News

We officially launched the new PVL Open Lab Dashboard, a redesigned interface that centralizes access to all simulation tools, resources, and systems for students and educators working with the Port Virtual Lab platform.

This new dashboard simplifies access to ERP credentials, institutional emails, classroom portals, and support tools, all within a single space. It also introduces real-time system status monitoring and performance tracking via Google Apps Script, offering a smoother and more intuitive user experience.

Among the key improvements:

• Unified login with secure PIN and email access

• Quick-access buttons to ERP, tutorials, shared documents, and activity logs

• Simulated companies categorized by mode of transport: air, sea, rail, and road

• Mobile-responsive layout and service health indicators

The dashboard marks a significant step forward in usability, flexibility, and educational innovation within the PVL platform.

The new PVL Trivia module brings competitive learning to the platform with a quiz-based feature designed to challenge students' logistics knowledge in real time.

Participants register with their institutional email and take a timed quiz of 10 questions, complete with score tracking and instant feedback. The built-in leaderboard ranks both individuals and institutions, encouraging engagement and healthy competition.

This module supports PVL’s mission to promote active, fun, and meaningful learning in logistics and international trade.

PVL has introduced Agora, an interactive ideas and questions forum built into the Open Lab Dashboard. This space allows students and teachers to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate across institutions.

Users can submit ideas or queries via a simple form using their institutional credentials. Once approved, posts appear as cards showing the author, message, and date—building a visible knowledge base for the entire PVL learning community.

Main features:

• Character counter with smart warnings

• Real-time input validation and grid updates

• Collaborative space to enhance communication in logistics learning

Agora enhances the sense of community in PVL by enabling asynchronous peer-to-peer learning and teacher guidance in one integrated hub.

Port Virtual Lab (PVL) has launched a new Certificate Verification Tool designed to enhance transparency, credibility, and accessibility for participants who complete PVL training programmes.

This feature allows anyone —students, employers, or institutions— to verify the authenticity of a certificate using its unique code, which appears directly on the digital or printed version. Upon entering the code, the tool displays key details such as:

• Participant name

• Course title

• Completion date

• A secure link to download the digital version

• Option to share it directly on LinkedIn

This implementation reinforces our commitment to secure digital credentials, recognition of learning achievements, and alignment with international certification standards. It also simplifies the process for showcasing skills acquired through PVL on professional networks.

To try it out, visit the Certificate Verification section on pvl.one.

The team from Click & Cargo visited the Escola Europea to review improvements to PVL. A new version of the ERP interface was unveiled, offering a smoother and more intuitive experience for users working with logistics and documentation simulations. 

The visit marked a continued collaboration between Click & Cargo and Escola Europea, aimed at aligning educational tools with evolving professional standards in freight forwarding and digital logistics. 

During the 25th edition of the Salón Internacional de la Logística (SIL) in Barcelona, Escola Europea presented the Port Virtual Lab (PVL) as part of its commitment to transforming logistics education. The stand became a hub of interaction, welcoming alumni, partners, and students who engaged in conversations on AI, gamification, and the future of logistics training.

PVL was also honored with one of the Best Innovation Awards at SIL 2025, granted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. This recognition highlights the impact of PVL as a groundbreaking online simulation platform that merges digitalization, role-based learning, and international logistics scenarios to enhance employability and cross-border collaboration.

According to Eduard Rodés, Director of Escola Europea, the tool not only improves students' practical skills but also fosters strong links between logistics communities across different countries, an essential step toward shared understanding in today’s interconnected world.

The event also included a live feature on Onda Cero Radio and multiple hands-on demonstrations of PVL's capabilities, confirming its growing relevance in logistics and port operations training.

During the SIGA Conference in Antwerp, our Deputy Director General presented a new study:
“PVL.one: Employing a Constructivist Approach in Vocational Education and Training Using Simulation and Gamification.”

Key findings:

• +47% in economic decision-making.

• +52% in sustainability awareness.

• +62% in employability confidence.

• +55% in soft & hard skills.

The conclusion: simulation-based learning isn’t just innovative, it’s essential.

A successful first edition of the Going Digital – PVL course was delivered in collaboration with FETEIA-OLTRA, marking a milestone in the digital transformation of logistics education.

From exploring cutting-edge digital tools and EU transport regulations to mastering ERP systems and simulating real import/export operations, the course brought together professionals ready to embrace the future of international trade.

Through a blend of hands-on teamwork, expert-led sessions, and immersive virtual scenarios, participants engaged in dynamic simulations using the Port Virtual Lab platform. The experience focused on innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking, offering a fresh and practical approach to skills development.

As one participant shared:
“Real-life case studies, especially those involving PCS and freight forwarding, made the experience practical and eye-opening. I’m thankful to have been part of it.” – P. Santos

Thank you to all participants, trainers, and collaborators who made this first edition a success.

To improve the learning journey within PVL, we introduced a new categorization system for all simulated companies. 

Users can now explore them by service type:
Transport Operators, Port Operations, Logistics and Support Services, Public Administration and Trade, Shippers, and Sustainability and Innovation.

In recent months, Port Virtual Lab (PVL) has continued its expansion across Europe through a series of pilot training courses delivered in collaboration with institutions in France, Italy, and Spain. These initiatives reflect Escola Europea’s ongoing mission to promote immersive, international learning experiences in the field of logistics and international trade.

Université Paris 8 – France
A group of students from Université Paris 8 participated in a one-week PVL training in Barcelona, working through realistic logistics scenarios. The hands-on nature of the activities, combined with digital tools, helped students bridge theory and practice. Their feedback was essential for refining PVL methodologies and enhancing the learning experience.

TecnoCampus – Barcelona
In collaboration with TecnoCampus, a fully online PVL course was conducted, offering students an opportunity to explore key logistics concepts through scenario-driven activities. Despite the virtual format, the students demonstrated strong engagement and enthusiasm throughout the course, confirming the adaptability of the PVL platform in remote learning environments.

Sorbonne Université – France
A remote PVL pilot course was also delivered to students from Sorbonne Université. Through interactive simulations and guided digital sessions, participants explored challenges in global supply chains and reflected on the educational value of immersive tools like PVL and Click & Cargo. Positive feedback highlighted the quality of the training and its applicability to real-world logistics.

ITS Mobilità Sostenibile & Prat Educació - Italy and Spain Transnational Edition:
One of the most impactful pilot courses involved a cross-border collaboration between ITS Mobilità Sostenibile (Italy) and Prat Educació (Spain). Blending online preparation with in-person activities in Barcelona, the course connected students from different countries and educational systems. Through digital port simulations, teamwork, and applied learning, participants gained deeper insights into international transport operations and supply chain innovation.

These pilot experiences confirm PVL’s versatility in both local and international settings, supporting the development of logistics professionals equipped for the digital future. Escola Europea remains committed to fostering experiential and cross-cultural learning environments—bringing education closer to the evolving needs of the logistics industry.

Students from the Organisateurs du Transport Multimodal program at IFTL received their PVL.ONE certification, officially integrated into their training.

This international certification, made possible through the partnership with Escola Europea, marked an important step in using immersive learning to strengthen logistics competencies.

Congratulations to the newly certified professionals!

We introduced PVL Flash, a new dashboard designed for short and dynamic activities. With a countdown timer, scoring system, and optional hints, PVL Flash is perfect for workshops, events, and quick learning sessions. 

We hosted an engaging Training of Trainers in Barcelona, focused on empowering educators to use PVL in their lessons. Participants explored new digital and interactive tools to enrich their teaching practices and bring real-world logistics into the classroom.

Participating institutions included:
Institut de Logística de Barcelona, La Salle Gràcia FP, Centre d'Estudis Politècnics, Centre López Vicuña Barcelona, Prat Educació, Institut Poblenou ECAIB, INS Montserrat Roig (Terrassa).

PVL was presented at MARLOG in Alexandria (Egypt) as a success case in digital education. Later, it played a central role in the PLIKA Hackathon, where participants tackled real-time challenges using the simulation platform. These events showcased PVL’s flexibility for education, collaboration, and innovation. 

The first Training of Trainers (ToT) course for PVL facilitators was held in Tunis, Tunisia, with the participation of logistics and transport educators from across the Mediterranean. The course introduced PVL’s simulation-based learning environment and focused on pedagogical strategies for implementing immersive digital education.

This foundational event helped establish a regional network of trainers capable of guiding students through real-life logistics operations using PVL as a teaching platform. 

Students from the Master’s in International Trade at the University of Barcelona participated in a hands-on simulation course using the Port Virtual Lab (PVL) platform. Developed in collaboration with Click&Cargo, the training provided a fully digital, immersive experience in international trade operations.

Thirty students from 10 different countries took part in this virtual “Practicum,” simulating real-life logistics operations across commercial, transport, customs, and financial areas.

Key highlights:
- Use of ERP and simulated companies for end-to-end trade operations
- Focus on decision-making, teamwork, and market analysis
- Real-time tracking of tasks and operational reports
- Remote-friendly and risk-free training environment

Result: The course received an outstanding rating of 4.75/5, proving the effectiveness of simulator-based learning in bridging the gap between theory and real-world logistics challenges.

As immersive digital learning grows, Escola Europea continues to lead the way in transforming port logistics education for a sustainable future.