WestMED Malta discusses current and future challenges of the Mediterranean Logistics sector at MedaLogistics Week Barcelona 2024
The Mediterranean Logistics and Transport summit (Medalogistics Week) took place in Barcelona on 5-6 June 2024. This annual event, already in its 20th year, was held in the framework of SIL Barcelona, the leading Exhibition for Logistics, Transport, Intralogistics and Supply Chain in Southern Europe, and now the most established conference of its sort held in the Mediterranean region. It was jointly organized by ASCAME and Consorci Zona Franca Barcelona.
Discussing the challenges of the Mediterranean logistics sector
Building on the collaboration Between the WestMED Assistance Mechanism and ASCAME, representatives of WestMED’s Technical Group on Green Shipping and Alternative Fuels have been involved in the workshop “The present and the future of Mediterranean Logistics Sector” on June 5th. This workshop, consisting of an expert panel, focused on an in-depth analysis of present and future challenges of the Mediterranean logistics sector, such as the impact of geopolitical developments, smart operations & integrated logistics, sustainability and new working practices within the supply chain.
Stephanie Vella, WestMED National Hub Malta and one of the coordinators of the Technical Group described its objectives, priorities and results. She outlined four main projects that have been supported in this context and, as a resilt been approved for funding within the EU EMFAF 2023 call. These projects are GREEN MED, GREEN MARINE MED, POWER4MED and BLUE PORTS.
She also highlighted the synergies and exchanges with other initiatives that are focused on promoting and facilitating green shipping such as the relevant Pillar 1 (ports) of the Atlantic Strategy, Mediterranean regional agencies, Mediterranean stakeholder platforms and other multilateral institutions on both sides of the Mediterranean sea basin
An updated presentation of the initiative was presented with results achieved , including an open invitation to join next sessions of the Technical Group on Green Shipping which will open the door to networking opportunities and project partnerships, as well as representing a common “space” to work for a more uniform ecosystem of Sustainable Maritime Transport in the Mediterranean and beyond.
The National hub reiterated the uniqueness, diversity and the strategic location of the Mediterranean, highlighting the importance of stakeholder collaboration in order to address common challenges. This importance is amplified within the context that risks, be they short or medium term, affect the entire region. Fragmentation within the region cannot be afforded, meaning that stakeholders from the private sector, governments and NGOs need to be brought together for joint action and a focused voice.
Reinforcing synergies between WestMED and ASCAME
The Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) and the WestMED signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2021, aimed at working together to foster the promotion of blue economy, a safer maritime space and the improvement of governance in the Mediterranean. This MoU served to establish a strong institutional relationship and a mechanism for dialogue and cooperation in the Mediterranean.
More information: ASCAME brochure MedaLogistics Week Barcelona
