Tag Archive for: Motorways of the Sea

Ahead of the Curve: Fostering Industry-Relevant Talent at TecnoCampus

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Elisa Sayrol, Academic Director – Tecnocampus

This month we are launching our “Journeys in Learning” series, during which we will be interviewing key members of our community on topics that are near and dear to us. For this first issue, we have interviewed Elisa Sayrol, the Academic Director at Tecnocampus.

Challenges in Talent Acquisition

Q: In the process of enhancing TecnoCampus’s structure by seeking new talent, what are the most significant challenges you’ve encountered? How do you navigate the balance between technical skills and soft skills in potential candidates?”

At TecnoCampus University Center, we actively seek talented professionals with diverse backgrounds. On the one hand, for academic roles, we are in search of both full-time professors and part-time lecturers. The former engage in teaching and research as their primary activity, while the latter, with industry or non-university commitments, contribute on a part-time basis. On the other hand, we also recruit non-academic personnel to provide essential administrative and managerial support across our various processes.

When focusing on academic talent, a notable challenge arises in securing full-time professors with doctoral degrees, especially in specialized fields like nursing. Hiring academics with doctoral degrees in these areas can be challenging due to the high level of professionalism. To make careers at TecnoCampus appealing, we offer growth opportunities within the institution, aligning with the standards set by the Agency of University Quality of Catalonia (AQU Catalunya). This ensures that career progression is associated with high standards in teaching, research, and technology transfer. TecnoCampus is also attractive given that our institution has also a business park and we work to have our academics and our students, in some fields, to interact with the companies in the park.

For part-time lecturers working in industry and other institutions, we highly value their practical experience and effective communication skills. Consequently, the balance between technical expertise and soft skills differs for permanent and part-time positions. Permanent roles prioritize technical skills and technology transfer abilities, while part-time lecturers are assessed more on their soft skills and experience.

Nonetheless, we also prioritize soft skills for our full-time professors. During the hiring process, communication skills are crucial for effective teaching and knowledge transfer to students. To continually enhance these skills, we regularly offer courses for both full-time and part-time lecturers.

Currently, our lecturer distribution comprises less than 50% full-time and more than 50% part-time positions, which contrasts with our goal. However, this distribution ensures the availability of highly qualified lecturers for permanent positions, guaranteeing the quality of education provided at TecnoCampus.

Adapting to Diverse Academic Disciplines

Q2: TecnoCampus spans a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences to maritime business. How do you ensure that the talent acquisition strategy is adaptable and inclusive across such varied fields?

In our various fields, we prioritize the recruitment of academics and professionals who meet high standards. This is why we begin by hiring exceptionally talented individuals who, in turn, attract others of similar competence. Our experience has shown that highly skilled individuals are not only proactive but also inspire younger talented lecturers to collaborate. Simultaneously, this virtual circle, often initiated through research activities, has a positive impact on teaching. Effective teaching draws in excellent students, and satisfied alumni become an asset that ultimately benefits the institution.

For instance, we initiated, some time ago, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in logistics and maritime business because of a talented professor in this area. This professor engaged in research, maintained connections with the industry, and attracted both full-time and part-time lecturers. This virtuous circle continues to draw numerous students each year, even in such a specialized field.

Incorporating Industry Trends into Talent Development

Q3: Given the rapid evolution of many sectors represented at TecnoCampus, how do you stay ahead in terms of developing talent that meets the current and future needs of these industries?

Being in touch with industry and field institutions on one side and being aware of advances in research on the other side, is crucial for educational institutions. Additionally, the balance between full-time and part-time lecturers is very important. It is crucial to promote activities that encourage collaboration between these two profiles, from organizing open seminars to working on joint project proposals or even engaging in joint ventures.

Vision for Future Educational Models

Q4: How do you envision the evolution of educational models in response to the changing landscape of the job market and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary skills?

TecnoCampus has recently defined a new educational model for the coming years, based on three primary goals:

  1. Excellence in the teaching-learning process
  2. Transmitting values to our students to cultivate socially responsible individuals, committed to their environment, and prepared for their professional future
  3. Working towards a robust institution with common goals and seeking synergies among our fields.

The educational plan also incorporates seven soft skills that all our students across different degrees must develop from their first year to the last. To achieve these goals and the acquisition of skills, we have outlined seven specific objectives. Some of these objectives focus on the methodology and providing support to engage students in the learning process. Others aim to promote entrepreneurship, define initiatives across various fields, enhance interdisciplinary skills, encourage internationalization, foster connections with companies and institutions, and expose students to the research conducted by our professors.

In summary, this educational framework is designed to thoroughly prepare our graduates with profound knowledge, instilled values, and the ability to learn how to learn in an uncertain future.

Personal Takeaways from the MOST Course

Q5: Based on your experience with the MOST course by Escola Europea, could you share any key insights or lessons you’ve acquired and how these might be applied to enhance talent management and educational leadership strategies at TecnoCampus?

The MOST course is an incredible experience for our students. It develops certain skills in four days, which usually take more time to accomplish within a classroom. It enhances entrepreneurial, communication, and collaborative skills, immersing students in the challenges that the sector faces by solving a realistic case. Furthermore, it provides an international perspective that students often perceive as distant.

I would like many of our teachers who are in the logistics bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and certainly in other fields as well, to experience the MOST course. Some of the reasons would be to undergo realistic, collaborative, and challenge-based learning, and to get to know their students better to subsequently enhance their motivation throughout their studies. I also believe that professors in other fields would find ideas for interdisciplinary activities.

Another lesson learned is that this experience could be expanded to other fields at TecnoCampus. Find an activity that brings students and professors together for a short period, without internet connection, to truly interact and encourage them to apply their knowledge and abilities.

I strongly believe that the methodology of the MOST course, provided by Escola Europea, is a valuable educational practice.

#BacktoBasics: Short Sea Shipping

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 Short Sea Shipping (SSS) refers to the movement of cargo and passengers by sea over short distances, acting as a crucial component of intermodal transport chains. Unlike deep-sea routes that cross oceans, SSS typically operates within the same continent or between nearby countries. It serves as an efficient bridge between other modes of transport, such as road, rail, and inland waterways, facilitating seamless door-to-door services. It is a central part of intermodal transport, and this is why we are focusing on it in this month’s #BacktoBasics series.

Cruise Roma - Grimaldi Lines

Cruise Roma – a short sea shipping ferry berthed in the Port of Barcelona

Advantages of Short Sea Shipping

SSS offers numerous benefits over other transportation methods. Environmentally, it’s significantly cleaner, producing lower emissions per tonne of cargo moved compared to road and air transport when looking at transport emissions through a global lens. Economically, SSS can be more cost-effective, especially for bulk or heavy goods, due to lower fuel costs and economies of scale. It also alleviates congestion on busy road networks and is characterized by high reliability and safety standards.

  • Environmental Benefits: One of the most compelling advantages of SSS is its reduced environmental footprint. Maritime transport emits significantly lower levels of CO2 and pollutants per tonne-kilometre of cargo transported compared to road and air transport. This makes SSS a cornerstone of sustainable logistics strategies, particularly important in the context of global efforts to combat climate change. The adoption of cleaner fuel technologies and advanced vessel designs further enhances the environmental credentials of SSS, making it an even more attractive option for eco-conscious businesses.
  • Cost-effectiveness: From a financial perspective, SSS offers considerable savings, especially for bulk and heavy cargo. The economies of scale achievable with maritime transport mean that larger volumes of goods can be moved at a lower cost per unit than would be possible with road or air freight. Additionally, the indirect costs associated with road congestion and the wear-and-tear on infrastructure are significantly reduced, presenting a compelling case for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain expenses.
  • Congestion Relief on Land Routes: By shifting a portion of cargo traffic from congested roadways to the sea, SSS plays a vital role in alleviating traffic congestion. This not only improves the efficiency of the transport system as a whole but also contributes to reducing accidents and delays associated with over-reliance on road transport. In urban areas, where road congestion is a significant issue, SSS can offer a practical solution to reduce pressure on land transport infrastructure.
  • Reliability and Safety: Maritime transport is known for its reliability and safety record. The predictable nature of sea routes, free from the unpredictability of road traffic conditions, allows for more accurate scheduling and planning. The stringent international regulations governing maritime safety and the professional operation of vessels further ensure that cargo transported via SSS reaches its destination securely.
  • Versatility and Accessibility: SSS offers unparalleled versatility, capable of accommodating a wide range of cargo types—from liquid bulk and dry bulk to containers and oversized loads. This flexibility makes it an essential component of diverse supply chains. Moreover, with the extensive network of ports and coastal routes, SSS provides access to regions and markets that might be challenging to reach via other modes of transport, thus enabling businesses to explore new opportunities and expand their reach.
  • Integration with Other Modes of Transport: A key advantage of SSS is its ability to integrate seamlessly with other transport modes, such as road, rail, and inland waterways. This multimodal connectivity ensures that goods can be transported from origin to destination efficiently and cost-effectively, leveraging the strengths of each mode. For instance, SSS can be used for the main leg of transportation, with road transport covering the ‘last mile’ delivery, thus combining the cost and environmental benefits of maritime transport with the convenience and reach of road transport.

Differences Between SSS and Other Modes of Transport

While long-haul sea shipping focuses on transporting goods across oceans, SSS emphasizes shorter, more frequent services. Compared to road transport, SSS can handle higher volumes at lower costs, with less environmental impact. Against rail and air, SSS stands out for its versatility in cargo types and routes, though it may not match the speed of air freight or the land coverage of rail.

RoTypes of Traffic and Vessels in SSS

SSS employs a variety of vessels to accommodate different cargo types:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Ships: Ideal for wheeled cargo like trucks and trailers, allowing for quick loading and unloading.
  • Lift-on/Lift-off (Lo-Lo) Ships: Used for containers and bulky goods, loaded and unloaded by cranes.
  • Container Ships: Specialized for containerized cargo, facilitating easy transfer between different transport modes.
  • Ferries (Ro-Pax) and Barge Services: Transport both passengers and vehicles across short distances.

Key Considerations for Businesses

When integrating Short Sea Shipping (SSS) into their logistics strategies, businesses should consider the following:

  • Route Selection: It’s crucial to choose SSS routes that offer dependable schedules and connect well to inland transport. Aligning these routes with the supply chain can cut down transit times and expenses.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: SSS can be more economical than other transport methods, but businesses should weigh all costs, including tariffs and inventory expenses, against the benefits, such as reduced congestion and emissions.
  • Environmental Considerations: SSS is a greener option, which companies can use to their advantage in marketing efforts and to meet sustainability goals.
  • Integration with Other Transport Modes: Coordination with road, rail, and air freight is essential for the efficient movement of goods, necessitating strong partnerships with various stakeholders in the supply chain.

By carefully assessing these factors, businesses can fully leverage the advantages of SSS and enhance their overall logistics operations.

 

Examples and Success Stories

  • The Baltic Sea Region: The Baltic Sea is a prime example of effective SSS, connecting countries like Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states with Germany, Poland, and Russia. Services such as the Viking Line and Tallink Silja offer frequent Ro-Ro and passenger ferry services, facilitating trade and tourism. This region showcases how SSS can offer a competitive alternative to land and air transport, especially in areas with challenging geography.
  • Mediterranean SSS Corridors: The Mediterranean region has developed robust SSS corridors that link European ports with North Africa and the Middle East, serving as vital links for freight and passenger movement. Companies like Grimaldi Lines or GNV operate extensive Ro-Ro, Lo-Lo, and ferry services, supporting regional trade and contributing to economic development.
  • North American Great Lakes: The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is a key SSS route in North America, allowing ships to move cargo from the Atlantic Ocean to the industrial heartland of the USA and Canada. This route demonstrates SSS’s role in supporting domestic and international trade, reducing highway traffic, and promoting economic growth in the region.

Conclusion

The future of Short Sea Shipping (SSS) looks promising as global trends lean towards more sustainable and integrated transport solutions. As businesses and governments seek to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate congestion on roads, SSS stands out as a viable and attractive option. Advancements in ship technology, such as the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative fuels, are making SSS even more environmentally friendly. Additionally, digitalization and the use of blockchain technology in maritime logistics are expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in SSS operations.

The increasing emphasis on multimodal transport networks will further elevate the importance of SSS, making it an integral component of global supply chains. As we move towards a greener and more connected world, SSS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation and logistics.

We’ve done our research – so should you! Check out our sources below to delve more deeply into the topic:

SOURCES

  1. European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA): “The Environmental Benefits of Short Sea Shipping“
  2. International Maritime Organization (IMO): “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships“
  3. The Baltic Sea Region Intermodal Transport Research: “Efficiency and Sustainability of SSS in the Baltic Sea.“
  4. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: Short Sea Shipping and the Energy Transition”: https://unctad.org/news/short-sea-shipping-and-energy-transition
  5. Mediterranean Shipping Company Case Studies: “Innovative Solutions for Mediterranean Short Sea Shipping.”
  6. The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System: ” Great Lakes Short-Sea Shipping Could Improve US-Canada Cargo Movement”: https://maritime-executive.com/article/great-lakes-short-sea-shipping-could-improve-us-canada-cargo-movement
Diploma ceremony held on the 3rd of July 2021

Escola’s restarts its MOST courses

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Last Saturday, on the 3rd of July, the intermodal transport course “Motorways of the Sea training – MOST” started in Barcelona. In total, thirty five students from 11 different nationalities studying Master’s programmes in Logistics and International Trade, Internationalisation of SMEs and Customs Law and Management at the University of Barcelona participated in the 4-day long training.

The day began with a solemn ceremony to present diplomas to some 100 graduates which, exceptionally and due to health safety measures, was held outdoors in front of the Escola Europea’s headquarters, at Placeta de l’Areté, Terminal Drassanes on the Moll de Barcelona.  On behalf of the Port of Barcelona and the Escola, its director, Eduard Rodés, welcomed the participants.  On behalf of the University of Barcelona, Dr. Oscar Mascarilla, director of the Master’s programmes, spoke. The Honourable Ramon Tremosa, Minister of Business and Knowledge of the Generalitat de Catalunya until a few weeks ago, supported the event and addressed the students, encouraging them to put their knowledge at the service of the competitiveness of their respective countries. Afterwards, the participants and their accompanying family members made a maritime visit to the Port of Barcelona.

The MOST course started early in the afternoon on the same day, and the group departed for Civitavecchia – the port of Rome – on board of the Grimaldi RO-PAX vessel “Cruise Barcelona”. The teachers of the Escola Europea on this occasion were Marta Miquel, the Chief Operating Officer, Antonio Vargas, representing Grimaldi Lines and Eduard Rodés, as course director.

Simultaneously, the first two weeks of July saw the start of the Escola’s annual Summer School in Port Operations for Vessels and for Goods. The course is held in classroom in-person format with the participation of 16 students from Egypt, Yemen and Somalia.

The MOST course is the first on-board course that the Escola was able to hold since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. It is a promising sign showing the ability of the Escola to begin to bring its unique experiential courses back into play.

Cruise Roma - Grimaldi Lines

‘Shortsea’ proposed to be included in the future Sustainable Mobility Law

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Short sea shipping transport wants to be included in the future Sustainable Mobility Act, as it ensures that Ro-Pax traffic, a substantial part of the transport, and continues to help the viability of various services. Through this, the integration of maritime transport into logistics chains would be facilitated. This is one of the measures proposed by the Shortsea Promotion Centre Spain (SPC Spain) following the last meeting of the working group on the Sustainable Mobility Act on the 3rd of July 2020. The meeting was also attended by Manuel Carlier and Elena Seco of Anave, Patricio Arrarte and Amaia Sarasola from the Santander Port Authority, Ricardo García from the Escola Europea Intermodal Transport, Laura Fernández from Feteia and Mario Massarotti and Antonio Vargas from Grimaldi Lines. Representing SPC Spain were Pilar Tejo and Marta Poza.

The office of the Spanish Secretary General of Transport and Mobility announced that the draft of the rules for the Sustainable Mobility Act should be ready before the end of the year, and in the meantime contributions from different entities are welcome. Among these, SPC Spain insisted on measures to better manage and increase the capacity of railroads and inland waterways. Moreover, to reflect the impact that the price of transport has on the environment, the entity proposed that subsidies for fossil fuels should disappear. Another proposal was “to regulate access to EU ports for the most polluting ships and to require that those at berth use electricity ashore”.

To improve sustainability, SPC Spain urged the Spanish government to adopt measures for the gradual reduction of emissions generated by the consumption of fossil fuels from ships, boats, naval devices and physical platforms when they are moored or anchored in ports.

Boosting the Motorways of the Sea

The Spanish government will propose the creation and consolidation of sustainable logistics chains with origin or destination in ports through strategic initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ports, as well as in maritime or land transport chains with origins or destinations in ports.

These initiatives will aim, among others, to improve energy efficiency and air quality in port facilities, the generation or procurement of renewable energy in ports, promoting rail transport to and from ports, promoting the development of the Motorways of the Sea, improving road access, and encouraging the use of alternative energy in maritime transport, with particular attention to the use of this type of energy on berthed ships, and in accordance with the provisions of the European Union legislation on state aid.

In its conclusions, the entities propose to promote greater use of the maritime mode, enhancing SSS and the Motorways of the Sea, while pointing to possible actions to reduce their environmental impact both at sea and on land (such as tax exemptions for marine fuels, extending European emissions trading to the maritime sector, using alternative fuels and using electricity from land on ships at in ports).

Proposals for the Sustainable Mobility Law

Within the scope of the Sustainable Mobility Law, the proposals include:

  • Establishing that SSS in general and the Motorways of the Sea and regular roll-on roll-off transport lines in particular contribute effectively to the sustainability of the transport of goods (as it is the one that generates the least external costs to society) and to the necessary modal shift, therefore deserving to be the subject of governmental support measures.
  • Establishing the Motorways of the Sea and regular roll-on roll-off transport as the ideal instrument for facilitating the use of the maritime mode to road operators
  • The high number of port calls per year and their impact on the competitiveness of services (and therefore on their capacity to attract flows) makes them worthy of special treatment in ports.
  • Reviewing and specifying the definition of the Motorways of the Sea, and the possibility of creating a national seal of Motorways of the Sea that entitles members to certain advantages.
  • Establishing economic incentive measures aimed at stimulating the use of alternative fuels on berthed ships.
  • Possible reduction or elimination of the T-3 freight tariff.
  • Reduction in the cost of port services.
  • Incentives for the joint operation of transport companies in order to minimize the limitations inherent in the small business size of many transport companies.
  • Incentives for maritime intermodal operations for groups of companies.
  • Greater time flexibility for road hauliers using the maritime mode.

Source: Naucher Global

MOST Iberia 2018 brings together Spanish, Portuguese and South American professionals

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For a second year running, the Escola brought together professionals from Spanish and Portuguese transport enterprises during the MOST Iberia edition of its well-established courses in intermodal maritime transport.

Between the 20th and the 23rd of October, a group comprising 53 professionals from the logistics and port sectors of Spain, Portugal and South America descended onto Barcelona to improve their knowledge of intermodal logistics and the motorways of the sea, and to expand their professional networks. During 4 days on board of a Ro-Pax ferry of Grimaldi Lines linking Barcelona to Civitavecchia, the participants could share their experiences, idiosyncrasies, and knowledge coming from their respective countries.

From Spain the participants came from the Spanish Ports (Puertos del Estado), as well as including logistic operators, transport companies and large associations and corporations from the sector: Roehlig, Casintra, Acotral, JVC Shipping & Solutions, El Corte Inglés and ATEIA. The South American delegation consisted of 25 professionals coming from port communities from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Members of public entities such as the regional government of Madeira, the Institute of Mobility and Transport, port authorities of Sines, Algrave, Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo, alongside representatives of private companies (Navex and Intermodal Portugal) formed the Portuguese delegation. “Excellent lecturers, an experience that allowed us see transport logistics from different perspectives than the ones we’re used to. All of this while living and experiencing a Mediterranean maritime journey. Thank you for everything” expressed one participant.

The teaching staff comprised: Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, Planning and Development Director of Spanish Ports (Puertos del Estado); Ana Arévalo, Commercial Manager of SSS at the Port of Barcelona; Antonio Vargas, Ex General Director and current Board Member of Grimaldi Logistics Spain; Eduardo Bandeira, Executive Director of Intermodal Portugal; Raquel Nunes, Promotion and Training Manager and Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea.

The course developed the concept of co-modality as a tool to improve transport management. The motorways of the sea were shows as fundamental elements of a sustainable logistics supply chain. The course participants have to resolve a case study that evaluates short sea shipping solutions, and applies calculations of direct and indirect costs to determine an optimal transport solution in terms of economic, social and environmental terms.

A hugely successful fourth edition of the MOST Italy course in intermodal maritime logistics takes place in Italy

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As in previous years, the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport has concluded with great success another edition of the MOST (Motorways of the Sea Training) Italy course in intermodal logistics for Italian professionals. From 29 September to 2 October, 32 participants from Italy and Brazil attended this edition of the training.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Port Authority of Civitavecchia, seat of the ADSP of the Centre-North Tyrrhenian Sea and founding member of the Escola. Its president Francesco Maria Di Majo, accompanied by the Director of Harbour Security of the Ministry of Infrastructures, Mauro Coletta, have given the welcome to the participants and briefly introduced the present and the near future of intermodality in the Mediterranean and the fundamental importance of training in order to exploit the whole potential of the motorways of the sea.

Following the first theoretical classes on land, the large group of participants, accompanied by the teachers of the course, all of whom were experts in short sea shipping (SSS), boarded the Grimaldi Lines Ro-Pax vessel CRUISE BARCELONA, en route to Barcelona, along one of the motorways of the sea studied in the course.

Once again the Escola Europea was able to count on the collaboration of RAM (Rete Autostrade Mediterranee) Logistica – Infrastrutture – Trasport and ALIS (Associazione Logistica dell’Intermodalità Sostenibile), as well as the support of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport, Confitarma and Assoporti  for the organisation of the training.

During the four days of the course, the participants studied logistics and transport issues through theoretical lectures and practical workshops.

Andrea Campagna, from the Research Centre for Transport and Logistics of La Sapienza University in Rome, offered an in-depth analysis of transport costs, service times and other competitive factors to open the debate on the feasibility of a sustainable alternative to short sea shipping; Francesco Benevolo, director of RAM SpA, presented a wide overview of the motorways of the sea in Europe and explained the European Union’s environmental policy on transport, paying special attention to the fiscal incentives MAREBONUS and FERROBONUS, designed for intermodal transport; Nicolò Berghinz, representative of ALIS, presented some real cases of companies affiliated to the association that have successfully focused on intermodality to grow in the world of transport. The shipping companies and ports involved in the motorways of the sea between Spain and Italy explained the functioning of their infrastructures dedicated to short sea shipping: for the Port of Barcelona, Ana Arévalo, Commercial Manager specialized in SSS; for Grimaldi Lines, Commercial Manager Marcello Donnarumma; for GNV, Alessandro Feniello, Sales Freight Manager of GNV and for the ADSP of the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Giovanni Marinucci, Head of International Projects, who offered a presentation of the Port of Civitavecchia.

The contents of the course have been custom designed for the Italian professionals who attended the course, who came from different transport and logistics companies, four port system authorities and two higher technical institutes (ITS) in the Mobility area.

The aim of the training is to present participants with all the benefits to achieve by incorporating motorways of the sea as a key element in building efficient and sustainable supply chains. In addition to the theoretical lessons and workshops, the participants worked hard to solve a case study and were able to observe closely the infrastructure and equipment involved in intermodal operations. Finally, networking activities were organized to facilitate the development of networks of contacts between professionals and experts in the Italian sector who participated in the course.

The comments received from the participants were very positive. The level of satisfaction in this, as in the past, edition was very high: “I feel lucky to have been able to learn with and from professionals in the field, and with a spectacular organization”.

The Escola would like to thank all its founding members (Port de Barcelona, ADSP of the Northern Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Ports of Genoa, Grimaldi Lines and GNV) for their usual cooperation and generosity.

The dates for the fifth edition have already been set: from 5th to 8th of October 2019.

This year the Escola is also planning a course in intermodal maritime logistics for Spanish and Portuguese professionals, MOST Iberia, to be held from 20 to 23 October 2018.

The Motorways of the Sea to connect Africa to the European shores

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This autumn the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, in conjunction with the National Agency of Ports of Morocco (l’Agence Nationale des Ports – ANP) will organise a conference on the motorways of the sea (MoS) as new tools towards logistics development in Africa. The event will take place on the 3rd of October in Casablanca, Morocco, and it will bring together government representatives and directors of logistics companies in the region, as well as heads of training centres.

The conference will aim to raise awareness among local professionals of the practicalities and the benefits of MoS and intermodal transport as tools for sustainable development and job creation in the logistics sector. Existing short sea shipping services will be presented, alongside descriptions of the Escola’s activities that extend to the African continent.

The Escola’s founding partners, the Ports of Barcelona, Roma and Genoa, and the shipping lines GNV and Grimaldi Lines, are sponsoring the event, with the collaboration of the ANP and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

Opening the conference, the director general of ANP Mrs Nadia Laraki, alongside Mrs Amane FETHALLAH, Director General of the Merchant Navy and Mr Francesc Carbonell from the UfM, will introduce the intermodal transport solutions existing between the European and African shores. This will be followed by three panels that will focus on innovative training for intermodality, infrastructures for intermodal development, and the different actors from the motorways of the sea respectively. The language of the conference will be in French.

This event in organised in the framework of the Escola’s TransLogMED project. The long-term objective of the project is to foster the development of the motorways of the sea between the Mediterranean countries, which will in turn help promote inclusive growth and youth employability, as well as sustainable development in the region. The project focuses in particular on: Increasing efficiency in logistics and transport, particularly in door to door and platform to platform multimodal solutions; Enhancing the competencies and capabilities of the transport and logistics operators; and creating a knowledge network as the activities become regular, together with a best practices exchange platform that brings together experts from both Northern and Southern Mediterranean countries. For more information you can consult the project website.

Demand for SSS increases in the Atlantic and Mediterranean façades in 2017

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The capacity offered in the Motorways of the Sea of the Atlantic facade has grown by 160%, while in the Mediterranean basin, the increase has been of 6%.

The Shortsea Promotion Centre of Spain has held a meeting of its Board of Directors in which the report of the Statistical Observatory of the Short Sea Shipping (SSS) in Spain for the year 2017 was presented.

The document demonstrated the growth of this type of transport along the Atlantic routes, with significant increases in terms of demand, and highlighted its recovery in the Mediterranean following the decrease of 2016. Specifically, the capacity offered for transport of road cargo in 2017 has grown by 32% in the Atlantic, and 8% in the Mediterranean.

However, although the number of lines offered has increased, the number of vessels used has been reduced. In the SSS alternative to road transport, the annual capacity offered in the ro-ro services has rebounded 42% in the Atlantic side, with 1.81 million linear meters, and 25% in the Mediterranean, with 4.13 million of linear meters.

With regard to the Motorways of the Sea, the capacity offered on the Atlantic side grew by 160% along the two motorways, while in the Mediterranean the increase has been of 6% along its three routes.

248 million tons

In total, short sea shipping transport in Spain has risen to 248 million tons in 2017, an increase of 6% over 2016, of which 19% correspond to domestic cabotage traffic and 81% to international traffic.

SSS of ro-ro cargo has risen by 8.1% to 21.1 million tons. It is important to note that on the Atlantic side the volume has been much lower, with 2.25 million tons representing an increase of 13.9%, than on the Mediterranean side which processed 15.25 million tons of cargo, 9.3% more.

In overall terms, in 2017 the average employment of the offer was 73.1%, a figure below the 80.1% registered in 2016. In the Atlantic side, it has been reduced by 53.3% due to a much higher growth of supply with respect to demand, while in the Mediterranean, employment has gone from 81.8% to 85.5%, for the same reason.

Source: Cadena de Suministro

Marrakesh: North African transport professionals introduced to TransLogMED by the Escola Europea

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The Escola’s efforts to continue to promote the ambitious TransLogMED project across the Mediterranean waters go further next week as its staff travels to Marrakesh to participate in the 7th edition of the International Logistics and Transport Tradeshow LOGISMED, from 9th to 11th May.

Being the largest landmark logistics trade show in Morocco, and having ascertained itself over the last 7 years as the largest gathering of transport and logistics professionals in Africa and the Mediterranean, LOGISMED proves the perfect venue to introduce the objectives and goals of the TransLogMED project to the visitors. The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport will promote the project in its own booth, positioned next to one of its partners and stakeholders, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) (section D, booths D1 and D2).

The project office is also holding the TransLogMED project’s Action Committee in Marrakesh on the second day of the show, bringing together the project’s stakeholders and reviewing the past year’s accomplishments. During the meeting an overview of the goals for the current year will be listed, separated by the different participating countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, and Egypt).

From the 7th to the 9th May, Eduard Rodés, the director of the Escola, will introduce the project at the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Conference on Maritime Transport and Logistics which will take place in Ismailia, Egypt.

Among the project’s to-date achievements, the director of the Escola highlighted the huge success of the MOST (Motorways of the Sea Training) Tunis edition, which took place in April 2018. The course was organised jointly with the Institut Méditerranéen de Formation aux Métiers Maritimes, with the help of the Escola’s usual collaborators (Port of Barcelona, Ports of Genoa, Ports of Rome, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and Grimaldi Lines) and the Office of the Merchant Navy (l’Office de la Marine Marchande), Cotunav, Stam and Transglory. The training was carried out on board of two vessels, one from GNV and the other from Cotunav, and took place on the short sea shipping crossing between La Goulette and Genoa.

The long-term objective of TransLogMED is to foster the development of the motorways of the Sea between the Mediterranean countries, which will in turn help promote inclusive growth and youth employability, as well as sustainable development in the region. The project focuses in particular on: Increasing efficiency in logistics and transport, particularly in door to door and platform to platform multimodal solutions; Enhancing the competencies and capabilities of the transport and logistics operators; and creating a knowledge network as the activities become regular, together with a best practices exchange platform that brings together experts from both Northern and Southern Mediterranean countries. The project took off in 2017 and will finish in 2021.

For more information you can consult the project page https://escolaeuropea.eu/projects/translogmed/ and the Escola’s website https://escolaeuropea.eu or write to info@escolaeuropea.eu.

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