Innovative Simulator Demonstrated during Energy Transition in Ports Course, Driving Sustainable Maritime Solutions
Barcelona, December 3, 2024 – The Escola Europea has successfully concluded its Energy Transition in Ports: Build Your Port Energy Transition Plan course, organized under the umbrella of the GREEN MARINE MED project, an initiative co-financed by the European Union focused on promoting energy transition plans in Mediterranean ports. The EU funding allowed the course to be fully subsidized, providing an unparalleled opportunity for global industry professionals to engage in advancing sustainability in port operations.
Held from November 18–28, 2024, the hybrid programme combined online learning, immersive in-person workshops, and cutting-edge technology. The course culminated in the practical piloting of the new simulator, developed by the Escola Europea in collaboration with Portwise, which brought intermodal logistics and sustainable strategies to life.
Piloting Innovation: The Simulator
A highlight of the course was the presentation of the prototype of Escola Europea’s Port Energy Transition Simulator, which is currently under development. During the in-person sessions in Barcelona, this innovative tool was used to support the resolution of a practical case study. The simulator provided valuable insights into energy transition planning for ports, and it is expected that in the next edition of the course, the practical case study will be developed entirely using the simulator, offering an even more immersive and comprehensive learning experience.
“This training provided us with important insights into how users interact with the tool and what they expect from it,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea. “These lessons will be instrumental in completing the development of the simulator during the remaining months of the Green Marine Med project, ensuring it is fully aligned with the real needs of ports in their energy transition efforts.”
The Escola Europea has already been successfully using another simulator in its courses— Port Virtual Lab, a tool that gamifies the learning experience by allowing participants to carry out transport operations within a fully virtual port community.
Course Overview and Highlights
The course began with a week of online lectures featuring leading experts in decarbonization, renewable energy, and digitalization for emissions control. The second week, held in Barcelona, offered practical workshops, site visits to key port facilities, and hands-on exercises using the simulator. Participants from over 20 countries joined the training, contributing to its diverse and enriching learning environment. Representatives came from Spain, Italy, Morocco, France, the United States, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Peru, Mauritania, and the United Kingdom, among others. Esteemed organizations such as MEDports Association, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Port de Barcelona, OCP Solutions, Eurogate Tanger, Ports of Genoa, Fundación Valenciaport, Cellnex Telecom, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia were among those represented. This international and multi-sectoral collaboration added invaluable perspectives, fostering innovative discussions on energy transition strategies and solutions for port operations.
Participants had the opportunity to visit facilities such as container terminals, LNG refuelling sites, hydrogen infrastructure, and OPS (Onshore Power Supply) installations, gaining valuable insights into the latest sustainable technologies transforming the maritime industry.
Empowering Professionals for a Greener Future
As part of the course, participants developed their own Port Energy Transition Plans, blending insights from global experts, practical site visits, and the simulator. These plans aim to address the specific sustainability challenges faced by their ports and organizations. With representatives from more than 10 countries, the course fostered international collaboration and the exchange of best practices. This edition marked a milestone in advancing the goals of the Green Marine Med project.
The Escola Europea plans to build on this success with future editions of the course, offering professionals cutting-edge tools and knowledge to lead the energy transition in ports.
