About
The Intelligent Shipping and Transport Systems Laboratory (ISTS Lab) is a multidisciplinary research and innovation laboratory, advancing the transformation of shipping, ports, intermodal transport and logistics systems.
Our approach integrates engineering, technological, economic and management perspectives to address complex operational, infrastructure, market, safety and resilience challenges and support the development of smarter, safer, more sustainable, efficient and resilient systems.
ISTS connects research, innovation and real-world application, working with industry, public authorities, research organisations, at national and international level to generate knowledge, develop solutions and translate research into policy and practice.
Research Areas
ISTS Lab conducts interdisciplinary research across shipping, ports, transport, logistics and maritime infrastructure, combining advanced analytical methods with digital and intelligent technologies to improve understanding, decision-making and system performance.
Our research focuses on maritime data science and market analysis; predictive modelling and forecasting; port and maritime logistics operations and optimisation; port & maritime transport policy, planning & governance; maritime infrastructure & asset management; maritime sustainability, decarbonisation and energy transition; resilience, security and critical infrastructure; maritime risk, safety and security; and digital technologies, simulation and intelligent systems.
Across these areas, ISTS develops and applies models, analytical frameworks, digital tools and decision-support solutions, with a strong emphasis on their validation and application in real operational and policy environments.
Equipment
ISTS Lab hosts a distinctive portfolio of advanced research equipment and simulation infrastructure that enables experimental, field-based and data-driven research across maritime, port, transport and logistics applications.
Our capabilities support autonomous and remotely operated systems, underwater and aerial inspection, sensing and environmental monitoring, hydrographic and infrastructure assessment, simulation and training, port and logistics operations, and maritime safety, security and resilience.
By combining advanced equipment with modelling, analytics and digital technologies, ISTS can move beyond theoretical research to collect real-world data, test and validate solutions in operational environments, and support the development and demonstration of new maritime and transport technologies.
Research Projects
Smart Maritime and Underwater Guardian
Duration: October 2023 – September 2026
Project Partners: SMAUG is delivered by a consortium of 22 partners, including research institutions, technology developers, maritime authorities, and law enforcement agencies from across Europe.
Empowering Next Port Professionals through XR Immersive Training Programs
Duration: October 2023 – October 2026
Funding Entity: EACEA Erasmus+ (KA220-VET)
Project Partners: North Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority (AdSP-MTS) as the lead, Fundación Valenciaport, the STC-GROUP of the Port of Rotterdam...
Predictive Maintenance Education & Training System
Duration: July 2023 – June 2026
Project Partners: The PreMETS consortium consists of a diverse group of partners including technology and engineering SMEs such as Acceligence, Atlantis Engineering, INTELIFORM, YET, LIPH, and HelixConnect Europe...