The bustling port city of Cagliari, Italy, is gearing up to host a groundbreaking event on December 1st, 2023, at the University of Cagliari's Auditorium "Mario Carta" – via Marengo 2. The event, titled "The Challenge of Port Logistic Training in the Mediterranean Area: the Experience of TECHLOG project between Innovation and Smart Simulators," promises to be a pivotal moment for the industry, delving into crucial aspects of logistics and transport in the Mediterranean basin.

At the core of the event is the unveiling of the scientific results of the TECHLOG Project, a collaborative initiative that has played a crucial role in fostering innovation in the logistics and transport sector. Launched in 2021, the project has established a Cross-Border Med Open Lab designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and joint technology transfer initiatives between academia and the transportation industry in the field of advanced simulation for transportation and logistics staff.

This Cross-Border open lab comprises two Living Labs (Western and Eastern) and a Web collaborative platform, collectively spanning across Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

The Western Living Lab was strategically inaugurated in Sfax, Tunisia, in 2022. It involves partners from Italy, Spain, and Tunisia, with physical seats in Sfax-Tunisia and Cagliari-Italy, where advanced driving simulators are available for training purposes.

The Eastern Living Lab, inaugurated in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2022, involves activities and training carried out by partners from Egypt and Lebanon. It also has two physical seats, located in Beirut-Lebanon and Alexandria-Egypt.

These Living Labs serve as testing grounds and technological transfer resources for innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency, safety, security, and sustainability of transportation and port operations. The labs are supported by a Web collaborative platform (https://techlogproject.com), serving as a hub for collaboration and information sharing among port and logistics companies in the Mediterranean area, with the goal of elevating logistics services by sharing best practices and defining training standards for port and transport operators.

The event will showcase the potential of state-of-the-art driving simulators, specifically tailored for truck drivers and quay crane operators, through videos. These simulators offer a realistic and immersive experience, enabling operators to refine their skills and face various scenarios without the inherent risks of real-world operations.

Particularly noteworthy during the event will be the feedback from four pilot actions conducted during the project, aiming to improve the quality of life and performance of transport workers. These actions focus on productivity increase, safety in transports and ports, eco-driving, and reduction of stress and fatigue.

Through two round tables, the event will concentrate on the project results and explore new scenarios in the Euro-Mediterranean Transport Sector. A distinguished panel of experts will steer the conversation on the project results, including Gianfranco Fancello (University of Cagliari – CIREM), Sandra Haddad (Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport), Rabih Sabra, Hana Haidar (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Beirut & Mount Lebanon), Eduard Rodes (Escola Europea Intermodal Transport), Habib Kammoun (University of Sfax), and Michele Lombardi (Chamber of Commerce Maremma Tirreno).

A second round table, moderated by renowned transport and logistics journalist Morena Pivetti, will explore new scenarios in the Euro-Mediterranean Transport sector. The discussion will cover standardization, technological transfer, and training, with a focus on advanced driving simulators. Experts and stakeholders from the Mediterranean area will provide their important updates on the emerging trends in the Euro-Mediterranean Transport sector, including Vittorio Marzano (Federico II, Naples University), Euan Lonmon (GRENDI Group), Alaa Ezz (CEEBA), Naima Zamoum (CEVA Logistics), and Ummuhan Bardak (European Training Foundation).

The event will also see the participation of stakeholders and important exponents and representatives of institutions, enterprises, and authorities, including Francesco Mola (University of Cagliari, Rector), Ada Lai (Councillor for Labour, Autonomous Region of Sardinia), Massimo Deiana (President of the Sardinian Ports’ Authority), Fabio Mereu (Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari and delegate ASCAME), Marco Melis (Director General, ENI CBC Med Programme, Autonomous Region of Sardinia), and Nejma Benamor Ep Mokni (Tunisian Ministry of education).

Whether you're in Cagliari or tuning in from around the world, this event is not to be missed. The streaming option on Teams ensures that industry professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders have access to the invaluable insights and innovations being presented. Mark your calendars for December 1, 2023, 9 a.m., as we navigate the future of port logistics training together.

Address of the event: University of Cagliari's Auditorium "Mario Carta" - via Marengo 2, Cagliari, Italy. To participate and access the full agenda, sign up here: https://techlogproject.com/finalconference

Join the event through Teams!