Tracing the Escola’s Journey: 20 Years of Knowledge, Cooperation, and Innovation

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Two decades ago, a bold idea took shape in the Mediterranean. What began as a training initiative in short sea shipping has since grown into the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, a reference point for logistics education and cooperation across borders. It’s story is a voyage: a story of how a pioneering initiative in Barcelona became a Mediterranean hub with global reach, and how education, cooperation, and innovation have guided its course for two decades.

Beginnings at Sea

The journey began in 2004, when the Port of Barcelona, together with Grimaldi Lines and the Ports of Rome and Lazio, launched the first promotional courses in short sea shipping. The idea was simple but bold: to turn the sea itself into a classroom. Students would learn about logistics not in theory alone, but by living the reality of maritime transport on board.

In 2006, the initiative took shape as an institution. The Ports of Barcelona, Rome, and, alongside Grimaldi Lines and GNV, founded the Escola Europea de Short Sea Shipping (2E3S.eu). From the very beginning, the Escola positioned itself differently: not just a school, but a bridge between ports, companies, and institutions, and a meeting point for the cultures of the Mediterranean.

Growth and Diversification

The Escola’s first decade was marked by steady growth. Programmes such as SURCO, focused on intermodal rail, and MOST Europe, designed for policy-makers, expanded the scope of its activities. In 2014, the launch of Forma’t al Port opened the logistics world to younger generations, strengthening the link between education and the sector’s future workforce.

By 2016, the Escola had trained more than 8,000 participants through 200 courses. Its 10th anniversary was commemorated with the publication of the first ODISEO book — a milestone that captured the voices and values shaping the Escola. Recognition also followed, with awards from across Europe acknowledging its innovative model.

A Mediterranean Network

The Escola’s second decade widened its horizons. It established an Italian headquarters in Civitavecchia, expanded courses to Morocco and Algeria, and participated in major European projects such as TransLogMED and YEP MED. The rebranding in 2017 as the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport reflected this broader identity and mission.

Through these years, the Escola strengthened its role as a Mediterranean hub — connecting students, teachers, and institutions from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Tunisia, and Morocco, and gradually extending its partnerships to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, and the United States.

Innovation and Sustainability

If the Escola’s first decade was about foundations, the second was about transformation. The launch of the Port Virtual Lab in 2021 opened a new chapter in digital learning, allowing students to engage in complex logistics simulations and work with virtual companies such as Playforwarding, MEDTrade, and SDG Lines.

At the same time, the Escola deepened its commitment to sustainability. The creation of a Technical Office for Sustainability, alongside new courses on temperature-controlled supply chains, customs processes, and artificial intelligence, ensured that its programmes responded to the evolving needs of the sector.

By 2024, the Escola had surpassed 20,000 students trained, an achievement that underlined not only its scale but its impact: thousands of professionals carrying forward the values of intermodality and sustainability.

Towards the 20th Anniversary

As the Escola prepares for its 20th anniversary in 2026, it does so with a spirit of gratitude and ambition. The anniversary voyage — from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, Palermo, Genoa, and back again — will pay tribute to the partnerships that built the Escola. The commemorative ODISEO book will capture the voices of founders, alumni, teachers, and partners, while special editorial editions of the ODISEO journal will accompany the celebrations throughout the year.

But anniversaries are not only about the past. They are also about looking ahead. For the Escola, the next chapter will mean continuing to innovate in education, strengthening Mediterranean cooperation, and contributing to the sustainable transformation of global logistics.

A Lasting Compass

Through all its changes, the Escola’s compass has remained constant: the values of knowledge, cooperation, and innovation. These principles have guided it from its earliest courses to its latest digital initiatives, and they will continue to define its path into the future.

The sea has always taught that horizons are not limits, but invitations. For the Escola, the Mediterranean has been both anchor and bridge — and from here, it sails forward into the decades ahead.

Digitising Rail at the Port of Barcelona: The Portdigirail Project

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The Digital Transformation of Port Logistics

As global trade volumes grow, ports are under increasing pressure to manage cargo flows more efficiently, sustainably, and safely. In Europe, the shift toward intermodal transport — combining maritime, rail, and road — is central to achieving both economic competitiveness and climate goals.

One of the most promising trends is the digitalisation of rail operations within ports. By using smart technologies, ports can increase rail capacity, improve safety, and optimise costs. The Port of Barcelona has taken a leading role in this transformation with Portdigirail, a pioneering project designed to modernise its rail network and strengthen intermodal connectivity.

Image: Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport (created with AI visuals)

What is Portdigirail?

At its core, Portdigirail is about digitising the railway network of the Port of Barcelona (RFPB). The project centres on the creation of a Centralised Traffic Centre (CTC) that allows all train movements to be supervised and managed in real time from a single Command Post.

The system incorporates:

  • Continuous monitoring of trains to always know their exact position.
  • Improved security and circulation capacity, allowing more trains to run safely.
  • Centralisation of alarms for faster, more efficient maintenance.
  • Integration with the Port Authority of Barcelona’s (APB) systems, ensuring coordination across all port operations.

This technological leap forward represents a new way of managing rail traffic — combining efficiency, safety, and innovation in one integrated system.

Objectives and Expected Results

The main objectives of the Portdigirail project are ambitious but clear:

  • Increase rail traffic capacity by 50%.
  • Enhance safety in degraded situations, reducing the risk of accidents even as traffic grows.
  • Improve the quality of service and operational procedures.
  • Reduce management and maintenance costs through predictive digital monitoring.
  • Strengthen energy efficiency, contributing to Europe’s decarbonisation targets.

The expected results point toward a port railway system that is more reliable, resilient, and future-ready — a model for other European logistics hubs to follow.

Funding and Collaboration

Portdigirail is more than a local initiative — it is part of a wider European strategy to improve intermodal transport. The project benefits from European Union funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), reflecting its importance for the Mediterranean and European logistics corridors.

The Port Authority of Barcelona (APB) plays a key role in implementation, with responsibilities including:

  • Sensorisation of track enclaves.
  • Development of CTC software.
  • Connection of railway enclaves to the port’s communications network.
  • Installation of auxiliary hardware to maximise reliability and safety.

This combination of public investment, EU support, and port-level innovation underlines how collaboration can accelerate the transition to smarter logistics.

Barcelona in the European Context

The Port of Barcelona’s digitisation efforts align with broader European trends. Across the continent, ports are testing digital twins, automated terminals, and smart traffic systems. Projects like Portdigirail show how digital innovation can directly enhance rail integration, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen Europe’s commitment to green corridors.

With this step, Barcelona is positioning itself as a leader in Mediterranean logistics, setting an example of how ports can combine technology, sustainability, and intermodality.

What This Means for Logistics Professionals

For professionals in transport, logistics, and international trade, Portdigirail signals a clear shift:

  1. Digital skills are essential. Managing future supply chains will require an understanding of digital platforms, data systems, and automated processes.
  2. Intermodal strategies must evolve. It is no longer just about choosing rail for cost or sustainability; it is about integrating with smarter, more efficient digital systems.

Preparing for the Future: Training Opportunities

The digitisation of rail traffic at the Port of Barcelona is more than an infrastructure upgrade — it represents the future of intermodal logistics. For companies and professionals, the challenge is clear: how to adapt, learn, and thrive in this new landscape.

At the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, we integrate these real-world innovations into our training. Our Port2Rail course helps professionals and students understand the strategies, infrastructure, and digital tools shaping the future of port-rail logistics.

By combining classroom sessions, case studies, and hands-on visits to terminals, the course offers a practical way to connect theory with reality — and to prepare for a logistics sector that is smarter, safer, and greener.

Want to learn more? Read our insights and join the conversation on intermodal innovation. Together, we can build the skills needed for tomorrow’s supply chains.

Antillas Sea Agency Joins Forma’t al Port’s Growing Network of Collaborators

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The port-logistics training initiative Forma’t al Port, driven by the Escola Europea , has welcomed a new collaborating company. Antillas Sea Agency, a well-established maritime representation firm based in El Masnou, has joined as a new sponsor, further reinforcing the programme’s mission to build bridges between education and industry.

Clàudia Gómez Gallardo and Eduard Rodés sign the sponsorship agreement for Antillas Sea Agency’s incorporation into the Forma’t al Port programme, accompanied by Laura Rayas (centre)

With this partnership, the company becomes part of a wider network of institutions and businesses that are actively shaping the future of the logistics-port sector. As part of their commitment, Antillas Sea Agency will support the programme’s training activities, which include immersive visits to port facilities and direct interaction between students and logistics professionals.

“Having companies like Antillas Sea Agency on board is a true asset,” commented Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea. “They are deeply connected to the region and bring valuable insight from their operations to the students. These partnerships are what strengthen the entire logistics-port community.”

A Shared Commitment to Talent Development

The programme Forma’t al Port was launched with the goal of fostering logistics knowledge and employability among young students in Catalonia. It is based on an experiential learning model and supported by a wide range of logistics companies, associations, and public institutions. The incorporation of new sponsors like Antillas Sea Agency ensures that students gain first-hand exposure to the sector’s real operations and challenges.

The collaboration is already showing results. One of the company’s recent recruits is a former participant of the programme’s Talent initiative — a clear example of how these collaborations can directly impact career opportunities for young people in the region.

International Prospects on the Horizon

The partnership also opens up interesting possibilities for international collaboration, especially in light of Antillas Sea Agency’s solid experience in the Caribbean region. Future exchanges between educational institutions in Cuba and Barcelona are being considered, with the aim of enhancing bilateral knowledge transfer and expanding the programme’s international scope.

Forma’t al Port continues to thrive thanks to the joint commitment of sponsors who share a vision of a more connected and better-prepared logistics workforce.

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.

Rethinking Freight: Why Rail is the Missing Link in Your Logistics Strategy

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In the pursuit of greener, more efficient supply chains, discussions often center on electrifying fleets, reimagining packaging, or automating warehouses. Yet, a powerful and often underutilized lever exists: rail freight logistics.

Despite its efficiency and environmental benefits, rail freight remains underrepresented in many European supply chains. According to Eurostat, rail accounts for only about 18% of inland freight transport in the EU, with road transport dominating over 75% .

This underutilization isn’t solely due to infrastructure limitations; it also reflects a knowledge gap.

The Value of Understanding Rail

Road transport is often the default choice—it’s flexible, familiar, and fast. However, as we face stricter emissions targets, congestion challenges, and rising fuel costs, integrating rail into logistics strategies becomes increasingly vital.

To effectively incorporate rail, logistics professionals need to understand:

  • Port-rail terminal operations, including those for containers, vehicles, and bulk goods.

  • The technical characteristics of freight rail networks, such as track gauge compatibility, loading units, and service frequencies.

  • Contracting and billing models unique to rail, which differ significantly from road freight.

  • Case studies showcasing successful intermodal chains combining rail with maritime or road transport.

  • The role of traffic regulation and centralized control, exemplified by ADIF’s Centro de Regulación y Control .

  • Digital tools like PORTICrail, facilitating port-to-rail coordination and data exchange among stakeholders .

Embracing rail isn’t about replacing road transport but about knowing when and how rail can complement existing logistics to enhance service, reduce emissions, and optimize costs.

Ports Are Leading the Way

Spain’s major ports—Barcelona, Valencia, and Algeciras—have heavily invested in intermodal infrastructure, positioning rail as a strategic tool for competitiveness. Initiatives like the Mediterranean and Atlantic rail corridors support this shift, connecting inland terminals with maritime gateways across borders.

However, to fully leverage these developments, the logistics workforce—from operations managers to future logisticians—must be equipped with practical knowledge of rail operations.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Practical, hands-on learning is crucial to bridge the knowledge gap in rail logistics. Educational initiatives that combine classroom sessions with site visits to terminals and control centers are increasingly relevant.

For instance, the upcoming SURCO Port to Rail Operations course in Barcelona offers participants insights into the technical aspects of rail freight, complemented by visits to facilities like Autoterminal, Can Tunis, and ADIF’s control center. Such programs enable learners to not only grasp theoretical concepts but also witness their real-world applications.

Whether you’re a freight forwarder reevaluating service offerings, a student exploring intermodality, or a company aiming to develop sustainable logistics solutions, rail may be the strategic tool you’re overlooking.

We’ve done our research – you should too! Check out our sources and further reading:

  • European Commission. Transport in the European Union: Current Trends and Issues. Link

  • Eurostat. Freight Transport Statistics – Modal Split. Link

  • Port de Barcelona. Memoria Anual 2023. Link

  • ADIF. Centro de Regulación y Control (CRC). Link

  • PORTIC. PORTICrail Platform. Link