The Waterborne Technology Platform has welcomed the application for membership by the Terminal Industry Committee 4.0 (TIC4.0).
The Waterborne Technology Platform provides policy guidance to the European institutions towards research, development, innovation and its deployment, and coordinates the private side of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership.
Members of the Platform discuss the research priorities in different working groups, notably: Ships & Shipping, Ports & Logistics and the Blue Economy.
The contributions from TIC4.0 are expected to be key in shaping the strategic research and innovation agendas of these areas, and related to Ships & Shipping and Ports & Logistics.
The Waterborne Technology Platform has recently updated its Strategic Research Agenda, laying down the mission and vision of the working groups with a timeline of 2040 and 2050.
In the area of “Ports & Logistics”, the research activities will focus on port operations, digital and green maritime and hinterland corridors, as well as port infrastructure.
José Giménez, Secretary General, TIC4.0, said: “TIC4.0 will actively participate in Waterborne by identifying technological gaps and priorities (e.g. in port-call optimisation, vessel-port interface, cargo-handling automation, energy infrastructure, and shore power integration) and promoting standardisation and interoperability (e.g. harmonising data models, contributing to standardisation efforts that align with EU digital initiatives).
“TIC4.0 will also foster cross-sectoral collaboration, bridging the gap between shipbuilders, maritime tech providers and port stakeholders to ensure a system-based approach to innovation.”
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Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne TP, added: “The European waterborne sector is not only a diversified but also a highly interdependent ecosystem. To develop and demonstrate deployable solutions, the involvement of all stakeholders of the ecosystem is key.
“The application for membership by the Terminal Industry Committee 4.0 is an essential step in further integrating all key players of the sector in our activities. Furthermore, the involvement of terminal and port equipment manufacturers and suppliers will further strengthen our contribution to the upcoming industrial maritime and port strategies, whereas innovation and its deployment will be key to ensure the transition towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable European waterborne sector.
“As a next step, our members will be formally requested to approve the membership application of TIC4.0, which is foreseen for our General Assembly of November 2025.”
