Escola Europea and Spediporto Join Forces on Logistics Training

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The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport and Spediporto, one of Italy’s leading logistics associations, have signed a framework collaboration agreement in Barcelona aimed at strengthening cooperation in logistics training, intermodality, digitalisation, and innovation across the Mediterranean logistics sector.

Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, and Giampaolo Botta, General Manager of Spediporto, during the signing of the collaboration agreement in Barcelona aimed at strengthening logistics training, digitalisation, and intermodal cooperation across the Mediterranean sector

The agreement was signed during a two-day institutional visit by representatives of the Genoa port community to Barcelona, bringing together members of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, logistics operators, sector associations, and private companies active in transport and international trade.

The new partnership establishes a framework for the joint development of specialised training initiatives focused on intermodal transport, digital transformation, artificial intelligence applied to logistics and port operations, and participation in European projects.

For the Escola Europea, the agreement reinforces its commitment to building stronger links between Mediterranean logistics communities and promoting practical, industry-oriented training adapted to the challenges currently shaping global supply chains.

“Collaboration between logistics communities is essential to accelerate innovation and prepare professionals for the operational and technological changes transforming the sector,” explained representatives of the Escola Europea during the meeting.

The visit also included technical sessions and exchanges on current trends affecting logistics and transport in Europe, including sustainability, operational efficiency, digitalisation, and the growing importance of multimodal transport corridors connecting ports, inland terminals, and industrial hubs.

“The logistics sector is undergoing profound operational and technological transformation, and collaboration between Mediterranean logistics communities will be essential to prepare professionals for the challenges ahead,” said Giampaolo Botta, General Manager of Spediporto.

Training for a rapidly evolving logistics sector

The agreement aligns with the Escola Europea’s broader strategy of expanding practical and future-oriented training programmes designed to support professionals navigating the digital and operational transformation of logistics and international trade.

Among these initiatives is Going Digital – Digital Transformation of International Trade Operations, an advanced online training programme focused on digitalisation, ERP systems, simulation-based learning, and operational decision-making in international logistics. The course combines expert sessions with immersive simulations using the Port Virtual Lab platform, allowing participants to work on real operational scenarios linked to export, import, and multimodal transport processes.

The programme is designed for freight forwarders, logistics operators, port logistics professionals, and international trade specialists seeking to strengthen their understanding of digital tools and innovation in supply chain management. Participants will work with ERP environments, digital documentation systems, operational dashboards, and sustainability indicators while developing practical case studies in collaborative teams.

As digitalisation, AI, and sustainability continue reshaping logistics operations across Europe, partnerships such as the one established between Escola Europea and Spediporto aim to foster knowledge exchange and create new opportunities for professional development across the Mediterranean logistics ecosystem.

About Spediporto

Spediporto – Associazione Spedizionieri, Corrieri e Trasportatori di Genova – is one of Italy’s leading logistics and freight forwarding associations. The organisation represents companies involved in international forwarding, logistics, customs operations, and transport services, promoting innovation, professional training, and competitiveness within the Italian logistics-port ecosystem.

From the Mediterranean to the world: Escola Europea consolidates its growth and sets a new strategic direction

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Barcelona, 22 April 2026 – Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport has presented its 2025 results during the meetings of its Executive Committee and Governing Board, confirming a year of sustained growth, international expansion, and consolidation of its educational model.

Representatives of the Governing Board and Executive Committee of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport during the meetings held in Barcelona.

Bringing together key port and logistics stakeholders

The meetings gathered leading representatives from the international port and logistics ecosystem, including key figures from European port authorities and industry partners.

Participants in the Governing Board included José Alberto Carbonell (Port of Barcelona), Raffaele Latrofa (Port System Authority of the Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea), Annalisa Tardino (Port System Authority of the Western Sicilian Sea), Leonardo Picozzi (Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea), Mario Massarotti (Grimaldi Lines), and Matteo Catani (GNV – MSC Group). Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea, also participated.

The Executive Committee, chaired by Eduard Rodés, brought together representatives from partner institutions and companies, alongside invited guests from the Italian port system.

Experiencing port operations first-hand

The meetings were complemented by a technical visit to the Port of Barcelona, offering participants a first-hand look at key operational and strategic initiatives. The programme included presentations on the Nexigen project and the port’s cruise strategy, as well as visits to Onshore Power Supply (OPS) facilities and cruise terminals.

Participants also explored the Escola Europea’s training facilities and were introduced to innovation initiatives such as the Blue Tech Port, reinforcing the link between training, innovation, and real-world port operations.

A year of growth in training and outreach

In 2025, Escola Europea delivered 94 training programmes, reaching more than 3,200 participants.

A key element of its methodology remains experiential learning:

  • 800+ participants embarked on vessels to experience logistics operations first-hand
  • 1,000+ students engaged through local programmes such as Forma’t al Port and Port Academies
  • 900+ participants used the Port Virtual Lab (PVL), the Escola’s digital simulation platform

These initiatives are complemented by maritime visits, through which the Escola reached over 4,500 people, offering direct insight into port infrastructure and strategies.

➡️ In total, more than 200 activities reached approximately 7,700 participants throughout the year.

From the Mediterranean to the world: Escola Europea consolidates its growth and sets a new strategic direction

A comprehensive training ecosystem

The Escola’s activities form a structured educational ecosystem covering multiple audiences and needs:

  • Vocational training programmes, including Forma’t al Port and Port Academies
  • University-level programmes, such as MOST (Motorways of the Sea Training)
  • Specialised training, including SURCO rail-port operations and technical courses
  • Logistics and port workshops with real operational exposure
  • Innovation-driven programmes based on tools like the Port Virtual Lab (PVL)
  • Tailor-made training developed with institutional and industry partners
  • A growing international community

The Escola’s global alumni network now exceeds 23,000 professionals, strengthening connections across the port-logistics sector.

At the same time, digitalisation continues to expand its reach. The Port Virtual Lab (PVL) is now used by training centres across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean, enabling participants to simulate and manage supply chains in a practical, risk-free environment.

Looking ahead: a new strategic phase

2026 marks a turning point for the organisation, with the approval of its Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

As part of this new phase, Escola Europea strengthens its positioning as a “phygital” organisation, combining real-world logistics experience with digital simulation tools to deliver training adapted to an increasingly complex and digitalised sector.

Looking forward, the Escola will:

  • Reinforce its role as a training hub through European projects
  • Focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and skills development
  • Expand its connections beyond the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East

 

“With this new strategy, we are not only training professionals — we are building a shared ecosystem where knowledge, innovation, and people come together to shape the future of global logistics,”
— Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea

20 years connecting people, ports and progress

As Escola Europea celebrates its 20th anniversary, it reaffirms its mission:

to train, connect, and inspire the professionals who move global trade.