The first training mobility of the European project NeXTraIn.PortS (Empower Next Port Professionals with Innovative Skills through XR Immersive Training Programs) was held in Venice. This is an initiative funded by the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 program in which the Valenciaport Foundation actively participates alongside partners from the ports of Rotterdam, Livorno, Venice, and Piraeus.
The project, which began in October 2023 and lasts three years, aims to promote international cooperation between European ports and analyze the impact of digitalization, process engineering, and the energy transition on port management. It also seeks to equip sector professionals with knowledge and competencies through innovative training programs, which include novel methodologies.
In the Italian city, area managers and department heads from companies in the passenger and ro-pax sectors participated in an intensive program focused on energy and digital transition, incorporating simulation tools to improve decision-making in complex operational scenarios.
Representatives from the companies Trasmed, Baleària, and GNV attended on behalf of the Valencia port community, accompanied by the Training Director of the Valenciaport Foundation, Ana Rumbeu.
NeXTraIn.PortS plans to carry out nine international training mobilities, each lasting five days, which will collectively involve 100 professionals from the port, maritime, and logistics sectors. Each will be aimed at specific job profiles and will address content aligned with the project’s training program.
Participants in each activity will receive training either in their home port or may travel to other countries to attend courses delivered by the European partners. The project funds travel, accommodation, and per diems, thus ensuring a complete and accessible training experience.
In November, the project’s multiplier event took place at the Valenciaport Foundation in Valencia, where the results of the international survey conducted with sector professionals were presented to the port community. This research has made it possible to identify training needs in digitalization and energy transition at all job levels—management, middle management, technical, administrative, and operational staff—and has served as the basis for defining 29 professional profiles.
During the session, upcoming activities were also presented, including the mobility that will take place in Valencia in February 2026, for which attendees selected the profiles of area or department heads from the Information Systems, Innovation, Sustainability, and Digital Transition departments as participants.
Throughout the first half of 2026, eight new mobilities will be held in Valencia, Rotterdam, Livorno, and Piraeus, each aimed at specific profiles and themes related to digitalization and the energy transition.
