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 \u201cGreen Supply Chain Management and Operations.\u201d This immersive experience enabled students to connect theory with practice and to explore, on-site, the real-world challenges of sustainable supply chain management.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Port of Gennevilliers, the main inland port of the \u00cele-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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This dynamic evolution was precisely what the students discovered during their visit. Throughout the day \u2014 with discussions with the Port\u2019s management, a visit to the visitors\u2019 center (offering a panoramic view of the site), and insights from France Supply Chain representatives \u2014 they gained a comprehensive overview of today\u2019s logistics challenges and innovative solutions for building a more sustainable supply chain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis visit was very important, as it allowed students to see firsthand how a port operates and to explore the different modes of transport \u2014 maritime, inland waterway, rail, and road \u2014 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<\/em>,\u201d explains Verena EHRLER.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This immersion also raised students\u2019 awareness of the sustainability challenges facing supply chains \u2014 particularly the growing interest in cleaner, multimodal, and river-based transport solutions<\/strong>. They were able to better grasp the environmental impact of each logistical choice and the importance of integrating these criteria into corporate strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, according to the GLEC, in terms of CO\u2082 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofia TROCHERIE, a Master\u2019s student, reflected on this particularly memorable day: \u201cWe had the opportunity to meet with C\u00e9line 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\u2019s different zones and activities. Thanks to her key figures and concrete examples, Ms. MANTOUX helped us better understand the port\u2019s operations and challenges. This visit was extremely relevant to our program, as understanding the role of ports and transport solutions is essential in today\u2019s supply chain<\/strong>. It\u2019s amazing to think that our groceries at Franprix stores in Paris now arrive via a barge that can carry up to 40 containers!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ieseg.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-21-a-11.50.47_453bdc8a-1.jpg\")
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