- NeXTraIn.PortS, funded by the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme, will train 100 port and logistics professionals through international exchanges and immersive XR training
- The first mobility event, held in Venice from 24 to 28 November, brought together managers from the passenger and ro-pax sector of port communities from the ports participating in the project
Valencia, 1 December 2025. – Last week, Venice hosted the first training mobility event of the European project NeXTraIn.PortS (Empower Next Port Professionals with Innovative Skills through XR Immersive Training Programmes), an initiative funded by the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme in which the Valenciaport Foundation is actively participating alongside partners from the ports of Rotterdam, Livorno, Venice and Piraeus.
The project, which began in October 2023 and will last for three years, aims to promote international cooperation between European ports and analyse the impact of digitalisation, process engineering and energy transition on port management. It also seeks to equip professionals in the sector with knowledge and skills through innovative training programmes, including innovative methodologies.
First mobility: specialised training for managers of passenger and ro-pax companies
Between 24 and 28 November, area managers and department heads from companies in the passenger and ro-pax sector took part in an intensive programme focusing 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 Director of Training at the Fundación Valenciaport, Ana Rumbeu.
A European programme with nine training exchanges and 100 participants
NeXTraIn.PortS plans to carry out nine international training exchanges, each lasting five days, which will involve a total of 100 professionals from the port, maritime and logistics sectors. Each exchange will be aimed at specific job profiles and will cover content aligned with the project’s training programme.
Participants in each activity will receive training either at their home port or will be able to travel to other countries to attend courses given by European partners. The project funds travel, accommodation and subsistence allowances, thus ensuring a comprehensive and accessible training experience.
Presentation of results and next steps
On 13 November, the project’s multiplier event took place at the Valenciaport Foundation in Valencia, where the results of the international survey of professionals in the sector were presented to the port community. This research has identified training needs in digitalisation and energy transition at all levels of employment – executives, middle managers, technical, administrative and operational staff – and has served as the basis for the definition of 29 professional profiles.
During the session, upcoming activities were also presented, including the mobility programme to be held 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.
Eight more mobility programmes in 2026
Throughout the first half of 2026, eight new mobility programmes will be held in Valencia, Rotterdam, Livorno and Piraeus, each targeting specific profiles and topics related to digitalisation and energy transition.
The Valenciaport Foundation encourages companies in the port community to participate in these activities, which represent a unique opportunity to acquire strategic skills, establish networking, strengthen European collaboration and prepare for the challenges facing the sector in the coming years. In short, a great professional and personal experience: training, cooperation and innovation at the service of more sustainable and competitive companies.
