We are stepping into a future of smarter, greener, and more connected logistics and the European Space Agency’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme is playing an important role in that transformation. Last week, key stakeholders from the logistics sector gathered at the Italian Space Agency (ASI) headquarters in Rome, in a joint initiative led by ESA, ASI and the Italian Coast Guard. The workshop delved into the logistics sector’s needs, challenges and trends, including efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Speakers and participants investigated the potential roles of current and emerging space data in transforming this vital sector.
Giancarlo N. Varacalli (ASI) welcoming attendees to the Space-Enabled Solutions for the Future of Logistics Workshop.
Commander Pierluigi Milella of the Italian Coast Guard's keynote speech underscored the critical role of timing and collaboration in the logistics sector, focusing on the need to look beyond traditional approaches, including towards space, to discover new opportunities together. Commander Milella also highlighted the strategic significance of hosting the event in Italy, a country defined by its vast railway network and its geographic significance for the maritime sector.
His message was echoed by Nick Appleyard, Head of Business Applications and Solutions at ESA, who noted, “We have a great partnership with the Italian Coast Guard, with port authorities, the maritime industry, and many individual companies who are building services as part of this immensely complicated interoperating system which is keeping global trade moving.”
Rita Rinaldo, Head of Projects and Studies Implementation Division for ESA and Mauro Cardone, Head of Navigation Sector at ASI introduced ESA and ASI programmes, with a focus on how BASS can support the development of space-enabled services in this sector. These include innovative and commercially sustainable services that use satellite navigation, Earth observation, and satellite communications to improve supply chain visibility, optimise transport routes, and support greener and more efficient operations..
Rita Rinaldo, Head of Projects and Studies Implementation Division for ESA presenting the BASS programme to attendees.
Two panel discussions brought together voices from across the logistics, maritime, and space sectors, highlighting the practical value of space-enabled innovation. The first set the tone for the day with insights into current challenges and opportunities in maritime and intermodal transport. The second explored how space technology is already helping companies improve operations, with speakers sharing concrete examples of how ESA support is enabling partnerships and accelerating innovation on the ground.
Pictured from left to right: Enrico Spinelli (ESA), Matteo Prantner (Italian Coast Guard), Edoardo D’Andrea (CONFITARMA), Sergio Prete (Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea), and Paola Cossu (ALICE and FIT Consulting).
Frederick Ronse, CEO of Ovinto, noted how ESA’s BASS programme provided not only funding but also crucial credibility during his pitch at the industry panel section of the workshop. This support from BASS secured them a collaboration with SNCF Groupe and validation through ESA. The session demonstrated how BASS is helping businesses turn ideas into real-world solutions by offering funding and technical support to European industry. During this session, Paul Rizos, Senior Business Analyst at UK based company Darwin Innovation Group, shared how their successful collaboration with BASS has enabled them to deploy their connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) service, which can help reduce road emissions within ports and harbours.
Pictured from left to right: Adriana G. Castriotta (ASI), Paolo Pagano (CNIT Laboratory at the Port of Livorno), Frederick Ronse (Ovinto), Paul Rizos (Darwin Innovation Group), Mirko Antonini (SpaceExe), Andrea Condotta (ALICE and Gruber Logistics), and Enrico Spinelli (ESA).
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Nick Appleyard, who offered a concise and uplifting summary. He emphasised the importance of collective action in building a better future, reminding participants that at the heart of every innovation are people, and that our shared responsibility to the planet must guide our efforts.
“What is really needed,” he noted, “is for all of these different systems and all of these different parts of industry to work together... to interoperate, and for the people responsible to cooperate with each other.”
His words left a lasting impression, energising participants to face the sector’s challenges with clarity, purpose and a renewed sense of collaboration. The event fostered new partnerships and underscored the value of space-enabled innovation in improving logistics and agreement that the sector is well-positioned for meaningful progress, driving smarter, more sustainable transport systems.
Pictured from left to right: Enrico Spinelli (ESA), Matteo Prantner (Italian Coast Guard), Commander Pierluigi Milella (Italian Coast Guard), Rita Rinaldo (ESA), and Paolo Pagano (CNIT Laboratory at the Port of Livorno).
Organisations interested in developing space-enabled solutions can submit proposals through ESA BASS’s generic Open Call for Proposals, which continuously accepts projects aimed at developing commercial services that utilise space technology. In addition, the Space for Intermodal Transport call is currently open for proposals focused on the development of sustainable space-based services and applications for intermodal transport.
Access all event presentations here