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

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

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

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

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

For more information, please contact: info@escolaeuropea.eu.

PLIKA Hosts Successful First Webinar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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