Future of logistics assets at the Immologistical Brunch

Logistics sector redefines its roadmap: real sustainability, useful automation and long-term vision

Barcelona, June 2025 – Last June, Baker McKenzie’s Barcelona offices hosted a key meeting for the logistics sector, bringing together investors, operators, legal experts and developers. The discussions, covered by Supply Chain, focused on how to respond strategically to the future of logistics assets: operational sustainability, automation in the face of talent shortages, and alignment with the European regulatory framework.

Operational sustainability: from discourse to profitability in the future of logistics assets

The discussion concluded that sustainability can no longer be approached merely as a reputational or ancillary issue; instead, it must be seen as a clear lever for efficiency and financial value. Moreover, it was stressed that the ability of assets to generate data, integrate PV solutions without affecting operations, and adapt to artificial intelligence will be key to attracting and retaining high-value tenants.

José Antonio Pérez (Baker McKenzie) pointed out that ‘traditional green clauses are no longer sufficient; we are now talking about dark green clauses, which require real contractual and structural sustainability’.

Automation in logistics centres in the face of talent shortages

One of the most widely shared challenges was the lack of manpower in key logistics areas such as Catalonia and Madrid. John Derweduwe (Heylen Warehouses) noted that ‘customers are no longer just looking for square metres; they are looking for solutions to real human capital problems’, emphasising automation as a strategic necessity rather than an optional innovation.

A broader investment vision: infrastructure, not just real state

Miguel Zornoza (Confluence) offered a reflection on the paradigm shift in logistics investment:

“Launching a satellite is expensive, but once it is in orbit, it is ready to operate for years. The same is true for a well-designed and automated logistics centre.

The idea underlines how logistics assets are no longer valued only for immediate profitability, but for their structural and regulatory readiness for the long term.

Construcción eficiente de naves logísticas

Legal framework and regulation: the key role of adaptation

The sector recognises the need to adapt contractual and planning frameworks to a more agile and predictable context. It was highlighted that operators and investors need legal tools to accompany the structural change of the sector, especially in terms of energy regulations, IA and green taxation.

About the event

Held at Baker McKenzie’s offices in Barcelona with the collaboration of Cadena de Suministro, this meeting brought together leaders from the logistics, legal and financial sectors to discuss the keys to the future of logistics assets. The event served as a real thermometer of where high-value logistics assets are headed in Europe.