5: A Visual Journey Into Hydrogen Heating for Buildings

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Experience PIONEERS DEMO 5: A Visual Journey Into Hydrogen Heating for Buildings [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Discover the transformative potential of hydrogen in decarbonizing the heating sector. From infrastructure challenges to real-world pilot projects, this visual experience offers an in-depth exploration of the innovations driving sustainable building solutions. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] As part of the PIONEERS project, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is assessing the feasibility of hydrogen as a clean heating source for buildings through the implementation of a Hydrogen Heating System. The initiative aims to generate and share valuable insights into the safety and regulatory considerations associated with hydrogen-based heating technologies. [qodef_separator class_name="" type="normal" position="center" color="" border_style="" width="" thickness="" top_margin="" bottom_margin=""] Get a glimpse of the visual experience here! [/vc_column_text][qodef_separator position="center"][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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