Digitising Rail at the Port of Barcelona: The Portdigirail Project
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:
- Digital skills are essential. Managing future supply chains will require an understanding of digital platforms, data systems, and automated processes.
- 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.
