Ports, People and Opportunity: Building Skills for the Mediterranean Logistics Sector
When discussing the future of ports and logistics, conversations often focus on infrastructure, connectivity and investment. Yet one of the most important elements of any port ecosystem is not physical at all. It is people.
As international trade evolves and logistics networks become increasingly complex, ports across the Mediterranean face a common challenge: ensuring that local communities have access to the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to participate in this transformation.
This challenge was at the centre of the OPEN TRADE MED pre-pilot seminar held in Barcelona on 8–9 June 2026, bringing together representatives from the Port of Tripoli, MARSATI (Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute), the Urban Community Al Fayhaa and a network of Mediterranean partners committed to strengthening employability and vocational training in the logistics sector.
Led by Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, OPEN TRADE MED (Operations and Procedures for Employment and Networking for Trade in the Mediterranean) aims to build bridges between education, employment and the realities of international trade. The project seeks to support port communities by bringing together training centres, public institutions, port authorities and private-sector stakeholders to develop programmes that respond directly to labour market needs.
Over two days of discussions and workshops, participants explored how future training initiatives could contribute to economic development, youth employability and stronger connections between local talent and the logistics industry. The seminar provided an opportunity to identify skills gaps, map key stakeholders and define the foundations of a future pilot project focused on the Port of Tripoli.
One of the strongest messages emerging from the discussions was the importance of collaboration. Developing effective training programmes requires more than educational expertise. It requires the active participation of employers, public authorities, industry associations and local communities.
Reflecting on the seminar, Oumkelthoum Imigine, Project & New Markets Manager at Escola Europea, noted:
“After months of preparation, it was very rewarding to finally bring everyone together in Barcelona. The discussions, ideas and commitment shown by all participants confirmed that there is real potential to create meaningful opportunities in logistics, international trade and vocational training. This is only the beginning of the OPEN TRADE MED journey.”
The seminar confirmed both the relevance of the project and the commitment of the participating institutions to continue working together on future training and employability initiatives.
The involvement of institutions such as AECID, IEMed, MEDPorts, Barcelona Activa and the Fundació BCN Formació Professional highlighted the value of cross-sector cooperation in addressing shared Mediterranean challenges.
The next phase of OPEN TRADE MED will focus on transforming ideas into action. Training of Trainers activities, digital learning tools, stakeholder engagement initiatives and employability programmes will all contribute to building a sustainable ecosystem capable of creating long-term opportunities in logistics, transport and international trade.
For Escola Europea, the project reflects a broader belief that education should not only transfer knowledge but also create pathways to employment, professional development and social inclusion.
Ports are gateways for goods and trade. But they can also be gateways for opportunity. Through OPEN TRADE MED, we are working with our partners to ensure that the future of Mediterranean logistics is built not only through infrastructure, but through people.
