Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
A comprehensive, strategic view of modern port management: logistics, safety, sustainability and technology. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
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What is the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations?
The Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations gives you a comprehensive, strategic view of modern port management. Master the latest trends in logistics, safety, sustainability and technology applied to ports, and learn to optimise processes, manage risk and lead high-performing teams in a dynamic sector that is vital to global trade.
It is a private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate, combining real cases and simulations with content available 24/7. It is designed for port administrators and terminal managers who want to improve efficiency, cut costs and increase profitability.
Programme highlights
- Practical simulations: real cases and simulations to apply what you learn in a realistic setting.
- Integrated logistics management: in-depth work on supply chain coordination and strategic port planning.
- Technology and innovation: implement digital solutions and automation to improve port competitiveness.
- Regulation and compliance: keep up to date with the international laws and standards governing port operations.
- Safety and sustainability: apply practices for risk prevention and for developing sustainable port operations.
- Flexible schedule: online format with content available 24/7 so you can study at your own pace.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Operational Planning, Ship-Port Interface and Quay Productivity
- 1.1. Berth planning (Berth Allocation Problem - BAP) and allocation of quay resources
- 1.2. Quay crane scheduling (Quay Crane Scheduling Problem - QCSP) and optimisation of discharge/loading performance
- 1.3. Management of vessel time in port (Port Turnaround Time) and Just-In-Time (JIT) navigation strategies
- 1.4. Operational interface between the Chief Officer, the Harbour Master and the Terminal Superintendent
- 1.5. Key operational performance indicators (KPIs): crane output (Gangs/Hook Hours), dwell time and berth occupancy rate
- 1.6. Management of port congestion, berthing windows and handling of bad-weather contingencies
- 1.7. Coordination of technical-nautical services: pilotage, port towage (tug services) and mooring/unmooring
- 1.8. Quay productivity indicators
Yard Logistics, Storage and Landside Flow Management
- 2.1. Design and spatial layout of storage areas: container yards, bulk stockpiles and general cargo areas
- 2.2. Yard space allocation algorithms (Yard Allocation Problem) and minimisation of unproductive moves (rehandling)
- 2.3. Operation and selection of yard equipment: RTG and RMG cranes, straddle carriers, reach stackers and terminal tractors
- 2.4. Gate control and landside interface: Truck Appointment Systems (TAS) and gate management
- 2.5. Operations at refrigerated cargo terminals (reefer yards): electrical infrastructure, temperature monitoring and the cold chain
- 2.6. Management of dangerous goods yards (IMDG Code): zoning, containment bunds and segregation protocols
- 2.7. Integration with bonded warehouses, logistics activity zones and dry ports
- 2.8. Gate and truck appointment management
Automation, Smart Terminals and Emerging Technologies
- 3.1. Architecture of an automated port terminal: automated STS cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGV/AIV)
- 3.2. Terminal Operating Systems (TOS): architecture, data integration and optimisation modules
- 3.3. Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to forecasting cargo flows and transport waiting times
- 3.4. Private 5G networks and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applied to asset traceability and equipment telemetry
- 3.5. Port digital twins for simulating operational scenarios, capacity stress and maintenance
- 3.6. Computer vision and optical character recognition (OCR) at gates, cranes and inspection portals
- 3.7. Automation of the document flow: integration with the European Maritime Single Window (EMSW) and blockchain networks for e-B/L
- 3.8. Benchmark automated terminals
Advanced Operations in Specialised Terminals (Dry and Liquid Bulk)
- 4.1. Operational design of dry bulk terminals: conveyor systems, shiploaders and continuous unloaders
- 4.2. Stockpiling and blending of ore/coal: stackers and reclaimers
- 4.3. Liquid bulk and hydrocarbon terminals: single point moorings (SPM/CBM), loading arms and tank farms
- 4.4. Vapour transfer and control systems (Vapor Recovery Units - VRU) at chemical and oil terminals
- 4.5. Advanced operations at Ro-Ro and car carrier terminals: vehicle compound logistics, adjustable ramps and rolling cargo flows
- 4.6. Management of airborne dust pollution at bulk terminals (misting and suppression systems)
- 4.7. Maintaining operational depths: maintenance dredging, sediment management and precision bathymetry
- 4.8. Agricultural and mineral bulk terminals
Regulatory Framework, Customs Management and Port Trade Facilitation
- 5.1. Port governance and administration models: Landlord Port, Tool Port, Private Port and Service Port
- 5.2. Port concession regimes, tender specifications and tariff regulation of passenger and cargo services
- 5.3. Port customs procedures: clearance of goods, transit regimes, free zones and control of port premises
- 5.4. International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)
- 5.5. Access control, cybersecurity of critical port infrastructure and physical security/LPR audits
- 5.6. Port State Control (PSC) inspections and coordination with health, phytosanitary and border authorities
- 5.7. IMO rules and facilitation of international maritime traffic (FAL Convention 65)
- 5.8. Customs single window
Occupational Safety, Ergonomics and Port Risk Management
- 6.1. ILO regulatory framework on safety and health in port work (ILO Code of Practice)
- 6.2. Methodologies for hazard identification, risk assessment and determination of controls (IPERC) on quays and in yards
- 6.3. Ergonomics, prevention of operational fatigue and shift management for stevedoring gangs and crane operators
- 6.4. Safety in heavy and critical lifting operations: rigging plans, inspection of gear and safe working loads (SWL)
- 6.5. Prevention of struck-by incidents, falls from height and entrapment in people-machine interaction areas
- 6.6. Port Emergency Response Plans: fires on port premises, chemical spills, man overboard and evacuation
- 6.7. Continuous training, high-performance simulation and certification of job competencies for operational staff
- 6.8. Risk prevention in stevedoring
Environmental Sustainability, Eco-Ports and Energy Transition
- 7.1. The concept of eco-ports (green ports) and environmental performance indicators (PERS, ISO 14001)
- 7.2. Shore power (cold ironing / Onshore Power Supply - OPS) for connecting berthed ships
- 7.3. Strategies for reducing the port carbon footprint and decarbonising terminal equipment
- 7.4. Bunkering infrastructure for alternative fuels in port: LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen
- 7.5. Management of ship-generated waste (MARPOL Convention): port reception facilities (MARPOL Annexes I to VI)
- 7.6. Environmental impact control: port noise management, harbour water quality and marine biodiversity
- 7.7. Adapting port infrastructure to climate change: sea level rise and extreme weather events
- 7.8. Electrification of port equipment
Business Analytics, Port Finance and Capstone Project
- 8.1. Financial analysis of terminals: revenue structure (port call costs, cargo tariffs), OPEX, CAPEX and EBITDA
- 8.2. Data analysis models with Business Intelligence (BI) for operations management decision-making
- 8.3. Assessment of the port's socio-economic impact on its hinterland and foreland (input-output analysis)
- 8.4. Management of port-city community relations (port-city interface) and sustainable urban development
- 8.5. Financial risk management, liability insurance for terminal operators and penalty clauses
- 8.6. Balanced Scorecard applied to the strategic management of the port terminal
- 8.7. Presentation of the final project
- 8.8. Final project: operational redesign, automation plan, optimisation of cargo flows and financial/environmental feasibility analysis for a public or private port terminal
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
The maritime and port sector.
It is an online programme with live sessions and content available 24/7, so you can progress at your own pace.
It is for professionals with experience in the port sector who want to broaden or update their knowledge of advanced operations.
No. The programme is studied entirely online and does not include work placements; Navalis Institute does not arrange internships or jobs.
Among others, the ISPS Code, the FAL Convention 65, the IMDG Code, MARPOL Annexes I to VI, the ILO Code of Practice on safety in port work and the ISO 14001 standard.
Terminal operating systems (TOS), automated STS cranes and AGVs, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 5G and IoT, digital twins, computer vision and OCR, blockchain for e-B/L and business intelligence tools.
It involves the operational redesign of a public or private port terminal, with an automation plan, optimisation of cargo flows and a financial and environmental feasibility analysis. It completes the 800-hour programme.
Through practical cases and simulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, short tests and the final project.
More programmes in Ports and marinas
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: higher technical qualification in Transport and Logistics, a degree in Engineering or Business Administration, or demonstrable professional experience in the port sector (minimum 2 years); basic knowledge of logistics, international trade and maritime and port law; analytical skills, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection to follow the online content.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.