Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course

What is this programme?

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.

Study plan

Duration and format

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

• Understand how fish deteriorates.
• Apply preservation techniques on board.
• Select the right preservation technologies.
• Manage transport and storage.
• Monitor the cold chain.
• Reduce losses and environmental impact.

Career outcomes

• Cold chain logistics manager.
• Quality technician.
• Operations technician in cold stores and logistics platforms.
• On-board preservation adviser for fishing fleets and aquaculture farms.

Entry requirements

• 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.

How to enrol