From Classroom to Operations: Rethinking Logistics Education at CSCMP European Conference 2026

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Supply chains are changing faster than ever.

Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability requirements and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping the way goods move around the world. Yet one important question remains: are we preparing future professionals to operate successfully in this new environment?

This question guided the workshop organised by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport during the CSCMP Europe Conference 2026 in Madrid, one of Europe’s leading gatherings of supply chain professionals and industry experts.

Titled “From Classroom to Operations: Bridging Physical and Virtual Logistics”, the session explored how logistics education can evolve beyond traditional teaching models and create learning experiences that better reflect the realities of modern supply chains.

Participants during the workshop titled “From Classroom to Operations: Bridging Physical and Virtual Logistics”

The discussion brought together Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea, Orlando Reveco, Digital Product Manager, and Valeria Munar, Community Builder, who shared different perspectives on educational innovation, industry collaboration and the role of technology in developing future logistics talent.

At the heart of the conversation was a simple idea: knowledge alone is no longer enough.

Future professionals must learn how to analyse information, collaborate with others, make decisions under pressure and understand the consequences of those decisions in complex operational environments. Developing these skills requires educational approaches that combine theory with practice and allow participants to learn through experience.

This is where simulation, gamification and digital learning environments play an increasingly important role.

Group photo of the participants of the workshop titled “From Classroom to Operations: Bridging Physical and Virtual Logistics”

During the workshop, Escola Europea presented PVL Flash, the latest addition to the Port Virtual Lab ecosystem. Designed as a fast-paced, gamified learning experience, PVL Flash challenges participants to solve real logistics and international trade scenarios by analysing data, evaluating transport alternatives and making operational decisions in real time.

Workshop facilitators from left to right: Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea; Valeria Munar, Community Builder of the Escola Europea; and Orlando Reveco, Digital Products Manager

More importantly, however, PVL Flash served as an example of a broader vision.

At Escola Europea, we believe the future of education lies in learning ecosystems that connect educational institutions, companies, ports, logistics operators and technology providers. These ecosystems enable learners to move more naturally between knowledge and application, between digital environments and real operations.

As Eduard Rodés explained during the session, “The challenge is no longer simply to transfer knowledge. We need to create learning environments where participants can experiment, make decisions and understand the impact of those decisions in contexts that increasingly resemble real operations. The closer we bring learning to reality, the better prepared professionals will be for the challenges of modern supply chains.”

The conversations held during CSCMP confirmed that this challenge is shared across the industry. Organisations are increasingly looking for ways to strengthen the connection between education and employment, improve workforce readiness and create more engaging learning experiences for future professionals.

The conference also provided an opportunity to deepen the relationship between Escola Europea and CSCMP, opening new avenues for collaboration around professional development, educational innovation and the promotion of best practices across the logistics and supply chain sector. Both organisations share a commitment to fostering talent and supporting the continuous evolution of the industry through knowledge exchange and lifelong learning.

As we continue to develop our Escola 2030 vision, these discussions reinforce our conviction that the future of logistics education will not be built by educational institutions alone. It will be built through collaboration between all actors involved in shaping the supply chains of tomorrow.

Looking ahead, Escola Europea hopes to continue contributing to CSCMP initiatives and future editions of the conference, creating spaces where educators, practitioners and technology providers can work together to address the skills and competencies that tomorrow’s supply chains will require.

The classroom remains important. But the future belongs to learning environments that bring operations closer to learners — and learners closer to operations.

Ports, People and Opportunity: Building Skills for the Mediterranean Logistics Sector

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When discussing the future of ports and logistics, conversations often focus on infrastructure, connectivity and investment. Yet one of the most important elements of any port ecosystem is not physical at all. It is people.

As international trade evolves and logistics networks become increasingly complex, ports across the Mediterranean face a common challenge: ensuring that local communities have access to the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to participate in this transformation.

This challenge was at the centre of the OPEN TRADE MED pre-pilot seminar held in Barcelona on 8–9 June 2026, bringing together representatives from the Port of Tripoli, MARSATI (Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute), the Urban Community Al Fayhaa and a network of Mediterranean partners committed to strengthening employability and vocational training in the logistics sector.

Led by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, OPEN TRADE MED (Operations and Procedures for Employment and Networking for Trade in the Mediterranean) aims to build bridges between education, employment and the realities of international trade. The project seeks to support port communities by bringing together training centres, public institutions, port authorities and private-sector stakeholders to develop programmes that respond directly to labour market needs.

Over two days of discussions and workshops, participants explored how future training initiatives could contribute to economic development, youth employability and stronger connections between local talent and the logistics industry. The seminar provided an opportunity to identify skills gaps, map key stakeholders and define the foundations of a future pilot project focused on the Port of Tripoli.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the discussions was the importance of collaboration. Developing effective training programmes requires more than educational expertise. It requires the active participation of employers, public authorities, industry associations and local communities.

Reflecting on the seminar, Oumkelthoum Imigine, Project & New Markets Manager at Escola Europea, noted:

“After months of preparation, it was very rewarding to finally bring everyone together in Barcelona. The discussions, ideas and commitment shown by all participants confirmed that there is real potential to create meaningful opportunities in logistics, international trade and vocational training. This is only the beginning of the OPEN TRADE MED journey.”

The seminar confirmed both the relevance of the project and the commitment of the participating institutions to continue working together on future training and employability initiatives.

The involvement of institutions such as AECID, IEMed, MEDPorts, Barcelona Activa and the Fundació BCN Formació Professional highlighted the value of cross-sector cooperation in addressing shared Mediterranean challenges.

The next phase of OPEN TRADE MED will focus on transforming ideas into action. Training of Trainers activities, digital learning tools, stakeholder engagement initiatives and employability programmes will all contribute to building a sustainable ecosystem capable of creating long-term opportunities in logistics, transport and international trade.

For Escola Europea, the project reflects a broader belief that education should not only transfer knowledge but also create pathways to employment, professional development and social inclusion.

Ports are gateways for goods and trade. But they can also be gateways for opportunity. Through OPEN TRADE MED, we are working with our partners to ensure that the future of Mediterranean logistics is built not only through infrastructure, but through people.

Algeria and Spain Strengthen Port Training Cooperation through OPEN TRADE MED

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An official Algerian Ports delegation has concluded a high-level institutional visit to Barcelona, marked by the signature of a cooperation agreement between the SERPORT Group and Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term collaboration in training, capacity building and technical cooperation in the fields of ports, logistics, transport and international trade.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Mr. Hedjal Ryad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the SERPORT Group, on behalf of the Algerian port authority, and by representatives of Escola Europea, formalising a shared commitment to strengthening professional skills and institutional cooperation between Algeria and Spain. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of Escola Europea in the presence of Mr. José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona and President of the Escola Europea, and Mr. Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea.

Mr. Hedjal Ryad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SERPORT Group; Mr. José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona; and Mr. Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

The agreement was signed within the framework of the OPEN TRADE MED project (Operations and Procedures for Employment and Networking for Trade in the Mediterranean), a regional initiative supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and aligned with the strategic priorities of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).
The pilot phase of OPEN TRADE MED will initially involve the ports of Algiers (Algeria) and Tripoli (Lebanon), with a view to progressive expansion to other Mediterranean port-logistics communities.

A partnership focused on skills, sustainability and employability

The agreement reflects a shared vision to reinforce human capital across Mediterranean port-logistics communities, with a particular focus on youth employability, digitalisation, sustainability and intermodal transport solutions. Through this partnership, SERPORT and Escola Europea will jointly develop training programmes, pilot actions and knowledge-exchange initiatives, while facilitating the integration of Algerian ports and training centres into wider Euro-Mediterranean cooperation networks.

At the core of this collaboration lies the OPEN TRADE MED project, a multi-year regional programme designed to equip students, teachers and professionals with practical, employment-oriented skills for sustainable international trade. The project combines training-of-trainers schemes, applied learning methodologies and digital simulation tools, notably through the Port Virtual Lab, bridging the gap between education and real-world port and logistics operations.

OPEN TRADE MED is being implemented across nine Mediterranean countries and ten port-logistics communities, promoting ethical decision-making, gender equality and environmentally responsible transport practices such as short sea shipping and intermodal logistics. By bringing together education providers, port authorities and international institutions, the project aims to strengthen regional connectivity and support the development of resilient and competitive Mediterranean trade systems.

Institutional dialogue at the heart of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation

Beyond the signing of the agreement, the visit provided an opportunity to deepen institutional dialogue between Algerian and European stakeholders. The delegation held meetings with key Euro-Mediterranean organisations, including the Union for the Mediterranean and IEMed, to exchange views on regional integration, sustainable development and the strategic role of ports as drivers of economic growth and qualified employment.

The programme also included an institutional maritime visit to the Port of Barcelona, offering first-hand insights into port governance, intermodal connectivity, digital innovation and sustainability strategies.

A long-term commitment

With the signature of this agreement, SERPORT Group and Escola Europea reaffirm their commitment to long-term Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, placing education, innovation and sustainability at the centre of port and logistics development. The partnership represents a concrete step towards stronger institutional ties between Algeria and Spain, and towards a more connected, skilled and sustainable Mediterranean region.

About the OPEN TRADE MED (Operations and Procedures for Employment and Networking for Trade in the Mediterranean)

What is OPEN TRADE MED?

OPEN TRADE MED is a regional cooperation project aimed at strengthening skills, employability and sustainable practices in international trade, transport and logistics across the Mediterranean. The project focuses on bridging the gap between education and real-world port and logistics operations.

Objectives

  • Strengthen employment-oriented training in ports, logistics and international trade
  • Improve youth employability and professional skills in Mediterranean countries
  • Promote sustainable and intermodal transport solutions
  • Foster digitalisation and innovation in trade and logistics education
  • Ensure gender equality and inclusive participation

Geographical Scope

  • 9 Mediterranean countries
  • 10 port-logistics communities
  • Involvement of vocational, occupational and higher-education training centres

Key Target Groups

  • Students and young professionals
  • Teachers and trainers (training-of-trainers approach)
  • Port and logistics professionals
  • Training institutions and port authorities

Key Components

  • Training-of-Trainers programmes to build local teaching capacity
  • Applied training courses in international trade, transport and logistics
  • Digital simulation tools, notably the Port Virtual Lab, enabling participants to work with realistic port, transport and trade scenarios
  • Pilot actions and local courses adapted to each port-logistics community
  • Networking and institutional cooperation at Euro-Mediterranean level

Core Themes

  • Sustainable logistics and transport
  • Intermodality and short sea shipping
  • Digitalisation and smart mobility
  • Ethical decision-making and governance
  • Gender equality and youth inclusion

Institutional Framework

  • Supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID)
  • Aligned with the priorities of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)
  • Implemented in cooperation with port authorities, training institutions and international organisations

Expected Impact

  • Strengthened professional skills across Mediterranean port-logistics communities
  • Improved employability and access to quality jobs
  • Enhanced regional cooperation and connectivity
  • Greater adoption of sustainable and digital logistics practices

Project Leader

  • Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

YEP MED by the Escola Europea wins the WestMED Best Project 2025 Award in Tunis

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On the 28th of November, the YEP MED – Young Employment in Ports of the Mediterranean project, led by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, received the prestigious WestMED Best Project 2025 Award in the category of Blue Skills & Ocean Literacy during the ceremony held in Tunis. This award recognises Mediterranean initiatives that significantly contribute to the development of blue skills and ocean literacy.

Alessia Mastromattei, Country Manager for Italy, and Marta Miquel, Deputy Director General, accepted the award on behalf of the Escola Europea.

The ceremony took place within the framework of the 5th WestMED Stakeholder Conference (WestMED Conference 2025), organised by the WestMED Blue Economy Initiative and supported by the European Commission through the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) on behalf of DG MARE. The event gathered key regional actors to advance cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development across the Mediterranean.

Funded by the ENI CBC MED programme of the European Union, YEP MED has transformed the way young people, teachers, and professionals access maritime and port training. The project was particularly recognised for democratizing education through innovative tools such as the Port Virtual Lab, an immersive platform that allows users to simulate real port logistics chain operations. This hands-on methodology has helped develop essential skills related to digitalisation, sustainability, environmental management, international trade, and teamwork.

YEP MED connected eight Mediterranean ports – including Barcelona, Valencia, Marseille, Rome, Tunis, Beirut, Damietta, and Aqaba – creating an active collaborative network that has boosted youth talent in the port and logistics sectors. Thanks to this joint effort, the project achieved remarkable impact: 3,683 trained students, 161 courses delivered, 72 trainers trained, and over 1,093 internships and job placements across 514 companies, ensuring gender-balanced participation throughout.

Although the project officially concluded in 2023, YEP MED remains alive through the work of PLIKA – Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy, which continues to strengthen and expand the community created by the initiative. A recent example is PLIKA’s participation in the Mediterranean Day event on 27 November, where regional stakeholders exchanged experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to blue education and sustainable maritime economies.

Receiving the WestMED award reinforces YEP MED’s position as a regional benchmark in training, port cooperation, and blue talent development, demonstrating that transnational collaboration can generate long-lasting and replicable results across the Mediterranean basin.

The WestMED Stakeholder Conference 2025, where the recognition was presented, brought together government representatives, academic institutions, ports, companies, and international organisations from across the region. The event focused on strategic areas of the blue economy – including energy transition, sustainable aquaculture, maritime spatial planning, and especially training and blue skills – and served as a key platform to foster new synergies and projects that support the sustainable development of the Mediterranean.

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.

Mediterranean Green Shipping Network: Linking Ports, Industries, Investment and Innovation for Monitoring and Technology Foresight on Green Shipping in the Mediterranean.

Green Marine Med Final Summits Coming to Barcelona This July

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On 2–3 July 2025, the Green Marine Med project, co-funded by the EMFAF programme of the European Union, will host its Final Summits in Barcelona—and Escola Europea is proud to be among the organising partners.

Mediterranean Green Shipping Network: Linking Ports, Industries, Investment and Innovation for Monitoring and Technology Foresight on Green Shipping in the Mediterranean.

These summits mark the conclusion of the Green Marine Med project, an initiative co-funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), aimed at accelerating the green and digital transition of Mediterranean ports. The events will bring together stakeholders from across the region, including maritime authorities, innovators, investors, port professionals, and policymakers:

  • Day 1 – Innovation Summit (2 July):
    The first day will focus on the role of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and data in shaping the future of port ecosystems. Discussions will cover the latest technological trends and how to scale green solutions in the shipping and logistics sectors.
  • Day 2 – Finance Summit (3 July):
    The second day will explore the investment landscape for sustainable maritime projects. Key topics include funding instruments, public-private partnerships, and what makes a maritime project truly bankable.

Escola Europea will contribute insights on training, simulation tools, and upskilling strategies, with a focus on preparing the workforce for the evolving needs of sustainable port operations.

Participation in the summits is free of charge, but spaces are limited and subject to confirmation. Priority will be given to professionals working in maritime innovation, policy, or finance.

Interested in participating? You can register for the Green Marine Med Summit here: https://lu.ma/gam8p44b

You can also view the official announcement and draft agenda on LinkedIn.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with key players shaping the future of green shipping in the Mediterranean.

YEP MED Featured in Interreg’s 2025 Brochure on Transnational Cooperation

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We’re happy to announce that the YEP MED project has been featured in the latest official Interreg publication titled “Fostering collaboration beyond borders: discover the power of Interreg transnational cooperation.”

Published in March 2025, this comprehensive brochure highlights 13 outstanding initiatives from across Europe and its neighbouring regions. Each featured project was chosen to represent one of the Interreg cooperation programmes. YEP MED—Youth Employment in Ports of the Mediterranean—was selected as the flagship example for Interreg NEXT MED, underscoring its success in creating opportunities for young people in the Mediterranean logistics sector.

The article, found on page 13 of the digital flipbook, showcases YEP MED’s unique approach to enhancing youth employability through practical training, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The project brings together public authorities, educational institutions, and private companies to address skills gaps in the port and logistics industry—contributing to a more connected, inclusive, and competitive region.

YEP MED’s recognition by Interreg is a testament to the dedication of its partners across multiple countries and the tangible impact the programme has had on students and jobseekers. It also reflects the power of transnational cooperation in solving regional challenges through shared knowledge, coordinated actions, and mutual support.

You can view the full brochure online here (YEP MED is on page 13): Fostering collaboration beyond borders.

Through initiatives like YEP MED, Escola Europea continues its mission to promote sustainable transport and professional development across the Mediterranean. Stay tuned for more project updates and success stories that reflect our commitment to quality education and cooperation.

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.

Navigating the Future of Sustainable Ports: An Interview with Alexandre Ariza

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Alexandre Ariza

Alexandre Ariza, Academic Manager of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

This month, we bring you closer to expert perspectives on environmental transitions in the port and maritime logistics sectors. We had the opportunity to sit down with Alexandre Ariza, the Escola’s Academic Manager and lead on our environmental simulator for ports, to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and strategies for adapting to a greener future.

Q. What trends are you seeing in environmental transitions within the port and maritime logistics sectors?

A: In recent years, there has been a clear shift toward decarbonization in ports and the maritime sector, driven by international regulations and the objectives set by the European Commission’s 2030 Fit for 55 plan and the Green Deal 2050. These initiatives aim for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Key trends include the electrification of port operations, the adoption of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the implementation of digital technologies to optimize energy efficiency.

Another critical aspect of decarbonization, aligned with the European Commission’s strategy, is intermodality. Reducing truck use by maximizing rail and sea highways is essential. Ports are key intermodal hubs, and improving the flow of goods through rail connections and short sea shipping to other ports is crucial. However, one of the major challenges is that there is no clear commitment to a single alternative fuel, and developing multiple options is extremely costly. While technologies like hydrogen are promising, they are still under development, meaning we must start the transition with options that, while not perfect, are more immediately implementable.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges in making ports greener?

A: One of the biggest challenges is financing the energy transition. The upfront costs of adopting green technologies, such as electrification or alternative fuels, are high, and many port facilities rely on outdated equipment that is difficult to upgrade. Additionally, there is no clear consensus on which alternative fuel will be the standard in the long term. Technologies like hydrogen and ammonia are still in early stages and present technical and economic barriers. However, we cannot wait for perfect solutions; we must begin with currently available technologies.

Furthermore, improving intermodal transport systems is a major challenge. Ports need to optimize their rail and sea connections to minimize truck transport, aligning with the goals of the European Commission. Collaboration across the entire logistics chain and financial incentives will be crucial to achieving these goals without sacrificing operational efficiency.

Q. How can professionals in the industry adapt to these changes?

The transition to more sustainable port operations is a complex process, especially since day-to-day operations remain a priority. Nevertheless, this change is inevitable and represents a costly long-term investment in initiatives such as the circular economy and new fuel supply systems.

A key strategy is to provide continuous training to current professionals, focusing on new energy technologies and their operational implications. Training in the management of refuelling stations for alternative fuels and the logistical planning of green corridors is essential to ensure that professionals can adapt without losing operational efficiency.

Moreover, enhancing intermodal capabilities by improving rail and sea highway connections is crucial. Training professionals to manage these systems effectively and plan for their integration into port operations will be key to achieving more sustainable logistics and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.

Q: Can you tell us about the realistic game simulations you’re working on under the Green Marine Med Project?

The simulator we are developing under the Green Marine Med Project, in collaboration with PortWise, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various variables that influence the strategy for planning an energy transition in a port. Unlike a digital twin, which focuses on analyzing and controlling operational decisions or evaluating real-world scenarios, our simulator enables professionals to grasp how different factors interact and affect the energy transition holistically.

This helps to create more informed and strategic planning, allowing port professionals to identify best practices and anticipate challenges in the transition toward more sustainable operations.

Q: What skills will be important for professionals working in sustainable ports?

In a greener and more sustainable port, key competencies will include a solid understanding of new energy technologies, such as electric systems and alternative fuel management, as well as data analysis skills to optimize operations. Digital competencies, particularly in the use of energy management and monitoring systems, will also be essential.

In addition, the ability to manage energy transition projects and collaborate across sectors with regulators, energy suppliers, and customers will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition to more sustainable operations. Improving intermodal transport systems, such as rail and sea highways, will also require professionals to develop logistics planning skills that align with the EU’s Fit for 55 and Green Deal 2050 objectives.

Mediterranean Green Shipping Network: Linking Ports, Industries, Investment and Innovation for Monitoring and Technology Foresight on Green Shipping in the Mediterranean.

Escola Europea and Portwise sign a collaboration agreement to develop a serious game / simulator on energy transition plans in ports

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Barcelona, August 27, 2024 – The Escola Europea and Portwise have signed an agreement to jointly develop an innovative serious game / simulator as part of the GREEN MARINE MED project, an initiative co-financed by the European Union focused on promoting energy transition plans in Mediterranean ports.

Mediterranean Green Shipping Network: Linking Ports, Industries, Investment and Innovation for Monitoring and Technology Foresight on Green Shipping in the Mediterranean.

The Escola Europea will lead the development of the simulator, while Portwise, with its expertise in terminal logistics consulting and simulation, will provide technical support in calculations and modelling. The objective is to create a simulator that balances realism and simplicity, allowing participants to make strategic decisions in implementing energy transition plans in ports within a competitive and environmentally responsible framework.

This agreement also opens a broader framework for collaboration between both institutions for future projects and training activities in the port, sustainability, and simulation sectors. Both organizations reaffirm their commitment to continuous improvement in the logistics sector and to creating more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

The GREEN MARINE MED project unites the Mediterranean Green Shipping Network, representing the full value chain, including vessel communities, ports, marinas, fuel and energy sectors, finance, investment, innovation, and other stakeholders. This Network forms the foundation for a comprehensive Monitoring and Technology Foresight on Mediterranean Green Shipping. Through the project’s unique accelerators and business support programmes, Green Shipping entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region will be empowered. The project has a budget of €1.1 million, with an 80% contribution from the European Union.

Portwise, originally part of TBA Group, is a world leader in consultancy and simulation for terminal logistics, with a focus on global efficiency and sustainability.

This project not only aims to foster learning but also to prepare participants for future challenges in implementing energy transition plans in ports.x

For more information, please contact: Alex Ariza ([email protected]).

 

 

 

This project has received funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund under the EMFAF-2023-PIA-FLAGSHIP Call- Agreement No.: 101124818. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.