Escola Europea and DLTM Join Forces to Promote International Mobility and Maritime Education

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Signed in La Spezia on 29 October 2025 by Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea, and Giovanni Lorenzo Forcieri, President of DLTM, the memorandum sets the foundation for joint initiatives under the Erasmus+ programme. These initiatives will support the development of training pathways and professional exchanges designed to promote sustainable transport, port logistics, and intermodal operations and maritime education.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to strengthen ties between the Liguria region – home to a vibrant maritime cluster that includes the ports of Genoa and La Spezia – and Barcelona’s thriving port and logistics community. By connecting clusters of enterprises and universities in Liguria with the Escola’s network of training programmes in Barcelona, the partnership aims to boost knowledge exchange and professional mobility across the Mediterranean.

“This agreement reinforces our educational bridge between Italy and Spain,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea. “Through cooperation with DLTM, we can create new opportunities for students and professionals to experience intermodality in action, share best practices, and strengthen the future workforce of the maritime and logistics sectors.”

As part of this collaboration, the partners will also explore synergies with the Port Academies initiative in Italy – inspired by the Escola’s Forma’t al Port programme in Barcelona – which brings port operations and logistics education directly into vocational classrooms, helping to connect young learners with real-world port environments.

“The agreement with the Escola Europea of Barcelona strengthens DLTM’s international focus and opens up new growth opportunities in this sector for our companies,” added Giovanni Lorenzo Forcieri, President of the Ligurian District of Marine Technologies. “The memorandum of understanding just signed offers the chance to acquire advanced skills in the maritime and logistics sectors and to develop European projects of high innovative value, contributing to the competitiveness, sustainability, and internationalization of the Ligurian region.”

The agreement marks another important milestone in the Escola’s mission to empower the industry through education, expanding its footprint in Italy and contributing to a more connected and sustainable Mediterranean logistics ecosystem.

Energy Transition Barcelona 2025: Advancing the Green Transformation of Ports

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The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport has announced the second edition of its specialised training programme Energy Transition Barcelona: Build Your Port Energy Transition Plan, which will take place from 1 to 11 December 2025 in a hybrid format (online and in Barcelona).

Designed for professionals in the port-logistics and transport sectors, the course explores the strategies and technologies driving decarbonisation and sustainable innovation in port communities. Participants will work in groups and use a simulator to design and test their own Port Energy Transition Plan, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Expert lecturers from the Port of Barcelona, Enagás, Balearia, CENIT, Ricardo, Hutchison Ports BEST, Vilaseca Consultors, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) alongside the Escola’s lecturers will guide the sessions. The programme also includes technical visits to key energy facilities such as the Iberdrola Hydrogen Plant, the Regasification Plant, and the BEST Container Terminal.

A distinctive feature of this year’s edition is the continued integration of the Port Energy Transition Simulator, developed by the Escola Europea in collaboration with Portwise under the Green Marine Med project, co-financed by the European Union. This innovative tool allows participants to experiment with strategic decisions related to the decarbonisation of port ecosystems. Through group work and practical exercises, trainees will use the simulator to design and test their own Port Energy Transition Plan, exploring how different operational choices impact energy use, emissions, and sustainability outcomes.

This initiative continues the Escola’s mission to promote environmental sustainability and knowledge exchange across Mediterranean ports.

Learn more here ➡️ Energy Transition in Ports.

Tracing the Escola’s Journey: 20 Years of Knowledge, Cooperation, and Innovation

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Two decades ago, a bold idea took shape in the Mediterranean. What began as a training initiative in short sea shipping has since grown into the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, a reference point for logistics education and cooperation across borders. It’s story is a voyage: a story of how a pioneering initiative in Barcelona became a Mediterranean hub with global reach, and how education, cooperation, and innovation have guided its course for two decades.

Beginnings at Sea

The journey began in 2004, when the Port of Barcelona, together with Grimaldi Lines and the Ports of Rome and Lazio, launched the first promotional courses in short sea shipping. The idea was simple but bold: to turn the sea itself into a classroom. Students would learn about logistics not in theory alone, but by living the reality of maritime transport on board.

In 2006, the initiative took shape as an institution. The Ports of Barcelona, Rome, and, alongside Grimaldi Lines and GNV, founded the Escola Europea de Short Sea Shipping (2E3S.eu). From the very beginning, the Escola positioned itself differently: not just a school, but a bridge between ports, companies, and institutions, and a meeting point for the cultures of the Mediterranean.

Growth and Diversification

The Escola’s first decade was marked by steady growth. Programmes such as SURCO, focused on intermodal rail, and MOST Europe, designed for policy-makers, expanded the scope of its activities. In 2014, the launch of Forma’t al Port opened the logistics world to younger generations, strengthening the link between education and the sector’s future workforce.

By 2016, the Escola had trained more than 8,000 participants through 200 courses. Its 10th anniversary was commemorated with the publication of the first ODISEO book — a milestone that captured the voices and values shaping the Escola. Recognition also followed, with awards from across Europe acknowledging its innovative model.

A Mediterranean Network

The Escola’s second decade widened its horizons. It established an Italian headquarters in Civitavecchia, expanded courses to Morocco and Algeria, and participated in major European projects such as TransLogMED and YEP MED. The rebranding in 2017 as the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport reflected this broader identity and mission.

Through these years, the Escola strengthened its role as a Mediterranean hub — connecting students, teachers, and institutions from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Tunisia, and Morocco, and gradually extending its partnerships to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, and the United States.

Innovation and Sustainability

If the Escola’s first decade was about foundations, the second was about transformation. The launch of the Port Virtual Lab in 2021 opened a new chapter in digital learning, allowing students to engage in complex logistics simulations and work with virtual companies such as Playforwarding, MEDTrade, and SDG Lines.

At the same time, the Escola deepened its commitment to sustainability. The creation of a Technical Office for Sustainability, alongside new courses on temperature-controlled supply chains, customs processes, and artificial intelligence, ensured that its programmes responded to the evolving needs of the sector.

By 2024, the Escola had surpassed 20,000 students trained, an achievement that underlined not only its scale but its impact: thousands of professionals carrying forward the values of intermodality and sustainability.

Towards the 20th Anniversary

As the Escola prepares for its 20th anniversary in 2026, it does so with a spirit of gratitude and ambition. The anniversary voyage — from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, Palermo, Genoa, and back again — will pay tribute to the partnerships that built the Escola. The commemorative ODISEO book will capture the voices of founders, alumni, teachers, and partners, while special editorial editions of the ODISEO journal will accompany the celebrations throughout the year.

But anniversaries are not only about the past. They are also about looking ahead. For the Escola, the next chapter will mean continuing to innovate in education, strengthening Mediterranean cooperation, and contributing to the sustainable transformation of global logistics.

A Lasting Compass

Through all its changes, the Escola’s compass has remained constant: the values of knowledge, cooperation, and innovation. These principles have guided it from its earliest courses to its latest digital initiatives, and they will continue to define its path into the future.

The sea has always taught that horizons are not limits, but invitations. For the Escola, the Mediterranean has been both anchor and bridge — and from here, it sails forward into the decades ahead.

Antillas Sea Agency Joins Forma’t al Port’s Growing Network of Collaborators

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The port-logistics training initiative Forma’t al Port, driven by the Escola Europea , has welcomed a new collaborating company. Antillas Sea Agency, a well-established maritime representation firm based in El Masnou, has joined as a new sponsor, further reinforcing the programme’s mission to build bridges between education and industry.

Clàudia Gómez Gallardo and Eduard Rodés sign the sponsorship agreement for Antillas Sea Agency’s incorporation into the Forma’t al Port programme, accompanied by Laura Rayas (centre)

With this partnership, the company becomes part of a wider network of institutions and businesses that are actively shaping the future of the logistics-port sector. As part of their commitment, Antillas Sea Agency will support the programme’s training activities, which include immersive visits to port facilities and direct interaction between students and logistics professionals.

“Having companies like Antillas Sea Agency on board is a true asset,” commented Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea. “They are deeply connected to the region and bring valuable insight from their operations to the students. These partnerships are what strengthen the entire logistics-port community.”

A Shared Commitment to Talent Development

The programme Forma’t al Port was launched with the goal of fostering logistics knowledge and employability among young students in Catalonia. It is based on an experiential learning model and supported by a wide range of logistics companies, associations, and public institutions. The incorporation of new sponsors like Antillas Sea Agency ensures that students gain first-hand exposure to the sector’s real operations and challenges.

The collaboration is already showing results. One of the company’s recent recruits is a former participant of the programme’s Talent initiative — a clear example of how these collaborations can directly impact career opportunities for young people in the region.

International Prospects on the Horizon

The partnership also opens up interesting possibilities for international collaboration, especially in light of Antillas Sea Agency’s solid experience in the Caribbean region. Future exchanges between educational institutions in Cuba and Barcelona are being considered, with the aim of enhancing bilateral knowledge transfer and expanding the programme’s international scope.

Forma’t al Port continues to thrive thanks to the joint commitment of sponsors who share a vision of a more connected and better-prepared logistics workforce.

e2e Logistics Joins the Forma’t al Port Programme

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The network of collaborators in the Forma’t al Port programme continues to grow. This month, e2e Logistics officially became one of the initiative’s sponsoring companies, reinforcing the commitment of the port-logistics community to supporting the next generation of professionals.

The agreement was signed at the company’s headquarters in Barcelona, in the presence of Ainhoa Carrió, General Manager at e2e Logistics, and Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea.

With this partnership, e2e Logistics not only supports the training of young talent in port and logistics operations (as it’s done with the Forma’t al Port Programme), but also gets involved in a very tangible way. In fact, one of the participants from the most recent edition of the Forma’t al Port Talent programme is now working at their offices—an encouraging example of how the programme is helping build real career pathways.

“Each new partner adds to the strength of this community,” said Marta Miquel, Deputy Director of the Escola Europea. “And it’s especially meaningful when we see our students take their first professional steps within the companies that support their learning.”

As the demand for logistics training continues to rise, the support of sponsors like e2e Logistics ensures that the programme remains accessible to more training centres and students across Catalonia. New collaborations will be announced in the coming weeks.

FNG Fornes Logistics Joins the Forma’t al Port Programme

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The Escola Europea has signed a new collaboration agreement with FNG Fornes Logistics, a company specialised in comprehensive logistics services, which joins the Forma’t al Port educational programme as a partner organisation.

Eduard Rodés (Escola Europea) and Javad Valinuri Fotovati (FNG Fornes Logistics) during the signing, marking the company’s entry into the Forma’t al Port programme.

This agreement reinforces the shared commitment of both entities to promote logistics training that is closely aligned with the professional reality of the sector, with a strong focus on young talent and sustainability.

FNG Fornes Logistics, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, has strategic branches across the Iberian Peninsula, including Barcelona, and provides personalised, efficient solutions across the supply chain. Its integration into the Forma’t al Port programme helps strengthen the links between the logistics ecosystem of the Balearic Islands and the port communities of the Western Mediterranean.

“It is an honour to join this project and contribute to the development of young talent entering a sector that is becoming increasingly digitalised and constantly evolving,” said Javad Valinuri Fotovati, Business Development Director at FNG Fornes Logistics.

The Forma’t al Port programme is a mutualised initiative led by the Escola Europea with the support of the Port of Barcelona. It brings together public institutions, sectoral associations and private companies in a joint effort to connect port-logistics environments with vocational and university-level students. Through hands-on and collaborative training experiences, the programme aims to inspire careers, professionalise the sector, and bridge the gap between education and industry.

“We especially value the addition of FNG Fornes Logistics to the Forma’t al Port community. Their commitment to young talent and the development of the logistics sector strengthens the core mission of this collaborative programme,” stated Marta Miquel, Deputy Director of the Escola Europea.

The support of sponsor companies makes it possible to keep the programme affordable and to offer high-quality training. In turn, collaborating firms gain access to a pool of motivated young talent aligned with current sectoral needs.

In the coming weeks, the Escola Europea will announce additional partnerships that continue to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem of the Forma’t al Port programme.

eGlobe joins Forma’t al Port: New Partnership to Support Port Logistics Training

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On 16 July 2025, the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport signed a new collaboration agreement with eGlobe, a logistics company that shares the Escola’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of young talent. With this new Forma’t al Port Partnership, eGlobe officially joins the group of companies that support the Forma’t al Port programme as partners.

The signing took place at eGlobe’s headquarters, in a meeting where both organisations exchanged ideas and reflected on their shared values: fostering meaningful learning experiences and offering young people opportunities to get closer to the logistics and port sectors through immersive and hands-on training.

eGlobe is a dynamic and forward-thinking logistics provider based in Barcelona, specialised in tailor-made solutions that integrate technology and environmental responsibility. With a strong focus on digitalisation and customer service, the company actively promotes sustainable growth and embraces innovation as a core part of its strategy. Its involvement in Forma’t al Port reflects a clear commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals in the sector.

El acuerdo fue firmado por Guillem Sardañés, Co-Fundador de eGlobe (izquierda), y Eduard Rodés (derecha), director de la Escola Europea.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Forma’t al Port programme, a milestone that highlights the long-standing collaboration between the port-logistics community and the educational sector. With the incorporation of partners like eGlobe, the programme’s image and impact continue to strengthen, consolidating its position as a flagship initiative for talent development within the Port of Barcelona.

Through Forma’t al Port, students from vocational and university programmes gain first-hand knowledge of intermodal logistics, port operations, and sustainable transport solutions, supported by companies and institutions committed to building a stronger, better-prepared future workforce.

We warmly welcome eGlobe to the Forma’t al Port community and thank them for joining us on this journey.

SHIP: A New Educational Model for Designing Sustainable Maritime Routes

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In today’s landscape where sustainability, energy efficiency, and intermodality are reshaping sustainable maritime transport, the education of future professionals is also undergoing a transformation. In response to this shift, SHIP – Short-sea High-efficiency Intermodal Planning, a new training programme designed by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, has been launched in collaboration with the Technological University of Panama (UTP). The course was tailored for naval and mechanical engineering students and marks a significant step forward in applied maritime education.

A Strategic Planning Challenge on Board

Built to bridge academic knowledge and industry reality, the SHIP course immerses students in the full design process of a sustainable short sea shipping (SSS) service — from concept to implementation — integrating technical, economic, and environmental dimensions.

During a hands-on experience aboard a Grimaldi Lines Ro-Pax vessel sailing between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome), participants worked through a practical exercise: the design of a hypothetical shipping line between Barcelona and Radès (Tunisia).

This challenge required students to assess market demand, select appropriate vessels, calculate transit times and operational costs (including crew, maintenance, and fuel), and estimate CO₂ emissions. All decisions were based on real-world data and aligned with current regulatory constraints, such as SECA zones, as well as future challenges, including alternative propulsion systems and ship design innovations.

Learning from the Inside Out

Consistent with the Escola’s experiential learning approach, SHIP blended technical lectures with dynamic, real-life applications. Students attended sessions on logistics planning, cost analysis, emission reduction strategies, and technological innovation. These were complemented by onboard visits to operational areas such as the bridge, engine room, and garage, along with collaborative workshops and group project development.

The programme also featured port operation observations and opportunities for technical debate and project presentations. This holistic method fostered a multidisciplinary understanding of the maritime logistics system, combining engineering, management, and sustainability competencies.

“In SHIP, we take engineers off their formula-driven highways and place them in the real world—where they first absorb reality, and then let the math do its magic,” explained Alexandre Ariza, Academic Manager at Escola Europea.

A Custom Programme with a Future Vision

Though initially designed to address a specific request from the UTP, SHIP is not a one-off initiative. Its success and relevance position it as a future staple in the Escola’s course portfolio. More than just technical content, the course promotes critical, interdisciplinary thinking—crucial for navigating a sector in constant evolution.

The SHIP programme proves that it is possible to train engineers not only to optimise routes by cost and time, but also to think ahead in terms of decarbonisation and energy transition. Because today, more than ever, planning sustainable logistics services starts well before the vessel sets sail—it starts in the classroom, in design tools, and in the strategic vision of the next generation of maritime leaders.

Escola Europea at SIL 2025: A Milestone Week for Innovation and Collaboration

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Yesterday marked an exciting start to SIL Barcelona 2025 for the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport and the PLIKA community. Our first day at the fair featured a packed session at MedaLogistics titled “The Future of Mediterranean Supply Chain: Digital & Green Transformation”, where our colleague Orlando Reveco explored how digital tools are shaping a more efficient, sustainable supply chain across the region. The event brought together industry leaders, fostering rich discussion and fresh ideas around collaboration and innovation in the Mediterranean corridor.

Today promises even more action and recognition. Starting at 10:30, our Academic Director Marta Miquel will moderate the session “Seizing Africa’s Logistics Infrastructure Potential,” joined by Eduard Rodés, who will share how education and digitalisation can drive logistics transformation across the African continent. Later in the morning, visitors can join two hands-on workshops at the Port of Barcelona stand: the first explores the role of artificial intelligence in logistics and transport, with Orlando Reveco; the second, led by Marta Miquel, introduces the Port Virtual Lab and how simulation and gamification are enhancing maritime and intermodal logistics training. And at 13:25, tune in to La Ciutat on Onda Cero, where Eduard Rodés will speak live from the central corridor of SIL.

We’re also thrilled to announce that Escola Europea will be receiving an Innovation Award today—an important recognition of our ongoing commitment to transforming logistics education through digital tools like PVL and our international training programmes.

If you’re at SIL, be sure to visit our stand to discover our latest initiatives and pick up a special surprise if you’re part of our alumni network. Let’s continue building the future of sustainable, interconnected logistics—together.

Port Professionals Unite for Innovation and Immersive Learning at the PLIKA II Annual Event

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The Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy (PLIKA) marked a major milestone with its II Annual Event, titled “Growing Together: A PLIKA Simulation Experience,” held on the 18th of June 2025 in Barcelona and online. Hosted by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, the event gathered professionals, educators, and innovators from the Mediterranean’s port logistics ecosystem and beyond to celebrate progress, share insights, and experience the future of immersive learning through the Port Virtual Lab (PVL) Flash simulation.

Founded with the mission to connect port professionals, promote international collaboration, and foster continuous education through digital tools, PLIKA has become a thriving community of practice, counting 66+ members across institutions and regions, including recent additions like SAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and the Port Network Authority of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy).

Simulation as a Bridge Between Learning and Real-World Complexity

At the heart of the day’s activities was the Port Virtual Lab Flash challenge-an interactive, gamified simulation designed to mirror real-world logistics decision-making. In this edition, participants were grouped into teams and challenged to compare multimodal transport solutions for delivering a CNC milling machine from Cairo, Egypt to Bari, Italy, taking into account cost, CO₂ emissions, and delivery time.

Using PVL’s immersive interface, participants evaluated sea, air, and combined transport routes by working with realistic data from simulated freight companies such as Playforwarding Barcelona, inspired by real-world freight forwarders. The scenario tested not only technical logistics knowledge but also decision-making under pressure, critical thinking, and teamwork.

The simulation concluded with a competitive debrief, analysis of the top-performing teams, and the announcement of the winning group by Mr. Abdessalam Obeidat (Aqaba Development Corporation), followed by final reflections from Mr. Rabih Sabra (Chamber of Commerce, Beirut) and Ms. Taheya Elsherbeny (Port Training Institute, AASTMT).

The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Eduard Rodés, President of PLIKA and Director of Escola Europea, who emphasized the academy’s commitment to innovation and inclusive education. Prof. Alaa Morsy, Vice President of PLIKA, highlighted how the community is growing stronger through regional engagement and partnerships with maritime and academic institutions.

Ms. Ana Rumbeu, Director of Training at Fundación Valenciaport and PLIKA Vice President, delivered a forward-looking presentation on the evolution of training frameworks in logistics and the skills required in the face of automation, digitalisation, and global shifts.

“Every new relationship we build here brings us closer to transforming the port logistics industry and leading change. Together, we can achieve great things” – Ana Rumbeu, Fundación Valenciaport

Meanwhile, Ms. Valeria Munar, PLIKA Community Builder at Escola Europea, showcased the growing momentum of PLIKA initiatives-from newsletters and monthly “Words of the Month” to the highly successful PLIKERS Innovation Hackathon and webinars on AI and Mediterranean cooperation.

What’s Next for PLIKA?

“Today’s event was a true celebration of the spirit of collaboration, learning, and community that defines PLIKA. It reflected the richness of diverse perspectives and shared values across the borders of the Euro-Mediterranean region.”

– Rabih Sabra, Director General – Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut & Mount Lebanon

Looking ahead, PLIKA aims to expand its reach through more collaborative simulations, new learning modules powered by PVL-including rail and air freight-and a stronger presence in the Mediterranean and global South. Plans are already underway for the 2026 edition of the Annual Event, with a continued focus on bridging education, simulation, and sustainable logistics .By democratizing access to experiential learning, PLIKA continues to empower a new generation of logistics professionals-ready to lead with competence, confidence, and collaboration.