Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
This course prepares you to manage the cold chain for fish and seafood from the vessel or the farm to the consumer. You will learn temperature control, packaging, hygiene requirements and transport planning, along with traceability and quality control.
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.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course?
This short course prepares you to manage the cold chain for fish and seafood from the vessel or the farm to the consumer. It covers product deterioration, preservation on board, refrigeration, freezing and protective atmospheres, as well as transport, storage, temperature monitoring and the reduction of losses and of the energy footprint of seafood logistics.
The programme covers the whole logistics chain for seafood, from the vessel to the retail shelf, and builds on the scientific basis that explains why fish deteriorates. It applies technologies such as ice, brine, freezing, packaging and sensors, with the aim of reducing losses, waste and energy consumption, and it closes with a practical cold chain design case.
Programme highlights
- Understand the processes that cause fish and seafood to deteriorate.
- Apply good chilling practice on board.
- Compare refrigeration, freezing and packaging technologies.
- Control temperature with sensors and data records.
- Open up opportunities in logistics, distribution and the fishing industry.
- Ensure the product reaches the consumer with its quality intact.
Syllabus of the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Quality and Spoilage of Seafood Products
- 1.1. Composition of fish and shellfish
- 1.2. Rigor mortis and post-mortem changes
- 1.3. Microbiological and enzymatic spoilage
- 1.4. Lipid oxidation
- 1.5. Freshness assessment
Preservation on Board and at the Farm
- 2.1. Handling after capture
- 2.2. Ice and refrigerated seawater
- 2.3. Slaughter and chilling in aquaculture
- 2.4. Hygiene on board
- 2.5. Landing and first sale
Cold Technologies and Packaging
- 3.1. Chilling and superchilling
- 3.2. Freezing and deep freezing
- 3.3. Glazing and thawing
- 3.4. Modified atmosphere packaging
- 3.5. Shelf life and its estimation
Transport and Storage
- 4.1. Refrigerated road logistics
- 4.2. Maritime reefer containers
- 4.3. Air transport of fresh products
- 4.4. Cold stores
- 4.5. Temperature requirements and documentation
Monitoring and Efficiency
- 5.1. Temperature loggers and sensors
- 5.2. Time-temperature indicators
- 5.3. Energy efficiency and refrigerants
- 5.4. Food loss and waste
- 5.5. Case study: designing the cold chain for a seafood product
Duration and format of the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
It is 300 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.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
Career opportunities after the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
Questions about the Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course
Yes. Freezing on the vessel, glazing and correct thawing of the product are covered.
Yes. Reefer containers, air transport of fresh products and documentation are studied.
Yes. It includes slaughter, chilling and logistics of farmed products.
Yes. Loggers, sensors and indicators for controlling temperature throughout the chain are analysed.
You design the complete cold chain for a specific seafood product, from origin to point of sale.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 300 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
More programmes in Cargo and logistics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Background in food science and technology, logistics, engineering, marine sciences or a related field, or professional experience in the fishing, food or logistics sectors.
- Sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes; basic technical English is recommended.
- Computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions.
- Admission process: 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.