  In this paper we address the topic of a possible path to standardize the ICT
services expected to be delivered by the so-called "Port of the Future". How
the most relevant technologies and Information Systems are used by the Port
Communities for their businesses is discussed together with a detailed analysis
of the on-going actions carried on by Standard Setting Organizations.
Considering the examples given by the C-ITS Platform and the C-Roads programme
at EU level, a proposal of contents to be considered in a comprehensive
standardization action is given. The innovation services are therefore grouped
into four bundles: (i) Vessel \& Marine Navigation, (ii) e-Freight \&
(Intermodal) Logistics, (iii) Passenger Transport, (iv) Environmental
sustainability. The standardized version of these applications will be finally
labeled as C-Port services. Alongside the standardization plan, a proposal for
ranking the ports on the basis of a specially-defined C- Port vector is
discussed with the purpose of addressing the well-known lack of consensus
around the mathematical definition of the Smart Port Index. Considering the
good practice and the background offered by the Port of Livorno in terms of
innovation actions, the prospected final user applications are then labeled as
Day 1, Day 1.5, and Day 2 services in consideration of the technical and
commercial gaps to be filled. As a case study about the evolution in the C-Port
vector experienced by the Port of Livorno in the last years will also be
discussed.
