Innovation and success: digital transport from the Port of La Spezia to Bologna becomes reality

La Spezia, 31 October 2025 – On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, GRUBER Logistics, in collaboration with Circle Group and within the framework of two European Union-funded initiatives, eFTI4EU and KEYSTONE, conducted a fully digital freight transport pilot test at the Port of La Spezia, marking a significant milestone in the digitalisation process of European logistics.

The test involved the transport of a container of goods from the Ligurian port to the Bologna freight village, managed entirely by GRUBER Logistics. During the testing phase, several key aspects were validated, including the automatic transmission of ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) data from GRUBER Logistics’ TMS management system to the KEYSTONE platform, the generation and sharing of the electronic consignment note (e-CMR), and the exclusive use of digital data exchanges between logistics operators, public platforms, and control authorities.

The test confirmed full interoperability between the KEYSTONE web application, the eFTI platform (via the Italian eFTI Gate Italy node), and the Port Community System (PCS) of La Spezia, enabling an automated data flow, reducing manual data entry and redundancies, and allowing authorities to carry out digital inspections faster and more easily.

For the first time in Italy, the entire transport process was conducted without any paper documentation. The electronic consignment note was generated, signed, shared, and verified in digital format, while police and customs authorities conducted checks using secure QR codes and digital connections via the national eFTI platform.

A step forward for European digital logistics

The test is part of the validation activities of the eFTI4EU and KEYSTONE projects, two European initiatives committed to creating a network of interoperable platforms for data exchange among logistics operators, hauliers, and control authorities.

Both projects highlight the importance of harmonised digital solutions, integrated platforms, and secure data-sharing systems to foster digital transformation in the transport and logistics sector, while contributing to achieving the European Union’s environmental and sustainability targets.

“The trial conducted represents an initiative of extraordinary value in the European context,” stated Abramo Vincenzi, CEO of Accudire Srl, “distinguishing itself through its highly innovative nature: the use of advanced technologies and the digitalisation of operational processes have enabled the creation of a cutting-edge model, seamlessly integrated with the KEYSTONE platform. This result testifies to the concrete commitment towards modernising systems and strengthening digital public-private partnerships, and as ACCUDIRE we are proud and pleased to be part of it.”

Prof. Mauro Dell’Amico, coordinator of the KEYSTONE project at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, stated: “As coordinators of the KEYSTONE project, we are proud to see the concrete results of our joint work with industrial and institutional partners. This test demonstrates how research and innovation can directly contribute to a smarter, more sustainable, and interoperable European logistics system. The success of this trial represents an important step towards the real-world implementation of digital freight transport, proving that collaboration between projects like KEYSTONE and eFTI4EU can transform the vision of paperless, barrier-free logistics into an operational reality.”

Marco Manfredini, Chief Operating Officer of GRUBER Logistics, commented: “This test represents a tangible milestone towards the complete digitalisation of freight transport. We have shown that the combined use of interoperable platforms and electronic documents can completely eliminate paper, enhance transparency, and streamline inspections. It is a step forward for European logistics and an example of how collaboration between industry, research, and institutions can accelerate innovation in the sector.”