Yolanda Calvo (Barcelona, 1974) has built her career by connecting cultures and global business for more than 25 years. Since 2017, as Business Development Manager, she has brought that international perspective –shaped between Europe, the Americas and Oceania– to JCV Shipping, a maritime freight forwarding company founded over 30 years ago… in Zaragoza.

Today, from BlueTechPort, the blue innovation hub of the Port of Barcelona located at Pier01, Yolanda supports companies from different sectors in their international growth through maritime transport.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

YC: To connect companies with their international clients through maritime transport, building solid relationships based on trust, innovation and results, always with a long-term vision.

TB: What stage is it in, and where do you see it in two years?

YC: After more than 30 years, JCV continues to connect people, projects and opportunities across the sea. In 2028, JCV will expand from the Moll de Sant Bertran, driving a new phase marked by sustainability, innovation and maritime consulting.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

YC: For example, the Customer Day: we open JCV’s doors to listen, learn and grow alongside those who trust us. They tell us why they choose us and what challenges they foresee, while we show them our facilities, the depot and the rail siding that links Zaragoza with the Port of Barcelona.

TB: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

YC: Adapting to a volatile and constantly changing sector, when I was used to one with a high level of planning and an engineering mindset.

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

YC: Give the best of yourself, but remember that some things are not up to you.

TB: A role model.

YC: Mr. Navarro, international director, for his support, for trusting me and for giving me the opportunity to open the German market.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

YC: A technology that will undoubtedly shape the future is applied artificial intelligence—not only as a tool, but as a transversal technology that will transform the way we work, make decisions and interact.

In logistics and maritime transport, its impact will be enormous: demand and route forecasting to optimize costs and emissions; intelligent automation of operational and documentary tasks; advanced data analytics for faster, more accurate decision-making; and personalized customer experience, with proactive tracking and real-time communication.

Applied AI in maritime logistics will be the helm guiding the supply chain toward greater efficiency, sustainability and connectivity.

TB: A startup or company.

YC: Freightos.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

YC: Walk in the sun, spend time in nature and exercise.

TB: A book to recommend.

YC: Diagonal Manhattan, by Xavier Bosch.

TB: A series, film or song that reflects your current moment in life.

YC: The series Modern Love.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

YC: Tomato, mozzarella and arugula salad. As for a restaurant: Yamadori, in Barcelona.

TB: A place in the world.

YC: Sierra de Guara.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

YC: In a care and wellness center.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

YC: Tech Barcelona represents a gateway to Barcelona’s technology ecosystem, a commitment to innovation and an environment where we can strengthen our impact in digital transformation, sustainability and maritime logistics.