What makes artificial intelligence unique in the port logistics sector?

In this #DidYouKnow blog post, we explore how artificial intelligence adapts to the specific needs of the logistics and port industry, and how it can improve the management of people, operations, and administrative processes in these highly specialized environments.

The Digital Revolution Is Reaching Our Ports

In recent years, ports have evolved from being just points of entry and exit for goods into living labs for technological innovation. Digital transformation is reshaping the rules of the game in transport and logistics—and one of the most powerful and promising developments is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

From predictive systems to process automation tools, AI is proving its value in enhancing operational efficiency. But when it comes to the logistics-port environment, AI applications take on very specific characteristics that are worth exploring.

What Makes AI in Logistics and Port Transport So Unique?

Unlike other sectors, logistics and port transport involve:

  • Complex, highly regulated operational environments
  • Constant interaction between multiple actors (authorities, freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping lines…)
  • Real-time processing of vast amounts of data
  • A critical need for speed, efficiency, and traceability

AI can help address many of these challenges. Whether optimizing routes and fleet management, predicting demand, or automating customs documentation, its applications are growing fast.

But What About People Management?

When we talk about AI in logistics, we tend to think about automating physical processes. But AI is also reshaping how we manage people across the sector.

In an environment where technical profiles are in high demand and staff turnover is high, using tools that support onboarding, motivation, and talent retention can make a substantial difference.

Generative AI, for example, can:

  • Create personalized training content
  • Automate responses to frequently asked employee questions
  • Analyze performance and workplace climate in real time

Escola Europea’s Commitment

At Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, we believe digitalization is not just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative for the present and future of the port logistics sector.

Our long-standing experience in intermodal training has allowed us to observe how technology is reshaping the operations, management, and culture of logistics organizations across the Mediterranean and beyond.

That’s why, years ago, we launched initiatives like the Port Virtual Lab, a pioneering digital simulator for hands-on training in international trade and port logistics. But we haven’t stopped there.

We’re now integrating generative AI (GAI) content into several of our training tracks:

  • Marketing and sales
  • People and talent management
  • Financial decision-making and automation of administrative processes
  • Planning and optimization of port and logistics operations

Our goal is clear: empower logistics and port professionals to lead digital transformation with an ethical, strategic, and hands-on mindset.

Because digital transformation isn’t just about adopting tools—it’s about rethinking how we manage, learn, and lead.

Conclusion: A Transformation That Begins with People

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, its true value lies in how we apply it. AI alone doesn’t transform organizations—people do.

That’s why, in port logistics, training is essential. Understanding how AI works in our industry helps us ensure a digital future that’s both meaningful and responsible, built around real challenges and real people.

A 2,000-Year Journey: A Roman Amphora Arrives at the Escola Europea’s classroom

At the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, we are always exploring new ways to make education immersive and meaningful. This week, we took a symbolic leap into the past with the addition of a unique historical artifact to our training space: an original Roman amphora recovered from the Illes Formigues I shipwreck site off the coast of Palamós.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Consorci de les Drassanes Reials i Museu Marítim de Barcelona, the amphora has been entrusted to the Escola in a renewable four-year loan. It is now on display in the Aula dels Estels, located in the Drassanes terminal of the Port of Barcelona—one of our main training classrooms.

Intermodality Across Millennia

This ovoid amphora (Haltern 70 type, small/early variant) now forms part of our Forma’t al Port training programme, which covers port terminal operations, intermodal transport, and logistics. By integrating this ancient container into our teaching, we aim to draw a direct line between past and present logistics practices.

Amphorae were once standardised cargo transport vessels, not unlike today’s containers or semi-trailers. Their use in the ancient Mediterranean is a powerful reminder that intermodality has deep historical roots.

Logistics in Service of Heritage

The transfer and installation of the amphora were managed with utmost care by TM2, a company specialising in industrial packaging solutions. Their team designed a custom-built security box, applied specialist protective materials, and arranged safe transport from the Maritime Museum to our facility—ensuring the artifact’s integrity throughout the journey.

This operation highlights how modern logistics can support the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage.

The “Amphora Operation” is more than a symbolic gesture—it reflects our commitment to educational innovation, sustainability, and the dialogue between ancient wisdom and modern logistics.

A Milestone Event

To mark the arrival of the amphora, an official event was held at the Drassanes terminal with representatives from all participating organisations:

  • Enric García, Director, Museu Marítim de Barcelona
  • Eduard Rodés, Director, Escola Europea
  • Francesc Bonada, Head of Organisation and Sustainability, Port of Barcelona
  • M. Dolors Jurado Jiménez, Head of Collection Management, Museu Marítim
  • Mònica Jiménez, Director, TM2
  • Marta Miquel, BDO, Escola Europea
  • Reyes Durá, Head of Administration, Escola Europea
  • Carmen Sánchez, Sustainability Officer, Port of Barcelona

From Ancient Markings to Modern Maps

Beyond exhibition purposes, this initiative opens new avenues for education and research. The Escola will explore ancient systems of identification and sealing used on amphorae—historical equivalents to modern tracking codes and security seals.

In parallel, our team will investigate ancient amphora production sites near Barcelona, developing maps and infographics that visualise their commercial networks and manufacturing footprint in antiquity.

#DidYouKnow: AI is quietly changing how we do performance reviews

In today’s fast-paced professional environments, especially in the logistics and transport sectors, the role of Human Resources is becoming more strategic than ever. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are opening up possibilities to improve how we lead teams, detect talent, and support individual growth — but without losing the human touch.

At the Escola Europea, we’re always reflecting on how these tools intersect with real operational challenges. Here’s one area where AI is making quiet, but meaningful, change: performance reviews.

From checklist to conversation: performance reviews in transformation

Performance evaluations have long been seen as a necessary (and often dreaded) process. Managers feel pressure to be fair and constructive. Employees hope to be seen and valued. Striking the right balance is difficult — especially in sectors like logistics, where time is scarce and team structures are complex.

This is where AI comes in.

Across industries, HR professionals are experimenting with tools that aggregate feedback, track performance data, and highlight patterns. These systems don’t replace managers — they support them. They help identify disengagement risks earlier, uncover strengths that might go unnoticed, and provide useful context during evaluation cycles.

The value is in the combination: AI + empathy

However, data doesn’t tell the full story.

AI doesn’t know if someone took on more responsibilities during a team shortage. It can’t sense if someone is navigating personal challenges or stepping up quietly in ways that don’t appear in a dashboard.

That’s where human managers come in — with empathy, intuition, and the ability to contextualise performance in a broader narrative.

At its best, AI enables us to have better conversations, make fairer decisions, and spend more time on what matters most: guiding people toward growth.

What does this mean for the logistics sector?

In logistics and port environments — where work is operational, dynamic, and increasingly complex — HR teams are often stretched. AI can be an ally here, providing clarity in environments full of moving parts.

When used ethically and responsibly, it can improve feedback cycles, strengthen team culture, and support professional development across all levels of the organisation.

Want to explore this further?

At the Escola Europea, we’re diving into these themes in our upcoming course:

Aplicación de la IA en la Gestión de Personas | 30 April 2025 | Port of Barcelona

A practical half-day training designed for HR professionals and business leaders navigating digital transformation in port-logistics environments.

 

We used AI to help draft this article — and a human to shape its tone.

Logistics chain

#DidYouKnow: Freight Forwarders: The Architects of the Logistics Chain

Logistics as Design, Not Just Delivery

In the international trade arena, few roles are as undervalued — and as essential — as that of the freight forwarder. Often perceived as a behind-the-scenes player, the forwarder is, in fact, the true architect of the logistics chain. Their work involves designing and coordinating the complex structure through which goods move — across continents, through various transport modes, and within a constantly evolving regulatory framework.

Logistics chain

This is not just about execution. It is about intelligent design. A freight forwarder must construct an operation that is cost-effective, compliant, resilient, and efficient. They map out routes, anticipate disruptions, manage documentation, and ensure that multiple actors — carriers, customs authorities, warehouses — are synchronized.

Because in the end, logistics is not only about moving goods. It’s about shaping systems. And for that, we need architects — not just operators.

In many cases, their success is invisible: shipments arrive as planned, delays are avoided, and problems are solved before they escalate. But beneath this apparent simplicity lies a profound level of expertise and strategic thinking. The freight forwarder is not just a link in the chain; they are the one who makes the chain function.

Mastering Complexity Through Integration

In the current logistics landscape, the role of the forwarder extends far beyond transport coordination. It includes the integration of systems, technologies, and sustainability criteria into the very fabric of the supply chain. From ERP platforms and customs software to emissions tracking and e-documentation standards, the digital layer is now inseparable from daily operations.

Today’s freight forwarder must be able to:

  • Use ERP systems to manage and analyze real-time data
  • Coordinate international documentation flows digitally (eBOL, eCMR, eFTI)
  • Understand and comply with European transport regulations
  • Design routes that balance cost, reliability, and environmental impact
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to clients in a changing global market

At the Escola Europea, we have seen how the most effective professionals are those who can move confidently between systems and strategies — who combine operational knowledge with digital and environmental awareness. As demands on logistics teams increase, the forwarder must not only respond, but lead.

Training the Architects of the Future

For freight forwarders to fully step into this expanded role, practical, scenario-based training is essential. Theoretical knowledge is no longer enough. Real understanding comes from experience — from navigating uncertainty, making time-sensitive decisions, and collaborating across virtual and physical borders.

This is the foundation of our work at the Escola Europea: to offer learning experiences that reflect the reality of today’s logistics chains. Through tools such as the Port Virtual Lab platform, we replicate real operational environments and allow professionals to work with live simulations, digital documentation, and integrated ERP systems.

One of our more recent initiatives has focused on equipping logistics professionals with the digital and strategic skills needed to lead in this new environment. It emphasizes immersive simulation, teamwork, and sustainable logistics design — always with the goal of developing professionals who can think holistically and act decisively.

#DidYouKnow: Why Paper-Based Processes Are Becoming Obsolete in Logistics

For decades, logistics and global trade have relied on paper-based documentation to facilitate transactions, track shipments, and ensure compliance. Bills of lading, customs declarations, and consignment notes have traditionally been printed, signed, and manually processed at various checkpoints along the supply chain. However, in an era of digital transformation, paper-based processes are proving to be inefficient, error-prone, and unsustainable.

The shift toward electronic documentation (e-documentation) is not just a technological upgrade—it is a necessity for businesses looking to remain competitive in a fast-evolving global trade environment.

The Case for Digital Documentation

According to the World Economic Forum, the adoption of e-documentation can:

  • Cut customs clearance times by 50%, reducing delays at ports and borders.
  • Reduce errors by 80%, minimizing costly mistakes in manual data entry and verification.

These figures highlight the urgency for companies to transition away from traditional documentation methods and embrace digital solutions that improve operational efficiency.

The Role of E-Bill of Lading & E-CMR

Among the most significant advancements in digital trade documentation are the electronic Bill of Lading (e-BL) and electronic Consignment Note (e-CMR). These digital alternatives to paper-based shipping documents offer numerous benefits:

  • Faster Processing: Digital documents can be transmitted instantly across stakeholders, eliminating waiting times for physical paperwork.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Automated data entry and validation reduce the risk of errors caused by manual processing.
  • Greater Security: Digital documents are encrypted and tracked, reducing the risk of fraud or loss.
  • Regulatory Compliance: More governments and trade organizations are recognizing and supporting e-documentation as part of international trade agreements.
  • Sustainability: A reduction in paper use contributes to environmental sustainability goals, aligning logistics practices with corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Integration and the Future of Trade Documentation

Transitioning to digital documentation is no longer just a competitive advantage—it is becoming an industry standard. Governments and trade organizations are increasingly pushing for the adoption of paperless trade solutions, including blockchain-based documentation systems that provide immutable records of transactions.

Despite these advantages, many companies still hesitate to fully transition due to concerns about regulatory acceptance, technological infrastructure, and integration with existing systems. However, those that fail to modernize risk falling behind as industry leaders push forward with digital transformation initiatives.

Conclusion

The logistics industry is at a turning point where traditional paper-based documentation is rapidly becoming obsolete. The efficiency, accuracy, and security of e-documentation provide undeniable benefits for businesses navigating today’s complex trade environment. With customs clearance times reduced by half and errors cut by 80%, the shift toward digital is no longer just an option—it is an imperative.

As technology continues to evolve, logistics professionals must stay ahead of the curve, embracing e-Bill of Lading, e-CMR, and other digital solutions that will define the future of global trade. The question is no longer if companies will adopt digital documentation, but how quickly they can do so to remain competitive in a rapidly modernizing industry.

Sources

NOTE: this article was written with the help of AI
Port Digitalisation

The Future of Logistics: Digitalization, Integration, and Sustainability

Eduard Rodés - Director of the Escola Europea Intermodal Transport

Written by: Eduard Rodés, director of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

The logistics industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Digitalization, sustainability, and the growing integration of logistics operators are reshaping supply chains, requiring professionals to adapt faster than ever. As new technologies emerge and industry players consolidate their reach across different modes of transport, efficiency and agility have become key to long-term success.

Logistics Integration: A New Era of Connectivity

The trend toward integration is not new, but it has accelerated in recent months. Recent mergers—such as the acquisition of DB Schenker by DSV—highlight how logistics operators are expanding their control over entire supply chains. Shipping companies, once focused solely on maritime transport, now own cargo planes and play critical roles in rail and urban distribution.

This shift is reshaping logistics hubs worldwide, especially in key port cities. Ports and their associated logistics zones are evolving to serve these integrated operators, ensuring smoother transitions between maritime, air, rail, and road transport. The ability to manage these complex multimodal networks effectively is becoming a major competitive advantage.

The Digital Shift: Technology Driving Logistics Forward

At the heart of this transformation is digitalization. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, real-time tracking, and big data analytics are redefining how supply chains operate. The rapid growth of e-commerce has further amplified the need for digital solutions, putting pressure on traditional distribution systems to become more flexible and responsive.

Fast and efficient data-driven decision-making is now a necessity. The rollout of 5G networks is enhancing real-time communication, while predictive analytics powered by machine learning is helping businesses forecast demand more accurately. In this fast-evolving landscape, professionals must continuously upskill to keep pace with new digital tools and strategies.

Sustainability and Decarbonization: The Industry’s Imperative

Beyond efficiency, the logistics sector is also under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals. The European Union’s Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy sets clear emissions reduction targets, pushing companies to adopt cleaner energy sources such as green hydrogen and electric fleets.

However, integrating sustainable solutions across all transport modes remains a challenge. While maritime and rail freight are moving toward decarbonization, interoperability and infrastructure development are crucial to making these efforts successful across the supply chain. Logistics professionals must be prepared to navigate these regulatory and technological shifts while balancing efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Collaboration and Digital Business Models

The rise of digital platforms and collaborative technologies is changing the way logistics companies operate. Cloud-based supply chain management tools, digital freight marketplaces, and automation-driven optimization are becoming standard practice. Collaboration is no longer an option—it’s a necessity for improving efficiency and sustainability.

New business models are emerging, driven by platform economies that connect logistics providers, freight forwarders, and customers in real time. Companies that leverage these tools will be better positioned to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance service offerings in an increasingly competitive market.

Preparing for the Future: Digital Skills in Logistics

With rapid technological advancements and increasing industry demands, staying ahead means staying informed. As logistics integrates more deeply with digital tools, automation, and AI-driven solutions, professionals must adapt their skill sets to remain competitive.

Understanding how digitalization shapes modern supply chains is no longer optional—it’s essential. As part of our commitment to preparing the industry for this transformation, Escola Europea continues to provide training that bridges the gap between logistics operations and digital innovation.

The future is being written now, and those who embrace digital transformation, integration, and sustainability will lead the way.

Escola Europea and The Propeller Club Barcelona Renew Partnership for Maritime Training

A decade of collaboration to strengthen industry-education links and prepare future logistics professionals

The Escola Europea and The Propeller Club of Barcelona have renewed their long-standing partnership to continue supporting maritime and logistics training through the “Vine al Port” programme. This marks ten years of collaboration since the launch of Forma’t al Port, a key initiative that has helped bridge the gap between education and industry in the Port of Barcelona.

The renewed agreement, signed by Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea, and Gonzalo Sanchis, President of The Propeller Club Barcelona, reinforces the shared commitment to fostering talent, enhancing industry knowledge, and promoting professional development within the logistics and port sectors.

Key Highlights of the Renewal

The Propeller Club will continue to support “Vine al Port” and its core initiatives, including:

  • Forma’t al Port – Practical training workshops for logistics and maritime students.
  • Aprenem Junts – Industry internships for teachers to gain hands-on experience.
  • Talent Programme – Connecting students with career opportunities in the sector.
  • Benvingut al Port – Induction sessions for new professionals joining the port community.

Additionally, The Propeller Club will contribute €2,000 annually in student scholarships over the next three years to facilitate participation in these training programmes.

A Continued Commitment to Industry-Education Collaboration

Since its inception, Forma’t al Port has provided thousands of students with first-hand insights into port operations, intermodal transport, and logistics management, helping to shape the next generation of maritime professionals.

“This renewal reaffirms our joint mission to equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the logistics and maritime sectors,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea. “Over the past decade, The Propeller Club has been a key partner in making this possible, and we are excited to continue working together to strengthen industry-education links.”

With this agreement, Escola Europea and The Propeller Club Barcelona reinforce their role in developing talent and supporting the future of the port and logistics industries.

Stay tuned for upcoming activities and opportunities under the “Vine al Port” programme!

Port Virtual Lab (PVL) recognized by the European Commission as a key simulation-based training programme

Port Virtual Lab recognized by the European Commission as a key simulation-based training program for developing competencies in the blue economy

 

Port Virtual Lab (PVL) has been highlighted as a best practice in blue skills training in the Study to Support and Design Skills Development in the Blue Economy, commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and CINEA. The study identifies PVL as an innovative, technologydriven, and practical learning tool crucial for developing competencies in the blue economy.

Currently in its pilot phase, PVL is refining and expanding its training capabilities through hands-on collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners. Developed by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, the platform provides an advanced digital learning environment where participants can simulate and solve complex logistics challenges. This methodology fosters an immersive approach to learning, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

The study underscores the increasing importance of simulation-based training in enhancing blue skills development. These innovative approaches create realistic, interactive scenarios that replicate actual industry conditions, improving decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, gamification, blended learning, and e-learning platforms were identified as crucial elements in modern training programs. PVL integrates these methods by offering modular and flexible learning experiences, accommodating the needs of students, professionals, and industry stakeholders alike.

By combining simulation-based training with strong academia-industry collaboration, Port Virtual Lab plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of maritime and logistics professionals. As PVL progresses through its pilot phase, participating institutions have the unique opportunity to be early adopters, helping shape the platform’s development while benefiting from an exclusive introductory experience.

Escola Europea Expands Mediterranean Training and Digital Innovation at MARLOG-14

The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport played an active role in MARLOG-14, the International Maritime and Logistics Conference held in Alexandria, Egypt, bringing its expertise in digital innovation, virtual learning and intermodal logistics training to the global stage.

Representing the Escola, Director Eduard Rodés engaged in insightful discussions with key industry figures and policymakers, including a meeting with the President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT). Their discussions explored future collaborations in maritime education and training, reinforcing the shared mission of advancing logistics knowledge and fostering innovation within the sector.

A key moment of the conference was the presentation of Port Virtual Lab (PVL), the Escola’s groundbreaking digital learning platform designed to enhance training for logistics and maritime professionals. For the first time, PVL’s exclusive training catalogue was piloted, allowing conference attendees to explore the methodology and vision behind the immersive learning platform.

During the event, the Escola also strengthened its ties with the Port Training Institute (PTI) through meetings with Alaa Morsy, fostering discussions on expanding collaboration between PTI and PVL. This growing partnership aims to integrate innovative training methodologies and digital learning solutions into PTI’s educational framework, reinforcing a shared vision for the future of maritime and logistics training in the region. During the meeting, PTI also signed on to become an ambassador of the Port Virtual Lab platform – committing to promoting and representing the platform in the Middle East.

“Port Virtual Lab is more than just a simulator—it is a tool that bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students and professionals to engage with real-world logistics scenarios in a controlled environment,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea. “By showcasing PVL at MARLOG-14, we are demonstrating its potential to transform how logistics education is delivered, making it more accessible, flexible, and practical for professionals worldwide.”

Beyond PVL, the Escola’s commitment to innovation was further emphasized through the Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy (PLIKA). As part of the conference’s parallel events, PLIKA, under the presidency of Eduard Rodés, organized a highly successful Hackathon, bringing together students and professionals to tackle real-world logistics challenges. This hands-on initiative highlighted the role of collaborative problem-solving in shaping the future of port and transport operations.

Additionally, the MEDports Promotion Committee convened during MARLOG-14, bringing together representatives from Mediterranean ports to discuss strategies for promoting sustainable maritime development and training initiatives. As an active member of MEDports, the Escola continues to support regional cooperation and capacity-building efforts that enhance the competitiveness and digitalization of Mediterranean port operations.

With its participation in MARLOG-14, the Escola Europea reaffirmed its position as a leader in intermodal logistics training, digital education, and industry and digital innovation. The connections and insights gained during the conference will further strengthen the Escola’s role in driving sustainable and technology-driven advancements in port logistics and supply chain management.

Catalyzing Systemic Change: A Conversation with HACC’s Co-founder & CEO on Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition

 


Allyson Browne, Co-founder & CEO High Ambition Climate Collective (HACC)

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Allyson Browne, Co-founder and CEO of the High Ambition Climate Collective (HACC), to discuss how this innovative nonprofit is driving progress at pivotal energy crossroads—especially maritime ports—to catalyze global climate action. From aligning policymakers, industry partners, and community leaders to equipping them with the tools to tackle systemic challenges, Allyson sheds light on HACC’s bold vision for accelerating the clean energy transition, overcoming policy and infrastructure hurdles, and shaping a sustainable, equitable future for the transport sector and beyond.

 

Can you tell us about the High Ambition Climate Collective (HACC) and its mission? What inspired you to create this organisation, and what are its main areas of focus?

I’ve spent my entire career working to advance the clean energy transition, and our focus here at HACC is a continuation of that commitment, but with even greater ambition. HACC’s vision is systemic change in the energy sector. To this end, our mission is to bring together policymakers, industry partners and community leaders to build enduring power for climate action and system change at critical energy nexus points, including maritime ports.

Why ports? They are key energy hubs, facilitating energy trade and providing essential infrastructure for electricity and fuel needs across transport modes. This makes ports a prime catalyst for transformative change. As we continue to grow, we’re set on applying this approach to other strategic targets, advancing climate action across the broader energy sector.

But this vision and mission isn’t mine alone. Together with my co-founder, Sandy Naranjo, and a few of our founding Collective members, we wanted to build a solutions-oriented forum for collaboration and collective action–and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

With the IMO’s new regulations on decarbonisation and sustainability in shipping coming into effect, what opportunities and challenges do you see for the transport and logistics sectors?

The IMO’s forthcoming compliance measures represent a major opportunity to accelerate shipping’s energy transition, particularly with respect to accelerating the uptake of green hydrogen-based fuels including green e-methanol, and in electrifying port operations. These measures will also provide a framework for financing the transition, creating opportunities for first-movers to lead in sustainability.

However, challenges remain. The fragmented governance of ports and shipping means that aligning global standards with local implementation is an incredibly complex undertaking. Moreover, the high upfront costs of clean energy infrastructure—like bunkering facilities for low- and zero-emission fuels and grid upgrades—pose barriers, especially for smaller ports. To address these challenges, we’re focused on bridging these gaps by fostering collaboration between stakeholders, creating knowledge hubs, and advocating for policy frameworks that can support innovation and streamline compliance systems.

Climate change often demands collaborative efforts across industries. How does the HACC engage with stakeholders in the transport sector to drive meaningful progress?

HACC is a convener, bringing together policymakers, industry partners, and community leaders in an effort to break down silos that exist between these stakeholder groups, encourage collaboration and foster cross-sector partnerships. Through forums, workshops, and our digital HACC Hub, we create spaces for knowledge exchange, helping stakeholders share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions.

By focusing on research, education and capacity-building, we help stakeholders—from port authorities to energy providers—translate ideas into action. For example, we’re developing built-for-purpose resources to guide ports and policymakers for high ambition climate action. As we look towards 2025, we’re excited to start building bridges between regions, ensuring that successful initiatives in one market inform strategies in others, accelerating global progress.

How can collaborative networks like HACC and PLIKA accelerate the adoption of green energy solutions in transport, and what specific role do you envision for such networks in shaping future policies?

Collaborative networks like HACC and PLIKA are vital for accelerating and sustaining green energy solutions by fostering dialogue, aligning interests, and driving coordinated action. They tackle barriers head-on, pool expertise, and build consensus on best practices to ensure scalable, impactful solutions.

Networks like HACC are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between local successes and systemic change. For example, through our Climate-Positive Ports initiative, we amplify projects like port electrification in California and green fuel bunkering in Rotterdam. These serve as proof-of-concept models that can inform global development, ensuring they are rooted in real-world application. And by bringing together stakeholders across sectors, we encourage alignment on best practices and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, driving global impact from local innovation.

In your view, what role does education and training play in advancing sustainability in transport? What skills or knowledge areas do you think are most essential for professionals to develop, and how can institutions like Escola Europea and organisations like HACC contribute to shaping a greener future for the sector?

Education and training are at the heart of a just and sustainable transition in the transport sector, and Escola Europea is already paving the way with its programs. The focus on maritime training and fostering blue economy skills is essential for equipping today’s workers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, and inspiring the future workforce to see themselves in these careers. From alternative fuels to digitalization, Escola’s programs ensure the maritime workforce is not only prepared but positioned to thrive in a decarbonized industry.

At HACC, we see an opportunity to build on this leadership by complementing Escola’s work with our focus on systemic change and cross-sector collaboration, and we’re so proud to count Escola Europea as a Knowledge Partner of our Climate-Positive Ports initiative. By working together, we can help ensure that the workforce is ready to meet the challenges of the energy transition while prioritizing worker safety, equity, and long-term resilience.

Looking ahead, what trends or innovations in sustainable transport excite you the most, and how do you see the HACC contributing to these developments?

We are thrilled by the innovation sparked by this transition and look forward to collaborating with our maritime and blue tech partners—including incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurs—to integrate these advancements into global systems for lasting impact.

We welcome your readers to read more about our work and to join our movement at www.hacc.world.