Innovative Simulator Demonstrated during Energy Transition in Ports Course, Driving Sustainable Maritime Solutions

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Barcelona, December 3, 2024 – The Escola Europea has successfully concluded its Energy Transition in Ports: Build Your Port Energy Transition Plan course, organized under the umbrella of the GREEN MARINE MED project, an initiative co-financed by the European Union focused on promoting energy transition plans in Mediterranean ports. The EU funding allowed the course to be fully subsidized, providing an unparalleled opportunity for global industry professionals to engage in advancing sustainability in port operations.

Held from November 18–28, 2024, the hybrid programme combined online learning, immersive in-person workshops, and cutting-edge technology. The course culminated in the practical piloting of the new simulator, developed by the Escola Europea in collaboration with Portwise, which brought intermodal logistics and sustainable strategies to life.

Piloting Innovation: The Simulator

A highlight of the course was the presentation of the prototype of Escola Europea’s Port Energy Transition Simulator, which is currently under development. During the in-person sessions in Barcelona, this innovative tool was used to support the resolution of a practical case study. The simulator provided valuable insights into energy transition planning for ports, and it is expected that in the next edition of the course, the practical case study will be developed entirely using the simulator, offering an even more immersive and comprehensive learning experience.

“This training provided us with important insights into how users interact with the tool and what they expect from it,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea. “These lessons will be instrumental in completing the development of the simulator during the remaining months of the Green Marine Med project, ensuring it is fully aligned with the real needs of ports in their energy transition efforts.”

The Escola Europea has already been successfully using another simulator in its courses— Port Virtual Lab, a tool that gamifies the learning experience by allowing participants to carry out transport operations within a fully virtual port community.

Course Overview and Highlights

The course began with a week of online lectures featuring leading experts in decarbonization, renewable energy, and digitalization for emissions control. The second week, held in Barcelona, offered practical workshops, site visits to key port facilities, and hands-on exercises using the simulator. Participants from over 20 countries joined the training, contributing to its diverse and enriching learning environment. Representatives came from Spain, Italy, Morocco, France, the United States, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Peru, Mauritania, and the United Kingdom, among others. Esteemed organizations such as MEDports Association, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Port de Barcelona, OCP Solutions, Eurogate Tanger, Ports of Genoa, Fundación Valenciaport, Cellnex Telecom, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia were among those represented. This international and multi-sectoral collaboration added invaluable perspectives, fostering innovative discussions on energy transition strategies and solutions for port operations.

Participants had the opportunity to visit facilities such as container terminals, LNG refuelling sites, hydrogen infrastructure, and OPS (Onshore Power Supply) installations, gaining valuable insights into the latest sustainable technologies transforming the maritime industry.

Empowering Professionals for a Greener Future

As part of the course, participants developed their own Port Energy Transition Plans, blending insights from global experts, practical site visits, and the simulator. These plans aim to address the specific sustainability challenges faced by their ports and organizations. With representatives from more than 10 countries, the course fostered international collaboration and the exchange of best practices. This edition marked a milestone in advancing the goals of the Green Marine Med project.

The Escola Europea plans to build on this success with future editions of the course, offering professionals cutting-edge tools and knowledge to lead the energy transition in ports.

Escola Europea, ITS Academy “G. Caboto,” and the Port Authority of Rome Sign Seven-Year Agreement

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Strengthening Innovation in Maritime Education with the Port Virtual Lab and New Transport Planning Programme

Civitavecchia, 18th November 2024 — Escola Europea, ITS Academy “G. Caboto,” and the Port Authority of Rome (Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Centro Settentrionale) have renewed their collaboration agreement, extending their partnership for another seven years. This extended agreement reaffirms their shared mission to drive excellence in maritime education, port logistics, and environmental sustainability.

Central to this renewed collaboration is the Port Virtual Lab (PVL), an innovative simulation tool that allows students to experience real-world logistics challenges within a dynamic digital setting. PVL immerses students in hands-on learning, where they can navigate complex logistical scenarios, gain practical skills, and develop problem-solving capabilities critical for today’s maritime and logistics sectors. The inclusion of PVL underscores the three institutions’ commitment to advancing maritime education through cutting-edge technologies.

“We are delighted to continue and deepen our partnership with ITS Academy ‘G. Caboto’ and the Port Authority of Rome,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea. “Our aim is to provide high-quality, practical education that prepares young professionals for the demands of a complex logistics landscape. By extending our collaboration, we continue to support critical skills development through innovative training programs.”

Since its inception five years ago, Escola Europea has supported the development of forward-looking training programs at ITS Academy. This year, as part of this ongoing effort, the partnership will also introduce a new Transport and Logistics Planning course. While Escola’s role in this program is still being defined, the course represents a key step in addressing the evolving needs of the maritime and logistics fields.

The renewed agreement aligns with the long-term vision of all three institutions: to equip the next generation of industry professionals with advanced training, promote sustainable practices, and foster innovation across Europe’s port logistics communities.

For more information on this collaboration or the upcoming programs, please contact: Alessia Mastromattei.

Escola Partners in Launch of New ITS Courses for Sustainable Mobility in Sicily

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This November, ITS Academy InfoMobPMO in Palermo, with the support of partners like Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, is launching two innovative post-diploma ITS Sustainable Mobility Courses Sicily. These programmes aim to equip Sicilian youth with the skills needed to thrive in growing industries and address the regional demand for qualified professionals.

The two courses are:

  1. Passenger Experience Onboard: Preparing students for careers in managing passenger services onboard ships, addressing the high demand for skilled professionals in the cruise sector.
  2. Ship Operations and Systems Management: Training future specialists in the operation of ships and the management of onboard systems and equipment.
  3. Transport Infrastructure and Vehicle Maintenance: Focused on optimising and maintaining transportation systems and related infrastructure, a critical area for sustainable mobility.
  4. Logistics and Intermodal Transport: Providing comprehensive training in logistics, intermodal operations, and the integration of transport systems to meet the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.

All courses combine classroom learning with hands-on internships in local companies, offering students a fast track into the workforce. As part of the training, students will participate in courses led by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, focusing on intermodal logistics and sustainable transport solutions. This collaboration ensures graduates receive practical, industry-relevant expertise that prepares them for careers in the evolving mobility sector. It is important to note that the Port Authority of Palermo, a key member of Escola Europea, plays an integral role in these initiatives, contributing its expertise in maritime logistics and supporting the hands-on training components.

“Collaborating with ITS InfoMobPMO allows us to contribute expertise in intermodal and sustainable mobility, providing students with practical skills for a dynamic sector,” said Marco Muci, Country Manager for Italy at the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport.

With funding from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), these ITS Sustainable Mobility Courses aim to strengthen connections between education and industry, creating opportunities for local youth while boosting Sicily’s economy.

Applications are open until 24 November. For more details, head here. 

Partnership Agreement Signed for the Implementation of PVL.ONE in Casablanca

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Casablanca, 2 October 2024 – A new partnership has been formalised between the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport and the Institute for Training in Logistics and Transport (IFTL) in Casablanca. This collaboration marks the beginning of the implementation of the PVL.ONE platform, an innovative training tool designed to enhance professional competencies in the field of logistics and transport.

The agreement was signed by Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea, and Mohamed Karaouane, Director of the IFTL. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organisations and other industry leaders. Pictured at the event alongside the signees were Yassir Lamnadi from the Escola Europea, Hicham Soufi, Vice President of the Moroccan Freight Forwarding Association (AFFM), Fedwa Driouch, Dr. Sanaa Hassini, Mostapha Benhima from Grimaldi, and Rachid Tahri, President of the Moroccan Freight Forwarders Association.

PVL.ONE is a cutting-edge virtual platform designed to simulate port operations, providing users with real-world scenarios that improve decision-making skills and operational efficiency. The partnership between the Escola and IFTL seeks to strengthen the logistics and transport training infrastructure in Morocco, aligning with the country’s goals of increasing sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

Through this collaboration, professionals in Morocco will gain access to top-tier training solutions that leverage the latest in technology and innovation, fostering greater expertise in the logistics sector.

For more information, please contact: [email protected].

PLIKA Hosts Successful First Webinar

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On September 12th, at 11:00 CET, PLIKA hosted its inaugural webinar on Digital Solutions and Artificial Intelligence in Ports exclusively for its members, known as PLIKERS. The event attracted approximately 27 participants and featured two distinguished speakers, each with extensive experience in the port and logistics sectors.

The first speaker, Prof. Alaa Morsy, Vice President of PLIKA, brought over 23 years of expertise in port operations, specialising in training, consulting, and research with a focus on sustainability and innovation. His presentation, titled “Digital Solutions for Sustainable Port Operations,” explored the evolution of technology from the agricultural era to the current digitalization era, and how these advancements are reshaping the port industry.

Prof. Morsy emphasised the growing role of port automation systems, highlighting tools such as intelligent cranes, automated vehicles, remotely monitored Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). He explained that the implementation of digital control analytics and unified dashboards can help port operators track emissions, optimize infrastructure, and plan for future needs. The Internet of Things (IoT), he noted, further supports this digital transformation by optimizing asset maintenance, electricity usage, and equipment performance.

He concluded by stressing the importance of digitalization for improving warehouse management, enhancing environmental sustainability through renewable energy integration, and driving data-driven decision-making. However, he also addressed the challenges of cybersecurity risks and the high costs associated with installing advanced IT infrastructure in ports.

The second speaker, Mr. Carles Rua, Head of Innovation at the Port of Barcelona, brought over 15 years of experience to his presentation on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in port operations and supply chain management. Mr. Rua remarked that while AI itself is not new, the current combination of technologies is revolutionising the industry.

He shared several examples of AI implementation at the Port of Barcelona, including virtual gates that scan seals, analyse cargo, and measure volumetric characteristics using LIDAR technology at terminal entrances. Another initiative he mentioned was the introduction of autonomous and electric buses as part of the port’s innovation drive. He also highlighted the 5G Maritime project, which leverages smart cameras for smart vessel location, detecting both large and small vessels.

Throughout the webinar, Ms. Ana Rumbeu, Vice President of PLIKA, expressed her enthusiasm for the topics discussed. She underscored the importance of implementing these innovations in the field, drawing attention to the ValenciaPort Foundation’s initiative to train copilots who can lead small-scale innovations that could result in major organisational changes over time.

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers, asking insightful questions about the topics presented. The high level of interest demonstrated the relevance of these issues within the PLIKA community.

Ms. Ana Rumbeu closed the session by emphasising the importance of maintaining the strong bonds and exchanges that PLIKA members have built and how this community can continue to thrive through collaboration and shared knowledge.

PLIKA, born out of the YEP MED project, aims to serve as a collaborative platform that brings the brightest minds of the industry together.

Innovative AI Training for Port Logistics by Escola Europea

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The Escola Europea has recently launched a pioneering series of courses dedicated to exploring the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) specifically within port logistics communities. This initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to integrating contemporary technological advancements into their educational repertoire.

Since its inception, the Escola Europea has been renowned for its experiential teaching approaches, ensuring that students gain practical, hands-on experience in addition to theoretical knowledge. The decision to introduce a series focused on AI applications within port logistics communities stems from the institution’s desire to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. With AI increasingly permeating nearly all aspects of employment fields, it is essential to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate these changes effectively.

Courses Overview

The AI course series has already seen the successful organization of three insightful sessions, all focusing on port logistics communities. With each session taught by a seasoned professional, the courses offer specialized and valuable insights. The first course delved into AI applications in people management within ports, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of how AI can enhance workforce management and development in this specialized field. The second course focused on marketing and sales, demonstrating how AI tools can be leveraged to optimize marketing strategies and sales operations specific to port environments. The third session addressed AI’s role in finance and administrations in port logistics, highlighting its potential to streamline administrative processes and improve financial management within these communities.

The final course in this series, scheduled for July, will concentrate on operations within port logistics communities. This session aims to provide participants with a deep dive into the operational efficiencies that AI can bring to port logistics, from automation to predictive analytics.

The logistics sector, particularly within port communities, stands to benefit significantly from AI integration. AI technologies can enhance various aspects of logistics operations, including inventory management, shipment tracking, and predictive maintenance. By offering these specialized courses, Escola Europea is ensuring that professionals in the field are well-prepared to harness the power of AI, driving innovation and efficiency in their respective roles.

The Escola’s dedication to staying ahead of technological trends is evident in their proactive approach to education. By continuously updating and expanding their course offerings to include cutting-edge topics like AI, the organisation demonstrates its commitment to providing relevant and impactful education. This innovative course series is set to become a staple in their educational offerings, reflecting the institution’s forward-thinking ethos.

Final thoughts

“In an era where AI is not just an emerging technology but a critical component of various industries, staying informed and adept is not just beneficial—it’s imperative,” said Marta Miquel – the Chief Business Officer from the Escola Europea. As AI continues to transform various sectors, the Escola initiative to introduce AI-focused courses within port logistics communities is both timely and essential, fostering a generation of leaders ready to embrace and drive technological innovation.

John Dewey, an influential philosopher and educator, once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This new series of courses is a testament to Escola Europea’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in education, ensuring that the logistics community is well-prepared for the future.

PLIKA’s First Annual Event at SIL Strengthens Global Connections in Logistics

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On the 6th of June 2024, from 17:30 to 19:00, the first annual event of PLIKA – Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy took place at the SIL Conference, representing a major advancement in the logistics and international trade sector. The event, which was held in a hybrid format, offered a platform for introducing the core values of PLIKA, presenting the newly formed committees, and highlighting the Board directors and training centre’s commitment to fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

The event began with a warm welcome and inspiring words from the President, Eduard Rodés, the director of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, who highlighted PLIKA’s mission and the bright prospects for this community. His address was complemented by supportive messages from Vice President Ana Rumbeu, the director of training at the Valenciaport Foundation, and Vice President Alaa Morsy, Dean at the Port Training Institute and Maritime Research and Consultation Center, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident, setting an inspiring precedent for the discussions that followed. “Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of our founding members at this inaugural event fills me with immense pride. PLIKA is not just a network; it is a family united by a shared vision of a brighter future for logistics education and innovation,” commented Eduard Rodés as the festivities ended.

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of PLIKA’s esteemed founding and regular members. These include prominent figures such as Ms. Taheya Elsherbeny (Port Training Institute, AASTMT), Mr. Rami Seeman, Ms. Marta Miquel (Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport), Ms. Valeria Munar (Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport), Mr. Ramon Van Hall (STC Group), and Mr. Pim Oosterhoff (STC Group). Other notable members introduced were Mr. Adam Daoud from Saudi Logistics Academy, Mr. José Antonio Vásquez and Ms. Àngels Vives Serra from ILB, Mr. Jordi Font and Ms. Marisa Clavero from the Lluisa-Cura Institute, Mr. Elwyn Pitt from GMLS, Mr. Rabih Sabra from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut & Mount Lebanon, Ms. Lidia Slawinska from the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, and their dedicated PLIKERS. These individuals and their teams showed their commitment to a brighter future for the sector.

The formation of various committees dedicated to different aspects of logistics and trade was also a significant agenda of the event. These committees—Promotion, Membership, Employment, Innovation, Technological, and Academic—are set to play a crucial role in building this resilient educational collaborative network that aims to revolutionise the industry.

This inaugural event has clearly opened the doors to greater unity and collaboration among diverse participants in the sector. It provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, share ideas, and lay the groundwork for a strong, cooperative community. The positive outcomes and hopeful prospects resulting from this initiative have sparked curiosity and anticipation about the future steps of this collaborative educational platform.

Looking ahead, the results and aspirations stemming from this first event are very encouraging. PLIKA aims to become a cornerstone in the educational landscape of logistics and international trade, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support for growth and improvement.

The Escola and Port Authority of Livorno Forge Strategic Training Partnership

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The Escola is delighted to announce a new strategic collaboration between Escola Europea and the Port Authority of Livorno (Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Settentrionale – AdSP-MTS). This agreement, aimed at enhancing training and development in the maritime and logistics sectors, marks a significant milestone in our mutual efforts to promote intermodal transport and port operations. Valid for three years from the date of signing, the agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties in coordinating and delivering its signature training programmes. The Escola will be responsible for organizing and managing the courses, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and administration. AdSP-MTS will coordinate with the Escola to establish course dates, provide necessary information to participants, and appoint representatives to oversee and support the training activities.

Commitment to Excellence in Training

The Escola Europea will collaborate closely with AdSP-MTS, an organization renowned for its extensive experience in research and training projects. Both parties recognize the critical role of professional development in enhancing the competitiveness of the port cluster. Through this agreement, we aim to develop and deliver high-quality training programs tailored to the needs of port and logistics professionals. Under this agreement, AdSP-MTS agrees to participate in key training initiatives of the Escola, including the “Rome Port Academy,” “MOST – Motorways of the Sea Training,” “Port Virtual Lab,” and “PLIKA.” These programmes will provide valuable opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and skills, benefiting terminal operators, freight forwarders, maritime agencies, and logistics companies.

Participation in MOST Italy Course

As part of our ongoing collaboration, the Port Authority of Livorno will send two of its employees to participate in our MOST Italy course this month. This participation is expected to continue in the years to come, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable intermodal transport and enhancing the professional capabilities of port personnel.

Future Projects and Partnerships

In addition to the current initiatives, the Escola and AdSP-MTS are committed to partnering on new projects, particularly those funded by European and international programmes. This collaboration aims to further the exchange and growth of professional competencies within the port and logistics sectors.Together, we will continue to promote sustainable intermodal transport and advance the knowledge and skills essential for the future of the maritime industry.

For more information about our training programmes and upcoming initiatives, please visit our website or contact our team directly.

Pioneering AI in HR Course Sets the Stage for an Innovative Training Series

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Barcelona, April 4, 2024 — A revolutionary professional course series has started with a successful session led by Miquel Ángel Mora of Talentyou.ai and organised by the Escola Europea together with the Training and Employment Group of the Port of Barcelona, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence into Human Resource (HR) Management. This flagship course, the first of a four-part series, saw an impressive attendance from nearly 20 top-tier local companies, signalling significant interest in adopting AI in port-logistics people management processes.

Participants were immersed in the latest AI technologies transforming HR, covering a variety of topics such as automated resume screening, AI-driven candidate matching, unbiased recruitment processes, and employee retention analytics. The course also delved into AI’s role in enhancing employee engagement, predictive performance modelling, and building sophisticated talent management strategies.

Through collaborative workshops case studies, the attendees learned to apply AI tools in practical HR scenarios, enabling them to drive efficiency and foster a forward-thinking workplace culture.

Building on this success, the series will extend its reach to other critical business functions with the following upcoming sessions:

  • AI in Sales and Marketing: On May 27th, this course will unpack AI’s potential to personalize customer experiences, automate marketing campaigns, and analyze sales data for strategic insights, fundamentally changing the sales and marketing landscape.
  • AI in Administration and Finance: Scheduled for June 19th, professionals will explore the use of AI in streamlining administrative workflows, financial forecasting, risk management, and enhancing fiscal operations through intelligent automation.
  • AI in Operations: Slated for July 12th, this session will address how AI can be utilized to improve operational efficiencies, from optimizing logistics and inventory management to implementing smart manufacturing techniques.

The comprehensive nature of the series not only highlights the multifaceted role of AI in modern business practices but also reinforces the need for a cross-disciplinary understanding of AI capabilities to stay competitive in the evolving business environment.

Given the enthusiastic response to the HR module, future sessions are anticipated to be in high demand. We urge interested professionals to secure their spots promptly for these transformative learning experiences.

For more information on how to register and prepare for the transformative impact of AI in your business domain, follow our updates.

Escola Europea’s Global Impact and Future Vision Unveiled in Palermo during the Steering and Executive Committee

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Palermo, April 2, 2024 — The Port Authority of Palermo was proud to host the first meeting of the Escola Europea’s Steering and Executive Committee for the year. The session commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Luca Lupi, General Secretary of the Port Authority of Palermo. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Mr. Lluís Salvadó, President of the Port Authority of Barcelona, regarding the Escola Europea’s function and achievements.

In a comprehensive management report, Eduard Rodés, the Director of the Escola Europea, celebrated the institution’s successes from the previous year and presented the forecasted initiatives for 2024.

“In 2023, the Escola Europea made significant strides by welcoming over 2,600 students of 82 different nationalities and hosting 7,200 participants across 199 activities. These numbers don’t just represent growth; they symbolise the widening impact of our work on the international scene. Our commitment to providing quality education in intermodal transport is not just shaping the future of the industry but also actively contributing to the development of the Mediterranean region as a strategic logistics hub,” stated Eduard Rodés.

The report highlighted the completed projects that have placed the Escola at the forefront of maritime and logistics training, as well as the introduction of new proposals that promise to enhance the institution’s future project portfolio. Among these were the growth of the Forma’t al Port programme and the Forma’t Talent course, as well as the initiation of the Rome, Genoa, and Sicily Port Academy programmes aimed at empowering young professionals with industry-specific knowledge and skills.

Particularly noteworthy was the development and success of the pilot initiatives of Port Virtual Lab (PVL), an innovative training solution which has evolved beyond its initial purpose as a pandemic response, becoming a fundamental simulation tool that is revolutionizing educational models within the logistics and port sectors.

The collaboration with MEDports was also a focal point of discussion, as the Escola Europea has been selected to manage the association’s monthly newsletter — MED Mosaic, and to lead the inaugural MEDports Challenge, which speaks to the institution’s rising prominence and the trust placed in its capabilities by industry partners.