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