Port competitiveness has traditionally been measured by scale, cargo-handling capacity, connectivity and speed. A recent World Economic Forum article argues that other factors will become increasingly important: the ability to adapt to climate change, reduce pressure on the natural environment and prepare for shifts in technology and the skills required across the sector.
As ports evolve into hubs for clean energy, data, automated systems and new industrial processes, their transformation will require more than investment in infrastructure. It will also depend on practical solutions that connect technology, sustainability and safety with the operational needs of ports and maritime businesses.
PORTATHON 2026: 48 Hours to Develop New Solutions
Ideas addressing these challenges will take shape in Klaipeda on 25–27 September during the international port technology hackathon PORTATHON 2026, organized by Klaipeda Science and Technology Park and Klaipeda University.
Hosted by Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, the 48-hour event will bring together students, researchers, technology developers, start-ups and professionals from different fields. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants will develop solutions to real challenges submitted by the maritime sector.
This year’s challenge areas include cybersecurity and safe navigation, artificial intelligence and unmanned technologies, green and resilient ports, environmental protection and the circular economy.
Over the course of the hackathon, teams will define the problem they want to address, test their ideas, build an initial prototype and receive feedback from experts in maritime business, science and technology. The port of the future will not be shaped by major infrastructure projects alone. It will also depend on focused solutions that improve traffic and cargo flows, reduce energy use, strengthen safety, protect the environment and make people’s work more efficient.
PORTATHON 2026 will take place at Klaipeda Science and Technology Park on 25–27 September. Participants may register individually or as a team. Participation is free and the working language of the event is English.
Registration for participants and teams: https://forms.gle/Ai5CYKG2ftdBuaCXA
Register as a mentor: https://forms.gle/wwKY26vJGWV1pJ2m8
Share your challenge: https://forms.gle/ebxtJ8inZ4tpptqL9
This article was prepared with reference to the World Economic Forum publication “How ports can look to nature, climate and people for a new competitive edge”.
