The NEXUS International Conference – Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges took place on June 24 and 25 , bringing together representatives from port authorities, higher education institutions, research centers, technology companies, and public entities to discuss the main challenges of the digital and green transition in seaports.

Organized by the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS), in collaboration with the Sines and Algarve Ports Authority (APS), the conference served as a unique forum for sharing knowledge and building new bridges of collaboration between academia, the port sector, and industry, reinforcing the conference’s strategic importance for consolidating a national and international agenda focused on smarter, more sustainable, resilient, and competitive ports.

Over the course of the two days, topics such as cybersecurity, risk management, the use of drones and emerging technologies, the interoperability of information systems, and the role of Port Community Systems in the modernization of logistics chains were discussed. The conference also highlighted the need for collaborative governance models that balance technological innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

The program also included sessions dedicated to the presentation of scientific articles and posters, promoting the dissemination of applied research in the areas of sustainable logistics, smart mobility, digitalization, and the energy transition.

The NEXUS International Conference thus provided an opportunity not only to present findings and trends, but also to strengthen cooperation networks, identify new opportunities for applied research, and promote a shared vision for the future of seaports. In this context, Setúbal and Sines have established themselves as strategic regions for devising and developing solutions that contribute to ports that are more efficient, sustainable, digital, and prepared for global challenges.

The NEXUS Conference was funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) as part of the Business Innovation Agenda “NEXUS: Innovation, Green and Digital Transition Pact for Transportation, Logistics, and Mobility.”

Full album here.

About the NEXUS Agenda
The NEXUS Agenda aims to promote innovation, development, demonstration, and commercialization of products and services geared toward the green and digital transition in the transportation, logistics, and mobility sectors. The Agenda seeks to address the key challenges identified in logistics and transportation networks by promoting solutions with high potential for implementation, commercialization, and internationalization.