Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

Lead global maritime supply chains: port operations, fleet management, international trade, digitalisation and sustainability. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
Programme diagnosis

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.

Your diagnosis
6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.

About the programme

What is the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports?

This programme prepares you to lead the transformation of the sector. You will master port operations, international logistics and supply chain management from a global, strategic perspective, and gain the skills to optimise processes, implement innovative technologies and make informed decisions in a dynamic, competitive environment. It offers an integrated view of the maritime and port business, from fleet management and international trade to sustainability and regulation.

What sets it apart is its applied approach: real case studies, simulations and projects set in today's business environment, taught by sector experts, with networking opportunities and a flexible online or blended format. It is aimed at logistics and maritime transport professionals who want to lead and optimise global supply chains, from planning through to execution.

Programme typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Programme highlights

  • Practical approach: real case studies, simulations and applied projects.
  • Global vision: an international perspective on supply chains and ports.
  • Strategic specialisation: logistics management, process optimisation and digitalisation in the maritime and port sector.
  • Professional network: expert faculty from the sector and networking opportunities.
  • Leadership development: build the leadership, management and communication skills to lead teams and take strategic supply chain decisions.
  • Flexibility: online and blended formats that adapt to your own pace of life.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Global Maritime Supply Chain Strategy and International Trade

  • 1.1. Integration of maritime transport into global supply chains (GSCM)
  • 1.2. Global trade macroeconomics, cargo flows and major sea routes
  • 1.3. Supply chain reconfiguration: nearshoring, reshoring and regional chains
  • 1.4. Geopolitics of the seas: chokepoints, canals and global conflicts
  • 1.5. Demand models in the maritime supply chain: push, pull and just-in-time networks
  • 1.6. Global cargo types: containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk and project cargo
  • 1.7. Supply chain resilience and adaptability strategies in the face of disruptions
  • 1.8. Organisation of the maritime market: shipping lines, logistics operators, freight forwarders and authorities
  • 1.9. International trade regulations and non-tariff barriers
  • 1.10. Balanced scorecard and strategic performance metrics in the maritime supply chain
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Demand Planning, Inventory and Procurement in Maritime Environments

  • 2.1. Transport demand forecasting models and market fluctuations
  • 2.2. Global inventory management and safety stock at maritime and port nodes
  • 2.3. International sourcing strategies and selection of maritime suppliers
  • 2.4. Reducing the bullwhip effect through supply chain collaboration
  • 2.5. Procurement of ship stores, fleet spares and fuel (bunkering)
  • 2.6. Capacity requirements planning (CRP) for maritime routes and services
  • 2.7. Credit risk management, international payment methods and letters of credit
  • 2.8. Synchronising maritime sourcing with production and inland industry
  • 2.9. Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) models at logistics terminals
  • 2.10. Total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis in the international supply chain
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Shipping Operations and Strategic Fleet Management

  • 3.1. Architecture of shipping networks: direct services, hub and spoke, and transhipment
  • 3.2. Commercial and operational management of container transport (liner shipping)
  • 3.3. Strategic shipping alliances, consortia and vessel sharing agreements (VSA)
  • 3.4. Bulk market dynamics (tramp shipping) and voyage/time charters
  • 3.5. Planning and optimisation of vessel rotations, itineraries and port call times
  • 3.6. Management of empty container repositioning, balancing and turnover
  • 3.7. Ship economics: speed optimisation (slow steaming) and bunker consumption
  • 3.8. Operations of special vessel types: Ro-Ro, reefer and gas carriers
  • 3.9. Fleet cost structure: operational differences between CAPEX and OPEX
  • 3.10. Technical management, crewing and preventive maintenance of the commercial fleet
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Port Governance, Planning and Strategic Management

  • 4.1. Port governance models: Landlord, Tool, Service and Private Ports
  • 4.2. Port spatial planning, master plans and infrastructure development
  • 4.3. Role of the Port Authority in the competitiveness of the maritime supply chain
  • 4.4. Port concessions, tender specifications and public-private relations
  • 4.5. Integration of ports into trans-European and global transport corridors
  • 4.6. Port hinterland management: land accessibility, rail and inland waterways
  • 4.7. Regulation of port competition: intra-port and inter-port competition
  • 4.8. Assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impact of port activity
  • 4.9. Management of the port public domain and development of Logistics Activity Zones (ZAL)
  • 4.10. Port marketing strategies and attracting shipping lines
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Port Terminal Operations and the Sea-Land Interface

  • 5.1. Operations and layout design of container, bulk and multipurpose terminals
  • 5.2. Ship stowage planning (Baplie) and ship-to-shore (STS) crane allocation
  • 5.3. Berth allocation scheduling and management of nautical access
  • 5.4. Yard operations: storage, block allocation and equipment (RTG, RMG, straddle carrier)
  • 5.5. Land receipt and delivery interface: gate management and truck appointments
  • 5.6. Rail operations in the terminal: loading/unloading of trains and intermodal terminals
  • 5.7. Refrigerated cargo operations: reefer supervision, plugs and thermal monitoring
  • 5.8. Handling of dangerous goods in terminals (IMDG Code, APQ)
  • 5.9. Terminal performance indicators: vessel stay, moves per hour and dwell time
  • 5.10. Port terminal automation: autonomous vehicles (AGV) and automated cranes
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Intermodal Logistics, Dry Ports and Hinterland Connectivity

  • 6.1. The concept of synchromodality and intermodal transport in the supply chain
  • 6.2. Dry ports and air/land cargo centres as an extension of the port
  • 6.3. Rail-sea transport: rail motorways, block trains and gauge connectivity
  • 6.4. Short sea shipping and regional cabotage
  • 6.5. River navigation and inland waterways as logistics arteries of the port
  • 6.6. Last-mile road network infrastructure and heavy transport regulation
  • 6.7. Multimodal Transport Operators (MTO) and their role in the door-to-door chain
  • 6.8. Design of advanced logistics platforms and cargo consolidation centres
  • 6.9. Synchronisation of information and physical flows between the port and final destination
  • 6.10. Analysis of hinterland bottlenecks and decongestion plans
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Legal Framework, Customs and Documentation in the Maritime Chain

  • 7.1. International maritime transport contracts and issuance of the Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • 7.2. Carriage liability regimes: Hague-Visby, Hamburg and Rotterdam Rules
  • 7.3. Practical application of Incoterms in international sale and transport
  • 7.4. International customs regulation, Customs Code and port free zones
  • 7.5. Customs clearance procedures, inspections and special regimes (transit, warehousing)
  • 7.6. The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) in supply chain security
  • 7.7. Digital documentation in maritime transport: e-B/L, e-invoicing and single window
  • 7.8. Charterparties: critical clauses, demurrage and despatch
  • 7.9. Management of safety and pollution prevention conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL)
  • 7.10. Arbitration and resolution of maritime disputes in international forums
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Smart Ports, Digitalisation and Industry 4.0 Technologies in the Supply Chain

  • 8.1. Digital transformation of the port sector: the Smart Port concept
  • 8.2. Port Community Systems (PCS) and logistics data exchange networks
  • 8.3. Digital real-time visibility platforms (end-to-end tracking)
  • 8.4. Application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in container tracking and yard sensors
  • 8.5. Big Data and data analytics in optimising port calls and transport routes
  • 8.6. Artificial Intelligence and predictive algorithms for congestion and maintenance
  • 8.7. Digital twins applied to port and vessel simulation
  • 8.8. Blockchain technology in document traceability and smart contracts
  • 8.9. Drones and maritime autonomous vessels (MASS/USV) in inspection and logistics
  • 8.10. Cybersecurity in critical port infrastructure and in shipping SCADA/IT systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Green Ports in the Maritime Supply Chain

  • 9.1. IMO environmental regulations: decarbonisation strategy 2030/2050
  • 9.2. Energy efficiency indicators: EEXI, CII and energy efficiency management plans (SEEMP III)
  • 9.3. Impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime
  • 9.4. Assessment of alternative marine fuels: LNG, green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen
  • 9.5. Port electrification and clean shore power supply at berth (OPS / cold ironing)
  • 9.6. Green Ports strategies: circular economy, waste management and air quality
  • 9.7. Measurement and certification of the carbon footprint in the multimodal chain (ISO 14083)
  • 9.8. Zero-emission vessels and wind-assisted propulsion technologies
  • 9.9. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria in maritime and port finance
  • 9.10. Design of carbon-neutral supply chains
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Risk Management, Resilience and Continuity in the Maritime Supply Chain

  • 10.1. Global supply chain risks
  • 10.2. Disruptions: pandemics, conflicts and blockages
  • 10.3. Mapping of risks and vulnerabilities
  • 10.4. Resilience strategies
  • 10.5. Diversification of routes and suppliers
  • 10.6. Safety stocks
  • 10.7. Continuity plans
  • 10.8. Logistics chain insurance
  • 10.9. Resilience indicators
  • 10.10. Practical case of a logistics crisis
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project: Design and Integration of a Global Maritime-Port Supply Chain

  • 11.1. Problem statement, business case and definition of the project scope
  • 11.2. Analysis of the macroeconomic environment, sea routes and selection of key ports
  • 11.3. Logistics network design: selection of vessels, rotations, terminals and intermodal connections
  • 11.4. Operational planning of the port terminal and capacity estimation
  • 11.5. Integration of the technology infrastructure, PCS systems and digital visibility strategy
  • 11.6. Comprehensive financial model: estimation of CAPEX, OPEX, tariffs and profitability indicators
  • 11.7. Legal, customs and AEO compliance plan and risk management in the chain
  • 11.8. Sustainability strategy, carbon footprint calculation and decarbonisation plan
  • 11.9. Operational risk matrix, business continuity plan and contingencies
  • 11.10. Writing the executive document, presentation and oral defence before the academic panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesIng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsIng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaIng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraIng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

01Optimise the end-to-end management of the maritime supply chain
02Lead digital transformation in port logistics
03Manage risks in maritime and port operations effectively
04Develop strategies for environmental sustainability in the maritime logistics chain
05Design and manage innovative port infrastructure projects
06Master international maritime law and regulation
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

01Maritime Logistics Operations Director
02Port Logistics Manager
03Maritime Supply Chain Analyst
04Maritime and Port Logistics Consultant
05International Trade and Customs Specialist
06Projects Director in Shipping and Port Companies
07Maritime Terminal Manager
08Maritime Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Maritime Supply Chain and Global Ports

The management of the supply chain in the maritime and port sector.

Logistics and maritime transport professionals who want to lead and optimise global supply chains, from planning through to execution.

Online with live sessions, with a flexible schedule; a blended option is available through collaboration agreements.

Global strategy and international trade, demand and procurement planning, fleet operations, port governance, terminal operations, intermodal logistics, customs and legal framework, smart ports, sustainability and risk management.

Among others, Incoterms, the Hague-Visby, Hamburg and Rotterdam Rules, SOLAS, MARPOL, the IMDG Code, EEXI, CII, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and ISO 14083.

Yes, with a related degree or professional experience in the maritime, port or supply chain sector. The admission interview will confirm the fit.

No. The programme is studied entirely online and does not include work placements; Navalis Institute does not arrange internships or jobs.

Through real case studies, simulations and applied projects, culminating in a final project that is presented and defended orally.

Related programmes

More programmes in Cargo and logistics

View the whole area →

Professional diploma · 800 hProfessional Diploma in Fleet Management and Naval OperationsKSh 149,000 · View programme →Short course · 300 hCold Chain and Seafood Logistics CourseKSh 57,000 · View programme →Master’s degree · 1,500 hMaster's in Blockchain and Traceability in Maritime TradeKSh 464,000 · View programme →
Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: a bachelor's degree in business administration, industrial engineering, logistics, economics, law or a related field; or proven professional experience in the maritime and port sector or in supply chain management.
  • Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the programme; basic technical English is recommended.
  • Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone and a stable internet connection.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrolment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom KSh 87,600 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

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.

Enrol now

Consent
Scroll to Top