Tag Archive for: Formati al Porto

Mediterranean Journeys: The Italian Chapter of the Escola’s Story

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Every journey has a point of departure. For the Escola in Italy, that moment arrived long before an office was opened or a partnership was formalised. It began with a simple yet powerful intuition: Italy was ready for a new way of learning logistics – one rooted in experience, immersion, and connection.

Years before 2019, Italian port communities were already showing a growing interest in experiential training. When the first editions of Formati al Porto were offered to students and professionals in Civitavecchia, something became immediately clear: Italy was hungry for knowledge that could be lived, not only studied. These early programmes were modest in scale yet rich in impact. Participants walked through terminals guided by experts, listened to ships’ crews explain real-life operations, and discovered how the port of Civitavecchia truly functioned, not in theory, but in practice. The enthusiasm that followed revealed a need, a gap, and an opportunity. By 2019, the momentum could no longer be ignored. With the inauguration of the Escola’s Italy office in Civitavecchia, a new phase began, one that transformed isolated trainings into a structured, national initiative.

The new office brought:

  • A local team dedicated to the Italian logistics ecosystem
  • A growing network of partners among port authorities, training institutions, and maritime clusters
  • A stronger Mediterranean identity focused on Italy’s unique strategic position

This was not an expansion for expansion’s sake. It was the beginning of a journey of co-creation. From Civitavecchia, the Escola’s presence spread steadily: to Genoa, with its unmatched maritime heritage and to Palermo and Western Sicily, a region whose openness and strategic vision led to one of the Escola’s most significant milestones. In 2023, the Port System Authority of the Western Sicily Sea formally joined the Escola as a partner – an act that didn’t simply widen our map, but enriched it. Sicily brought new stories, new challenges, and new voices to our Mediterranean training ecosystem. As the Italian network grew, so did the programmes designed for it. Formati al Porto, now transformed into the Port Academy network – Rome Port Academy, Genoa Port Academy, and Sicily Port Academy – became the foundational gateways for students to discover port-community life from the inside. MOST (Motorways Of the Sea Training) Italy continued to bring participants aboard vessels, allowing them to experience maritime and intermodal transport firsthand. With MOST Italy+ reaching also France besides Spain, rail intermodality became an essential thread, reflecting the sector’s evolving priorities.

And 2024 marked a historic milestone: the first edition of MOST Sicily, connecting the ports of Palermo and Genoa. For the first time, every major Italian port in our ecosystem became part of a unified learning journey, one that allowed participants to experience the Mediterranean as a continuous, interconnected landscape. More recently, Italy became the testing ground for new thematic lines, including digitalisation and AI in port environments, with the first course on Artificial Intelligence for Port Authorities. Through all of this, the philosophy never changed:

  • We do not operate ports. We reveal them.
  • We do not move cargo. We move perspectives.

Behind every training are hundreds of conversations, observations, and moments that often matter more than the lectures themselves. I have watched students step off the bus after a terminal visit with eyes widened by the complexity they had just discovered. I have seen professionals rediscover pride in their work as they explained their roles to a new generation. And I have witnessed teams from different Italian regions connect as if the Mediterranean had always been their common language. These are the transformations that no metric can capture. And yet, the numbers tell a story too: rising participation, growing programme editions, expanding partnerships, and a steady increase in Italian institutions joining the Escola’s journey.

As we approach the Escola’s twentieth anniversary, Italy stands as one of the most vibrant chapters of our broader Mediterranean narrative. What began as a few training sessions has become a living network – fluid, collaborative, and constantly evolving. Italy has taught us that journeys in education do not unfold in straight lines. They grow in circles expanding outward through relationships, curiosity, and shared purpose. Today, the Escola doesn’t just work in Italy. It belongs to Italy, its ports, its communities, its ambitions, and its Mediterranean heart. The journey continues. And as with every true Mediterranean voyage, the horizon promises new encounters, new routes, and new stories waiting to be lived.

Written by:

Alessia Mastromattei
Country Manager – Italy
Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport

Escola Europea and DLTM Join Forces to Promote International Mobility and Maritime Education

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Signed in La Spezia on 29 October 2025 by Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea, and Giovanni Lorenzo Forcieri, President of DLTM, the memorandum sets the foundation for joint initiatives under the Erasmus+ programme. These initiatives will support the development of training pathways and professional exchanges designed to promote sustainable transport, port logistics, and intermodal operations and maritime education.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to strengthen ties between the Liguria region – home to a vibrant maritime cluster that includes the ports of Genoa and La Spezia – and Barcelona’s thriving port and logistics community. By connecting clusters of enterprises and universities in Liguria with the Escola’s network of training programmes in Barcelona, the partnership aims to boost knowledge exchange and professional mobility across the Mediterranean.

“This agreement reinforces our educational bridge between Italy and Spain,” said Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea. “Through cooperation with DLTM, we can create new opportunities for students and professionals to experience intermodality in action, share best practices, and strengthen the future workforce of the maritime and logistics sectors.”

As part of this collaboration, the partners will also explore synergies with the Port Academies initiative in Italy – inspired by the Escola’s Forma’t al Port programme in Barcelona – which brings port operations and logistics education directly into vocational classrooms, helping to connect young learners with real-world port environments.

“The agreement with the Escola Europea of Barcelona strengthens DLTM’s international focus and opens up new growth opportunities in this sector for our companies,” added Giovanni Lorenzo Forcieri, President of the Ligurian District of Marine Technologies. “The memorandum of understanding just signed offers the chance to acquire advanced skills in the maritime and logistics sectors and to develop European projects of high innovative value, contributing to the competitiveness, sustainability, and internationalization of the Ligurian region.”

The agreement marks another important milestone in the Escola’s mission to empower the industry through education, expanding its footprint in Italy and contributing to a more connected and sustainable Mediterranean logistics ecosystem.

Escola Europea and the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority host the 9th Meeting of the Technical Committee of the Transport Community

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The 9th meeting of the technical committee of the Transport Community was held in the committee room of the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority System (AdSP) and was organized by the Escola Europea in cooperation with the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Centro Settentrionale – Porti di Roma e del Lazio and the Transport Community on on 29 February 2024. It welcomed representatives from the Western Balkans countries, Assoporti, and the MEDports Association.

Attendees of the 9th Technical Committee of the Transport Community in Italy

The meeting discussed the improvement of process efficiency and effectiveness in ports and gathered key stakeholders and experts from across Europe and beyond. Throughout the day, attendees explored initiatives like the Maritime Single Window and digitalization for trade streamlining. Additionally, sustainable port operations were emphasized, aligning with environmental stewardship goals. A standout moment was the presentation by Marco Muci , the Escola’s Country Manager for Italy, which provided insights into the Escola’s activities geared towards more efficient and immersive learning experiences.

To conclude our discussions, participants enjoyed a captivating study visit to the Port of Civitavecchia, gaining firsthand insights into its operations and facilities. Overall, the meeting was a success, marked by fruitful discussions and a shared dedication to advancing towards a more innovative and efficient tomorrow

“I am very proud to have hosted, at the headquarters of the entity – explained the President of AdSP Mtcs Pino Musolino – the 9th meeting of the Technical Committee of the Transport Community, an international organization dedicated to mobility and transport.”

“I wanted to emphasize – concludes the head of Molo Vespucci – how international relations and cooperation are of fundamental importance for the development of traffic, even in an area like the Balkan peninsula which is rapidly expanding, thanks to the integration of different transports, always with a careful eye on environmental protection and impact.

Escola Europea and the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority Renew Their Commitment to Maritime Education

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In the photo (L to R): Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport; and Pino Musolino – President of the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority

In a significant development for maritime and intermodal transport education, Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport has extended its partnership with the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority for an additional three years, spanning from 2024 to 2026. This renewal marks a continued commitment to the “Rome Port Academy” project, a pioneering initiative designed to educate both students and professionals about the intricacies of maritime logistics and port operations. The agreement is expected to open up numerous educational and professional development opportunities. By targeting both students pursuing maritime studies and professionals looking to enhance their skills, the program aims to cater to a wide audience interested in maritime and intermodal transport.

The Rome Port Academy project, known for its innovative approach to maritime education, serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences, the programme aims to prepare participants for the complexities of the maritime industry, emphasizing sustainable logistics practices and the efficient management of port operations.

A Focus on Sustainable Logistics

Sustainability remains at the forefront of this collaboration, with both Escola Europea and the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority highlighting their dedication to promoting eco-friendly practices within the maritime sector. This partnership not only seeks to educate future professionals about the importance of sustainability in logistics but also aims to implement sustainable practices within the framework of the Rome Port Academy.

Educational Opportunities and Professional Development

The renewal of this partnership is seen as a crucial step in developing the next generation of maritime professionals. Through the Rome Port Academy, participants will gain a deep understanding of port operations, logistics, and the global maritime industry, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. As the partnership enters its new phase, both organisations express their enthusiasm for the future of maritime education. By continuing to invest in innovative educational projects like the Rome Port Academy, they reaffirm their commitment to shaping the future of the maritime industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, professional development, and operational efficiency.

The renewed collaboration between the Escola Europea and the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority underscores a shared vision for advancing maritime education and fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of modern-day logistics and port management. As this partnership moves forward, the Civitavecchia maritime industry can anticipate a positive impact on both educational standards and sustainable practices within the sector.

Stakeholders of the “Formati al Porto” project meet to review the academic achievements of 2020-2021

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The annual meeting of the Formati al Porto Academic Committee was held via videoconference on the 22nd of October. The meeting was convened by the President of the project, Prof. Andrea Campagna, and the Country Manager for Italy from the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, Marco Muci.

The “Formati al Porto” project, strongly supported by the AdSP of the Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea and the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, aims to make it easier for today’s students – who will be the professionals of the future – to learn about the professions of the port-logistics sector, with a specific focus on maritime activities and sustainable intermodal transport.

The stakeholders of the project participated in the meeting, including: Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, Gianni Marinucci representing the AdSP of the Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Francesco Benevolo, Director of RAM, Antonio Errigo, Vice-Director of ALIS, Lidia Rossi for Confitarma, Luca Brandimarte for Assarmatori, Leonardo Picozzi for Ports of Genoa, Enrico Mosconi for the University of Tuscia, Mauro Adamo for ITC “G. Baccelli”, Clemente Borrelli, Director of ITS “G. Caboto”, Martina Trincia also of ITS “G. Caboto”, Laura Castellani, Director of ITSSI, Biagio Provenzale, Director of ITS Logistica Puglia, Marco Grifone of ITS MO.ST and Marco Muci, Project Secretary of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport.

The videoconference brought together for the second time some of the main entities of the Italian maritime cluster and the intermodal logistics sector. During the meeting, the results obtained from the courses held during a difficult period were presented.  In spite of the various restrictions linked to the global health crisis, it was possible to achieve great results, as witnessed by the large number of participants. In addition, the new online courses have enriched the training offers, and new partners and training centres have joined. The international YEP MED projet and the many opportunities it will offer were of great importance and were also highlighted during the day.

The Academic Committee is committed to supporting the project, investing above all in the human factor, i.e. young students, and thus enhancing the educational offer of the local territories.

The primary objective of Formati al Porto is to create and strength a well-prepared logistics community, capable of facing future challenges and strategically placing Civitavecchia at the forefront of Mediterranean logistics activity.

The role of the project is to bring students into direct contact with the community and port-logistics activities and to learn, through first-hand experiences, the characteristics of port-related professions. The project will also improve the alignment between the qualifications required by companies and the skills offered by the local educational system, thus favouring the creation of quality employment through the possibility of alternating school-work.

The training, in line with the Escola’s signature teaching approach, is delivered by experts and professionals from the Italian and international sectors, ensuring participants receive high quality educational content. The teaching team of each course is composed of representatives of companies and institutions directly involved in the management of short sea shipping and the sustainable logistics sector in Italy.

For more information, you can always head to the website of the project: https://www.italia.escolaeuropea.eu/

Members of the Steering Committee of the Escola Europea

The Escola Europea-Intermodal Transport goes digital to enrich its training model

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The Steering Committee of the training center, which met on Wednesday April 21st in Barcelona, has assessed the actions carried out last year and has defined the new strategy for 2021.

The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport has set itself a clear goal for this year: to intensify digitalisation in order to enrich its training model with the advantages provided by new technologies. This priority objective was approved by the Steering Committee of the Escola in a meeting held this week in in Barcelona.

During 2020, to adapt to the new scenario created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Escola has adapted its structure to the new realities mandated by the health authorities and prepared a different approach for its activities. This path will continue in 2021, with the goal to enrich the courses and to take advantage of the flexibility provided by the new digitised training models.

During the meeting the President of the Escola Europea Mercè Conesa highlighted the enormous difficulties posed by the pandemic, the actions taken to adapt to the new situation and the uncertainties that still remain. Face-to-face training activities suffered a strong setback in 2020, forcing a reevaluation of all training actions.

Among the activities carried out by the Escola Europea during 2020 the start of the European project YEP MED doubtlessly stands out, in which the Port of Barcelona and the Port Authority of Civitavecchia also participate as partners, and which the Escola heads as Lead Partner. Also noteworthy was the inauguration of the Italian headquarters of the Escola Europea and the subsequent start of a new vocational training course in Civitavecchia – with the title of Integrated Logistics Technician – promoted by the Caboto Foundation, the Port Authority of Civitavecchia and the Escola itself, with a programme of 2,050 hours of training carried out over two academic years.

Looking at the Escola’s other activities, it was stressed that the Forma’t al Port courses in Barcelona, and their Italian counterpart the Formati al Porto courses in Civitavecchia, were carried out in a hybrid format, with the collaboration of schools and with very positive results.

Finally, it was pointed out that in 2020 a new project was approved which comprised the development of the PortVirtualLab.com platform, which will support training and simulation activities in logistics-port communities.

The Steering Committee was chaired by Mercè Conesa, President of the Port of Barcelona. Participating in the meeting were Pino Mussolino, new chairman of the Port System Authority of the Central Northern Tyrrhenian Sea; Emilio Signorini, president of the Port Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea; Matteo Catani, CEO of Grandi Navi Velocci, and Eduard Rodés, director of the Escola Europea. The meeting was also attended by the members of the Executive Committee: Catalina Grimalt, from the Port of Barcelona; Luca Lupi, from the Port of Civitavecchia; Silvio Ferrando, from the Port of Genoa; Antonio Pedevila and Andrea Balabani, of GNV, and Mario Massarotti, of the Grimaldi Group.

ITS Inauguration - October 2020

G. Caboto Foundation’s Technical Course in Integrated Logistics Management and Shipping Processes to take place

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In early October, the ITS G. Caboto’s Foundation has opened the registrations for the Diploma in the Management of Integrated Logistics and Shipping Processes. Following two weeks of an open application period, in the end 29 students were accepted. The majority came from the Lazio region, but with some students traveling from the Liguria and Puglia regions, and some from Sicily.

The applicants will attend a 24-month long course and discover the logistics processes and maritime operations that take place in the Port of Civitavecchia. The course has as an objective to train students in the management of logistical activities in the port-centric supply chain market segment. The graduates will learn to manage shipment processes and any other related logistic activities (warehouse, fittings, intermodal transport, order cycles, etc.) which circle around the management of goods that are imported or exported through a port. They will also analyse the relationship between the port and the unloading or loading area. Moreover, this year particular attention and relevance will be given to digital skills in the application field – as digitisation and the internet of things become more and more important in the transport sector. The training will thus provide the students with the skills for the use of popular application software, aids, equipment and digital tools, and will familiarise them with any technological advances to make them prepared for employment. Each student will also carry out an internship period of 800 hours, in addition to study visits (if they are deemed safe in light of the current global health crisis) and project work at partner companies. Participation in supplementary projects promoted by the project partners will be encouraged as well.

The diploma kicked off with the official inauguration ceremony on the 30th of October 2020. Alongside the candidates and teachers, the ceremony was attended by Francesco Maria di Majo and Luca Lupi from the Port Authority of Civitavecchia; Eduard Rodés and Marco Muci from the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport; and Clemente Borrelli from the G. Caboto Foundation.

The Escola’s Formati al Porto and MOST Italy courses will form part of the 24 month training. For more information about Formati al Porto, you can visit the Escola’s website.

Porto di Civitavecchia

The Port Community of Civitavecchia post Covid-19: What’s next?

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Marco Muci

Co-written by: Marco Muci, Escola Europea Intermodal Transport

Lidia Slawinska

Co-written by: Lidia Slawinska, Consultant for the Escola Europea

The year 2020 is slowly cementing its place in the history books as the year that the world stopped. The health, social and economic consequences of this year will be felt throughout both the developed and developing world well into the middle of the decade. Transport, the backbone of the consumer-driven industry that existed pre-Covid19 is undergoing a major shift. This can be said of both, freight and passenger transport. As we approach the autumn, and the start of our fall courses, we wanted to evaluate the situation in our partner ports. In this post Marco Muci, the Escola’s Country Manager for Italy, took a look at the current situation in the Port of Civitavecchia, and the outlook for its future.

The current crisis triggered by the spread of Covid-19 has caused tremendous consequences for the port of Civitavecchia and, subsequently the city itself;  much more than other ports in Italy. The root cause is quite simple: unlike many other ports that base their economy on the movement of goods, Civitavecchia bases its work mainly on the transport of passengers (both in cruises and ferries). All this was clearly demonstrated by this crisis, in which the total disappearance of tourism resulted in profound crises for shipping agencies, freight forwarders, port companies, guides, NCC companies and bus companies. More than half of the workforce of the port community is currently in layoffs, pending the end of the state of emergency.

To combat the aftermath that will result from this economic downturn, various proposals have been made by the stakeholders involved (by the association of shipping agencies in particular), to try to give a future to the port and its workers. Some of the more noteworthy ones are:

  • Mitigating the liquidity crisis of companies to cover the entire lockdown period at minimum. This is considered to be the fundamental issue to be solved in order to stabilize (and reverse the downward trend in) employment levels and revenue shortfalls of companies;
  • Reducing the burdens on companies by mitigating the tax wedge and introducing tax relief for companies that are committed to maintaining employment levels;

Simplifying the bureaucratic procedures that slow down the fluidity, and sometimes cause blockages, of goods and ultimately aim for a future based on automatized logistics processes and controls;

  • Increase the number of quays servicing container traffic in the immediate aftermath of the crisis whilst the passenger sector remains stagnant, and prepare other quays to take over once tourism is re-established in the coming years.
  • The Association of Shipping Agencies has proposed that, to minimize the consequences of the crisis, the costs related to the unloading / embarkation of goods should be reduced. A decrease in the rates of boarding / disembarkation fees would benefit the process of relaunching the port. Similarly, they have proposed an experimental reduction of the monthly anchorage tax amounts, which would result in a lower cost of the ‘port system’, making the port of Civitavecchia potentially more attractive;
  • A modernization of the existing docks, which would benefit the trades and the companies and improve the movement of goods;
  • The completion of the Simplified Logistics Zone, which would lead the way for a renewed interest in the port, increase the credibility of the port and its logistics system, and have significant effects for the territory through the exemption of VAT and duties for non-EU goods. Promoting Simplified Logistics Zone will attract industrial investment and revitalize international trade.
Port of Civitavecchia

The Port of Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is now at a crossroads following the tremendous effects that coronavirus has had on the country as whole. Whilst waiting for the much coveted “European Recovery Fund”, which will give a breath of fresh air – so to speak – and a boost to one of the most affected economies in the world, the country can turn to one of the most effective solutions to recover and innovate – education. In 2019 the Escola Europea has opened its Italian headquarters at the premises of the Port Authority of Civitavecchia, investing in the potential of the port and the territory itself. In line with its ideals and goals, the Escola has already launched various projects and is preparing others that are about to begin – all designed to help develop the region. Its flagship – the MOST Italy course for professionals – is now in its sixth consecutive year. The course is an advanced training initiative for professionals that focuses on the Motorways of the Sea, and the promotion of intermodal transport as a base for sustainable transport chains of the future. This year’s edition will take place on board of a Grimaldi Lines Ro-Pax from 10 to 13 October 2020 on a crossing between Civitavecchia and Barcelona. During the training participants will have the opportunity to experience sustainable intermodal maritime logistics and the motorways of the sea first-hand, with ample networking opportunities provided to foster professional relationships that will last once the course is over.

Another project that the Escola has launched last year, which was welcomed by the training institutes and the Municipality itself, is “Formati al Porto”. This initiative, sponsored by key national associations, aims to bring students closer to the Port of Civitavecchia and its port community.  It is exclusively offered to university students, ITS students and those attending the last year of their high schools with study paths related to transport, logistics, circular and international economies. In this context, “Formati al Porto” will help today’s students – future professionals – acquire knowledge of the professions of the logistics sector, with a particular focus on maritime activities and intermodal transport. Ultimately the project will lead to a better technical preparation of the students, which will have an impact on the employability index of the participants.

The Port Network Authorities predict that the ports will be the ones to kickstart the recovery of the Italian economy. In the meantime the Port Authority of Centre-North Tyrrhenian Sea (of which the Port of Civitavecchia is part of) can move from the comprehensive network to the core network, a shift which would guarantee access to new resources and future possibilities to the port that serves as the gateway to the eternal city of Rome.

Final thoughts…

Milton Friedman, an American economist and a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences laureate, once said that “only a crisis – real or perceived – produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around”. The Italian peninsula was hit very hard by the health emergency, and it is now that we will begin to see whether any real change (societal or industrial) will take place. The Port Authority of the Centre-North Tyrrhenian Sea has a tough and uncertain path ahead – with a potential shift towards freight-focused operations and the investment in infrastructures that would kickstart the economic recovery of the region. The ideas area certainly rampant – with sustainable transport options and innovative solutions to terminal operations available to all. Education is the key to identify and implement many of these changes – and it is in our hands to produce real change and make sure that the tragedy of Covid-19 has some positive outcomes.

Sources

The first annual meeting of the Academic Committee of Formati al Porto takes place virtually

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On the 17th of April, the constitutive meeting of the Academic Committee for Formati al Porto took place, convened by the President of the project Prof. Andrea Campagna and the Director of Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport Eduard Rodés. The meeting was held virtually by videoconference.

Formati al Porto, strongly supported by the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Central Authority (AdSP del Mar Tirreno Centro Settentrionale) and the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport – aims to make it easier for today’s students, and thus future professionals, to gain access to the knowledge of the professions in the logistics sector, with a particular focus on the maritime industry and intermodal transport.

The participants who joined the meeting from the safety of their homes were: Dr. Luca Lupi and Dr. Giovanni Marinucci representing the AdSP of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Centre, the Councillor for Education Policy Claudia Pescatori for the City of Civitavecchia, Prof. Mauro Adamo for ITC “G. Baccelli“, Dr. Antonio Errigo for ALIS, Dr. Francesco Beltrano for Confitarma, Dr. Brandimarte for Assarmatori, Dr. Stefano Cenci for Unindustria and the project coordinator Marco Muci from the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport.

For the first time in the Escola’s history videoconferencing has succeeded in bringing together such a high number of entities from the Italian maritime cluster and the intermodal logistics sector. Among the topics covered were the presentation of the project itself and the results achieved so far, the proposal of new contents and the quality of the courses for 2021, the acquisition of new partners, and the possibilities of enriching the current training offer, through the inclusion of online courses.

The Academic Committee is committed to supporting the project, relying mainly on the human factor, i.e. the young students, and on the local territories themselves. The main objective is to create a well-prepared logistic community, able to face future challenges and to strategically place Civitavecchia at the forefront of the Mediterranean logistic activity.

The role of “Formati al Porto” is to bring students into direct contact with the community and port activities, to learn the characteristics of the professions related to the world of ports through direct exposure to the surroundings. In addition, the project aims to lessen the disconnect between between the qualifications required by companies and the skills offered by the educational system, thus promoting the creation of quality employment through the possibility of the school-work placements.

The training, as is the case with the Escola’s courses, is carried out by experts and professionals from the Italian and Spanish sectors, ensuring participants get high quality educational contents. The teaching team is composed of representatives of companies and institutions directly involved in the management of short sea shipping and sustainable logistics in Italy,

For more information, you can visit the project’s web page:

https://escolaeuropea.eu/formati/

Circle of the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG

The Escola reaffirms its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals

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Days away from 2020, the Escola Europea reflects on the achievements made during the year. The Sustainable Development Goals have been set to solidify the urgent changes that society would need to make to tackle social inequality, climate change, poverty, and political turmoil, among others.

With this in light, the Escola’s work in 2019 can be summarised as follows:

  • In 2019, the Escola has organised a staggering 42 courses (nearing one course per week), and welcomed participants from Spain, Belgium, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Morocco, Algeria, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. There was an increase in the number of participants coming from the Magred, which could be explained with the success of the TransLogMED project and the growth of the North African trade networks. In total, 1,485 students passed through the Escola’s doors and took advantage of the unique course-workshops.
  • 2019 also saw the creation and fulfilment of new technical courses. Curricula and course programmes were prepared for the Temperature-Controlled Freight transport Course, detailed plan were made for the Port Operations Summer school (which now took the form of a 2 week course, separated by vessels and goods), and the Groupage and Consolidation Course was further extended. Successful courses were also carried out for the former two technical courses, with a Groupage course planned for the spring of 2020.
  • The Escola’s courses are constantly undergoing improvements and modifications. In 2019 the team created a Log Book to give to the students at the start of each course, which contains tasks, puzzles and activities that further enrich the participants’ experiences.
  • Formati al Porto was officially launched in Italy, demonstrating the huge success the programme has attained in Barcelona and its appeal to other termional communities.
  • The Escola has had it’s first paper published in a conference – the annual World of Shipping International Research Conference on Maritime Affairs. The paper, which can be found here, summarised the current state of experiential training methods in Europe, and provided a quantitative analysis of the approach applied to the Escola’s courses. Thank you to all of the Escola’s partners and alumni who have generously submitted their survey responses to help us carry out the study.

2020 shows all signs of being a very intensive one for the Escola Europea, with technical courses for professionals planned for the spring, the summer school, and the usual MOST courses in the autumn. In the past decade, the organisation has increased its influence in Europe and throughout the Mediterranean through the development of new and innovative courses for students and professionals, the signing of new agreements with influential universities and training centres, and the active participation in European projects, and 2019 has shown that it is continuing to do so, whilst applying the Global Development Goals to its activities.