Logistop organised the Innovation Lab on Models and technologies to decarbonise Port Logistics.
Within the framework of the Port Logistics working group, Logistop organised the Innovation Lab – Models and technologies to decarbonise Port Logistics. An online event that brought together experts from the sector to explore new strategies and technologies that facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable logistics model.
For this session, we had the introduction and moderation of Tomás de la Vega, Managing Director at Logistop, and José Andrés Giménez Maldonado, Director of Port Logistics at the Fundación Valenciaport and Head of Innovation of Logistop’s Port Logistics Working Group, and the participation of Juan Carlos de Pablo Olaiz, Head of Innovation of Logistop’s Decarbonisation and Sustainability Applied to the Logistics Chain Working Group, Tomás De Las Nieves, Head of the Maintenance and Aids to Navigation Division of the Autoridad Portuaria de Alicante, and Javier Moreno González,Head of Sustainability at BERGÉ. Through these experts we have obtained a complete overview of the problems and challenges that we must confront.
Port logistics, as a key node in the logistics chain, has a fundamental role to play in the energy transition, which not only involves technological changes, but also a transformation in the way energy is understood and managed.
Juan Carlos de Pablo presented the attendees with an overview of the technologies available in the sector with the aim of trying to provide guidance within a complex, changing and long-lasting process until complete decarbonisation is achieved. All of this focused on a multi-fuel scenario towards which the sector seems to be moving, bearing in mind that the application in each environment will be different depending on its starting point, characteristics and environment. “The energy transition is something that cannot be done without taking into account all the business, economic, social, etc. implications that it entails. Because it is a total change that applies to operations and the way of understanding energy”, said Juan Carlos.
Tomás de las Nieves, for his part, stressed that “decarbonisation is a priority for the Port of Alicante, committed to continue investing in sustainable initiatives”. To this end, he shared a series of decarbonisation experiences, projects and initiatives which, following their roadmap, they are developing (or have already developed) based on a strategy which revolves around three axes: 1) energy efficiency, 2) renewable energies and 3) sustainable mobility. It also introduces the concept of the port as a self-generator of the energy necessary for its operation.
To conclude, and to have the operator’s point of view, Javier Moreno pointed out that the rest they will have to face is to find the right technology, the right fuel, the right situation, the right machinery…. for each case. All of this, looking for a transition that avoids cost inflation. He also emphasised that the success of the transition will lie, among other keys, in having a great deal of flexibility in decision-making and assuming certain risks. “Like Bergé, our conclusion is that we are facing a major challenge that, among other aspects, is requiring us to take a much broader view of our activities and the impacts generated/supported,” he concluded.
The transition to a sustainable logistics model is a challenge that requires collaboration and long-term vision, taking decisions in the short term. Technology evolves very quickly, but it has its timescales. To further explore these issues, we will be holding a new focus session on 24 October, for which we will be sending out the call for participants shortly. If you are not a member of Logistop and would like to attend, please contact us by email at info@logistop.org.
For more information on the event, please contact Iris Amado, Communications and Marketing at Logistop, at iris.amado@logistop.org.
About Logistop
At Logistop we transform the supply chain through innovation, helping industry and companies to become more efficient and sustainable.
We are a multidisciplinary and inter-territorial working space in the logistics innovation arena formed by all the actors involved in the supply chain, as well as universities, technology centres, associations and specialised consultancy firms.
One of Logistop’s main objectives is:
- To promote the need for innovation among companies involved in the logistics sector;
- To promote innovation projects;
- To communicate the real needs of the sector at an institutional level.