- The initiative, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, will create a transnational network of Centres of Vocational Excellence to address challenges in safety, digitalisation, and the green transition
- Fundación Valenciaport leads the innovation and entrepreneurship area, coordinating a network of National Hubs inspired by its Opentop initiative
Valencia, April 1, 2026.- The European project CoVE SShaRP officially kicked off last week, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming vocational education and training in the European port system by connecting port authorities, companies, and training centres from six countries to anticipate future skills and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.
The project, in which Fundación Valenciaport participates, has as its main objective the creation of a transnational platform of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). These centres will act as catalysts to modernise training curricula, integrating advanced solutions in cybersecurity, environmental protection, and operational resilience, all within the framework of the European Union’s dual digital and green transition.
Fundación Valenciaport plays a strategic role in the project by fostering applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. To this end, the organisation will coordinate the launch of a network of National Innovation Hubs, inspired by the successful Opentop model, the open innovation hub of the Port of Valencia.
These spaces will serve as meeting points between vocational training, startups, and port companies to address real sector challenges through mentoring and knowledge transfer.
In addition to its focus on innovation, the project will develop open digital educational resources and mobility programmes that facilitate work-based learning in real port environments. The aim is not only to enhance the skills of current professionals but also to attract new talent to an increasingly technological logistics ecosystem.
CoVE SShaRP, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aims to establish a lasting cooperation model that ensures European ports are equipped with professionals prepared for global challenges, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade.
The CoVE SShaRP consortium
The project consortium consists of a total of 17 entities: University of West Attica, IEK Delta, Piraeus Port Authority, Research & Development for Humanity NGO, Fondazione ITS Accademia Nautica dell’Adriatico, Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Orientale, Universitat Politècnica de València, Fundación Valenciaport, MedCruise Association, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime, TUV Austria Cyprus, Varnenska morska gimnazia “Sv. Nikolai Chudotvorec”, Knowlaxy, Hellenic Ports Association, and the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks.
