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

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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

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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

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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

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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, technology–driven, 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

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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.