Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
This professional diploma gives you a complete and practical view of modern port administration and operational efficiency. You will work on organisational models, concessions, tariff structures and operational performance, along with the interaction between authorities, customs and terminal operators.
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 Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities?
This professional diploma gives you a complete and practical view of modern port administration. You will learn to improve operational efficiency, manage safety, security and regulatory compliance, and lead the digital transformation of the sector. The programme also covers the key strategies of strategic planning, infrastructure development and stakeholder management, with the aim of driving the sustainable growth of ports and port authorities.
What sets the programme apart: a practical approach, with real case studies and tools you can apply to day-to-day management; an integrated view, with modules on port finance, operations, legislation and sustainability; skills development, strengthening decision-making and strategic leadership; and flexibility, with an online format that adapts to your schedule and needs.
Programme highlights
- A strategic view of port management and its current challenges.
- Study of national and international port regulations.
- Improvement of logistics, security and operational performance.
- Application of sustainability and social responsibility practices.
- Leadership development to run teams and projects.
- Preparation to advance professionally and contribute to more efficient, sustainable ports.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Governance, Legal Framework and Port Management Models
- 1.1. Port administration models: Service Port, Tool Port, Landlord Port and Private Port
- 1.2. Functions, powers and regulatory role of the Port Authority in the global economy
- 1.3. Concessions, licences and terminalisation: legal and contractual aspects and tender specifications
- 1.4. Maritime and international regulations applicable to port management (IMO, UNCTAD, World Bank)
- 1.5. Port tariffs, concession fees, infrastructure costs and economic-financial regime
- 1.6. Competition policies, free competition and regulation of monopolies in the provision of port services
- 1.7. Public-private partnerships (PPP) in the financing and development of port infrastructure
- 1.8. Port authorities and their organisation
Port Planning, Design and Infrastructure
- 2.1. Strategic port planning: Master Plans, Port Space Utilisation Plans (PUEP) and Service Zone
- 2.2. Design of maritime works: breakwaters, access channels, basins, quays, dolphins and anchorage areas
- 2.3. Capital and maintenance dredging: techniques, sediment management and environmental permits
- 2.4. Sizing of marine terminals according to cargo type: containers, dry/liquid bulk, RORO and passengers
- 2.5. Port traffic capacity, level of service and maritime and land congestion indicators
- 2.6. Land accessibility and intermodal connectivity: road and rail access, logistics platforms and dry ports
- 2.7. Adapting the port to the increasing length and draught of new generations of ships (Megaships)
- 2.8. Infrastructure master plan
Port Operations and Cargo Terminals
- 3.1. Ship operations in port: ATS manoeuvres (Ats, Towage, Pilotage and Mooring) and berth allocation (Berth Allocation)
- 3.2. Container terminal management: quay equipment (STS), yard equipment (RTG, RMG, Straddle Carriers) and gate-in/gate-out flows (Gates)
- 3.3. Liquid and dry bulk operations: conveyor belt systems, pipelines, storage in silos and tanks
- 3.4. RORO and PCTC operations: vehicle logistics, loading ramps and pre-boarding areas
- 3.5. Stowage, unloading, lashing and handling of dangerous goods (IMDG Code) within the port area
- 3.6. Key operational performance indicators (KPIs): crane productivity, average ship stay (turnaround time) and yard turnover
- 3.7. Maintenance and upkeep of port infrastructure, superstructure and machinery
- 3.8. Operational performance indicators
Intermodal Logistics Chain, Logistics Activity Zones (ZAL) and Hinterland
- 4.1. Integration of the port into the global supply chain and the concept of Synchromodality
- 4.2. Delimitation and development strategy for the Hinterland (area of influence) and Foreland (maritime routes)
- 4.3. Logistics Activity Zones (ZAL) and customs warehouse areas: design, services and added value
- 4.4. Port rail transport: intermodal rail-port terminals and rail motorways
- 4.5. Port logistics operators: shipping agents, stevedores, customs agents, freight forwarders and marine service providers
- 4.6. Foreign Trade Single Windows (VUCE) and integration of import/export documentary procedures
- 4.7. Multimodal transport corridors and their impact on port competitiveness
- 4.8. Dry ports and rail connections
Digitalisation, Smart Port and Automation
- 5.1. Digital transformation in the port sector: roadmap for conversion to a Smart Port
- 5.2. Port Information Systems (PCS - Port Community System) and their technological architecture
- 5.3. Terminal automation: automated cranes (A-RMG), automated guided vehicles (AGV) and smart gates (OCR/RFID)
- 5.4. Use of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for process optimisation and traffic forecasting
- 5.5. Digital Twins applied to asset management and real-time operational simulations
- 5.6. Cybersecurity in critical port infrastructure and response protocols for technological incidents
- 5.7. Automation of port maritime traffic through advanced VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) systems
- 5.8. Single window and port community
Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Green Port
- 6.1. Environmental sustainability strategies and impact indicators in ports
- 6.2. Quay electrification (Shore Power / Cold Ironing / OPS) and air quality in port cities
- 6.3. Alternative fuel bunkering in port: LNG, green methanol, hydrogen and ammonia
- 6.4. Management of ship-generated waste (MARPOL Convention) and port reception and treatment facilities
- 6.5. Environmental monitoring: control of noise, water pollution, particulate matter and the port carbon footprint
- 6.6. Integration of renewable energy in the port area: offshore/onshore wind, solar photovoltaic and tidal
- 6.7. Port-City relationship: urban integration, waterfront regeneration (waterfronts) and community impact management
- 6.8. Shore-side electricity supply to ships in port
Port Safety, Maritime Security and Risk Management
- 7.1. The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)
- 7.2. Security risk assessment, port facility security plans (PFSP) and port facility security officer (PFSO)
- 7.3. Access control, non-intrusive inspection (container scanners), cargo traceability and perimeter surveillance
- 7.4. Occupational health and safety in port operations: prevention of occupational risks and labour inspections
- 7.5. Emergency management, contingency plans, drills and response to accidental spills or fires
- 7.6. Coordination of security with national law enforcement agencies, customs and coastguard
- 7.7. Management of financial, operational and reputational risk in port administration
- 7.8. Port security plan
Strategic Port Management and Capstone Project
- 8.1. Formulation of strategic plans, balanced scorecard (BSC) and management indicators for port authorities
- 8.2. Port marketing, corporate diplomacy and attracting shipping lines and private investment
- 8.3. Economic-financial analysis of investment projects in port infrastructure and superstructure
- 8.4. Global trends in the maritime industry: alliances between shipping lines, vertical integration and their impact on ports
- 8.5. Port resilience to disruptive events (climate change, pandemics, geopolitical crises)
- 8.6. Leadership, human talent management and collective bargaining in the port sector
- 8.7. Presentation of the capstone project
- 8.8. Capstone project: preparation of a Strategic Development Plan or Operational Redesign for a Port or Port Terminal
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
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.
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 Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities
The management and administration of ports, including their operations, infrastructure, logistics, security, legal aspects and relations with port authorities.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/placement periods through partnership agreements.
Both.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
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: a degree in administration, economics, law, engineering or another management-related field, or accredited professional experience in the port or logistics sector.
- Valued knowledge: international trade, maritime and port legislation, logistics, project management and finance.
- Documents: up-to-date CV, degree certificate where applicable, identity document or passport, and a motivation letter.
- Other skills: analysis, problem solving, communication, negotiation, teamwork and results orientation.
- 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.