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To better understand the complex realities of modern logistics, 56 students from IÉSEG’s Master in Operations and Supply Chain Management traded the classroom for the field — spending a day at the Port of Gennevilliers, one of France’s largest inland ports.

Ce programme prépare les étudiants à devenir des experts des métiers de la logistique, des approvisionnements et de la gestion des flux. Au fil du cursus, ils apprennent à optimiser l’ensemble de la chaîne logistique : organisation des transports, gestion des stocks, relations avec les fournisseurs et maîtrise des outils numériques spécifiques. Grâce à l’alternance, ils bénéficient d’une expérience terrain concrète qui facilite leur insertion professionnelle dans des secteurs très variés, allant de l’industrie au commerce international. 

This program trains students to become experts in logistics, procurement, and flow management. Throughout the program, they learn to optimize the entire supply chain — from transportation planning and inventory management to supplier relations and the use of digital tools. Thanks to the work-study format, they gain hands-on experience that prepares them for a wide range of careers, from industry to international trade.

As part of this experiential  approach, Verena EHRLER, Academic Director of the Master in Operations and Supply Chain Management, organized a visit to the Port of Gennevilliers within the framework of the course “Green Supply Chain Management and Operations.” This immersive experience enabled students to connect theory with practice and to explore, on-site, the real-world challenges of sustainable supply chain management.

The Port of Gennevilliers, the main inland port of the Île-de-France region, plays a key role in supplying the Paris metropolitan area. In 2024, it recorded over 145,000 container movements and now operates 24 hours a day, five days a week to meet growing demand. The port is set to expand to 30.5 hectares by 2026, strengthening its position as a logistics hub and a driver of more sustainable transport solutions.

This dynamic evolution was precisely what the students discovered during their visit. Throughout the day — with discussions with the Port’s management, a visit to the visitors’ center (offering a panoramic view of the site), and insights from France Supply Chain representatives — they gained a comprehensive overview of today’s logistics challenges and innovative solutions for building a more sustainable supply chain.

“This visit was very important, as it allowed students to see firsthand how a port operates and to explore the different modes of transport — maritime, inland waterway, rail, and road — that structure modern logistics networks. They discovered the advantages and limitations of each mode while observing the coordination required to ensure the smooth transfer of goods. The importance of the port as a true logistics hub was clearly illustrated through container loading and unloading operations, highlighting key issues of organization, timing, and space management,” explains Verena EHRLER.

This immersion also raised students’ awareness of the sustainability challenges facing supply chains — particularly the growing interest in cleaner, multimodal, and river-based transport solutions. They were able to better grasp the environmental impact of each logistical choice and the importance of integrating these criteria into corporate strategy.

Indeed, according to the GLEC, in terms of CO₂ emissions per ton transported per kilometer, inland waterway transport ranks as the second cleanest mode, just behind rail, and far ahead of road and air transport. Companies such as IKEA and Franprix have already embraced this shift, now prioritizing river transport to deliver goods to their stores wherever possible.

Des entreprises comme IKEA ou Franprix l’ont bien compris et privilégient aujourd’hui largement le transport fluvial pour acheminer leurs marchandises en magasin, partout où cela leur est possible. 

Sofia TROCHERIE, a Master’s student, reflected on this particularly memorable day: “We had the opportunity to meet with Céline MANTOUX, Commercial Director of the Port of Gennevilliers, in a meeting room offering a stunning panoramic view of the site. This allowed us to visualize the port’s different zones and activities. Thanks to her key figures and concrete examples, Ms. MANTOUX helped us better understand the port’s operations and challenges. This visit was extremely relevant to our program, as understanding the role of ports and transport solutions is essential in today’s supply chain. It’s amazing to think that our groceries at Franprix stores in Paris now arrive via a barge that can carry up to 200 twenty-foot containers!”

The students greatly appreciated the innovative, hands-on nature of this field experience, which brought classroom concepts to life in a tangible way. A new Learning Expedition is already being planned to continue this immersive approach.