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.

Your Comfort Zone isn’t Intermodal – it needs Digital Skills

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Eduard Rodés, Director - Escola Europea - Intermodal Transporrt

Written by: Eduard Rodés,
Director – Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

We are facing a period of major global change. Global logistics operators are merging, extending their capacity across air, land and sea. Large shipping companies are diversifying their services and transforming into integrated mobility providers.

All of this is having a direct impact on supply chains, which are becoming more and more intermodal and in need of more digital skills. And this doesn’t just affect infrastructure, platforms or processes—it affects people. The professionals who have to make decisions in these new environments.

That’s where the real shift needs to happen. And no, I’m not talking about becoming a computer scientist overnight. I’m talking about being prepared to work in a system that is already digital, already intermodal, and moving fast.

That’s why we built Port Virtual Lab (PVL)—to give students and professionals a way to learn by doing. PVL lets you simulate decisions, understand how your choices impact the full supply chain, and prepare for the kind of scenarios we’re already seeing in real life.

When we talk about “training,” we’re not referring to memorizing abstract concepts. We mean giving people the tools to navigate a world that demands agility, awareness, and coordination across modes and borders.

The map is changing. Asia is increasing its global presence. Africa is rising with new transport corridors. The Arctic opens up new possibilities. All of it means that we’re moving into a new era where logistics professionals will need new skills, and not just technical ones: digital skills, yes—but also collaborative, adaptive, and strategic.

So… If you’re still using “I’m not into tech” as a reason to avoid training, we’re sorry to tell you:

Your comfort zone isn’t intermodal.

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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.

Bridging Shores, Empowering Minds: Escola Europea Showcases Innovation and Education at LogisMed Casablanca

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From 13 to 15 May 2025, the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport brought its vision for a smarter, more connected logistics ecosystem to Casablanca, taking part in the 12th edition of LogisMed — Morocco’s largest logistics fair. The Foire Internationale de Casablanca became a vibrant crossroads of cultures and ideas, where port communities, innovators, and educators came together to imagine the logistics of tomorrow.

Representing the Escola were Alessia Mastromattei, Country Manager for Italy, and Oumkhelthoum Imigine, Projects Coordinator, who carried with them not just tools and brochures — but stories, partnerships, and a mission. At the Escola’s stand — shared with long-standing partners from the ports of Genoa, Palermo, Rome, and Barcelona, as well as Grimaldi Lines and GNV — visitors were welcomed into a Mediterranean alliance built on collaboration between public and private sectors. A living example of what it means to work across borders, languages, and perspectives.

The spotlight was on the Port Virtual Lab (PVL) — an innovative simulator developed by the Escola to bring logistics education into the digital age. Through gamified experiences and real-world scenarios, PVL helps young talents and professionals gain practical insights into port operations and supply chain management. It’s not just a tool — it’s a bridge between classrooms and quaysides.

“What struck me the most at LogisMed was the energy — the genuine curiosity of students, the passion of educators, and the openness of industry leaders ready to collaborate across borders,” said Alessia Mastromattei. “Every conversation felt like a doorway to something new. We didn’t just present our tools — we connected with people who believe, like us, that education is the engine of transformation in the logistics world.”

For the Escola, events like LogisMed are more than just exhibitions — they are a testament to its core values: training, innovation, and cross-border cooperation. With every fair, course, and connection, the Escola reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation of logistics professionals — equipping them with the tools, networks, and inspiration they need to transform the sector.