- EU Regulation 2020/1056 (eFTI) mandates fully digital, interoperable cargo documentation by 2030.
- The Efit4live consortium, comprising 55 entities from 19 countries, met at Valenciaport on 15 March 2025 to accelerate implementation.
- Spain’s ‘Simple’ platform will integrate national logistics data, while ValenciaportPCS becomes a pioneer eFTI node, creating demand for port professionals with digital certification.
On 15 March 2025, the Efit4live consortium – a group of 55 organisations from 19 nations – convened in Valenciaport to push forward the EU’s eFTI Regulation (EU 2020/1056). This landmark meeting marks a decisive step towards a paperless logistics model across the European Union. For maritime and port personnel, the regulation brings mandatory digital competencies and a fundamental redefinition of roles within the international supply chain.
Context and Background
The Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation entered into force in August 2020, but its implementing acts only became applicable in January 2025. Since then, EU member states have begun configuring their IT systems to meet the 2030 deadline: all cargo transport documents within the EU must be electronically managed and verifiable, interoperating across maritime, road, air and rail modes. The European Commission estimates that freight transport currently generates over one billion paper documents annually in the EU – a burden eFTI aims to eliminate.
In-Depth Technical Analysis
Efit4live Consortium Coordination
The Efit4live consortium, gathering ports, logistics operators, public administrations and research centres, is leading the technological and regulatory alignment. Valenciaport, as one of Europe’s pioneer nodes, is adapting its ValenciaportPCS platform to meet eFTI requirements. During the meeting, the first prototypes for data exchange between port platforms and national systems were validated. Consortium sources indicate that at least ten European ports are expected to be fully eFTI-operational by 2027.
Spain’s ‘Simple’ Platform
In Spain, the ‘Simple’ platform – developed by Puertos del Estado in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport – will integrate national logistics data with the Spanish eFTI node. This system will enable electronic verification of documents such as cargo manifests, bills of lading and customs declarations. Valenciaport is strategically positioned as a hub for port operations and cargo management professionals, as it will be among the first ports to connect its system with ‘Simple’. Consequently, merchant marine officers and captains operating in this port must master these digital tools.
Concrete Operational Implications
The shift to digital documentation will streamline cargo clearance and reduce delays. For example, real-time data sharing between port community systems and national authorities will cut the time spent on paperwork for each shipment. However, it also requires significant investment in IT infrastructure and training. Operators must ensure their systems are eFTI-compliant by 2030, with interoperability standards covering all transport modes. The regulation applies to any freight movement involving an EU leg, affecting both intra-EU and international shipments.
Impact on the Labour Market
Digital transformation in ports is driving demand for hybrid professionals. Traditional roles such as harbour master, port operations officer and logistics supervisor now require competence in electronic cargo management systems and digital documentation. Many maritime training programmes in Spain do not yet cover these areas, creating a skills gap. For merchant marine officers and captains, eFTI platform proficiency and certification will become a competitive differentiator. It is estimated that by 2030, at least 60% of port management positions in the EU will require knowledge of data interoperability.
Macro Context
The eFTI Regulation is part of the EU’s broader digitalisation agenda, complementing initiatives like the European Maritime Single Window environment and the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum. Geopolitically, digitalised logistics enhances supply chain resilience and security, reducing reliance on physical documents that can be lost or forged. The regulation also aligns with international efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote electronic data exchange in maritime transport.
Outlook
The Valenciaport meeting confirms that digitalisation of maritime transport is not optional but a regulatory obligation with firm deadlines. For industry professionals, adapting to this new paradigm is essential for career survival. Training in digital port management and eFTI certification will be the keys to accessing future jobs in the international logistics chain. The next milestones include full deployment of the ‘Simple’ platform in Spain and the operational launch of eFTI in at least ten European ports by 2027.
Editorial Note: This article has been professionally adapted from Spanish to British English
for the WishToSail.com international maritime audience. Original article published at
QuieroNavegar.app.
