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Master’s degree · Innovation and startupsMaster's in Digital Twins for Ships and Ports
This master's programme gives you command of the creation, management and analysis of digital twins applied to ships and terminals. You will work with sensor data, simulation models and interfaces with operational systems, with case studies showing the benefits in port and onboard operations.
100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This master's programme prepares you to lead the digital transformation of the maritime sector. You will learn to create, manage and analyse digital twins, virtual replicas that improve the design, operation and maintenance of vessels and port infrastructure. It covers 3D modelling, IoT sensors, data analytics and artificial intelligence, applied to real cases.
Its strengths are advanced simulation, predicting how ships and ports will behave under different operating conditions; supply chain optimisation, improving logistics efficiency and reducing operating costs; predictive maintenance, anticipating failures and extending asset life; innovative design, testing configurations and materials virtually; and an integrated vision that brings ship and port together in a single digital ecosystem.
Programme highlights
- Technology mastery: create and manage digital twins of ships and ports with current tools.
- Advanced simulation: run predictive simulations to optimise operations, reduce costs and improve safety.
- Real practical cases: work on projects applied to the maritime and port sector.
- Career boost: acquire highly sought-after skills to lead digital transformation.
- Application in industry: put your knowledge into practice in companies in the sector and contribute to their innovation.
Study plan
01Fundamentals of Digital Twins and Maritime Industry 4.0136 h
What digital twins are in the maritime and port sector, their types and architecture. The digital transformation of smart ports and connected ships, and the life cycle of the twin: design, construction, operation and decommissioning. Interoperability standards (OpenMETA, ISO 23247 and DNV/ABS rules), IoT infrastructure (vibration, inclination, pressure and flow sensors), real-time communications (industrial 5G, LoRaWAN, LEO satellite, MQTT and OPC UA), cloud and edge computing, cybersecurity in OT/IT environments, IMO regulation and its role in decarbonisation, and cost-benefit and return-on-investment analysis.
023D Modelling, CAD/CAM/CAE and Laser Scanning for Maritime Twins136 h
Geometry capture with LiDAR and photogrammetry, BIM modelling of port infrastructure (ISO 19650) and high-fidelity naval CAD modelling of hulls, superstructures, machinery and shaft lines. Converting static models into dynamic, interactive ones, and the use of real-time graphics engines (Unreal Engine, Unity and Omniverse). Parametric modelling of cranes and moorings, integration of GIS data and 3D bathymetry, mesh optimisation and levels of detail (LOD), augmented, mixed and virtual reality for inspection, and management of digital assets and component libraries.
03Digital Twin of the Ship: Structure, Hydrodynamics and Seakeeping136 h
Computational fluid dynamics for resistance calculation and seakeeping simulation (roll, pitch, yaw and irregular waves). Real-time structural monitoring (strain gauges, fatigue and hull bending), propulsion twins (engines, turbochargers, shafts and propellers) and auxiliary systems twins (boilers, purifiers, ballast and water treatment). Digital stability and trim management, alternative-energy ships (methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and wind-assisted propulsion), corrosion and biofouling wear, validation between towing tank tests and simulation, and certification of twins by classification societies.
04Digital Twin of Navigation Systems, Routes and Autonomous Ships (MASS)136 h
Integrating AIS, GNSS, radar, ARPA and ECDIS data into the navigation twin. Ocean route optimisation based on waves, wind and currents, and maritime autonomous surface ships with their IMO autonomy levels. Collision avoidance under COLREG, high-precision berthing simulation, critical failure analysis (FMEA), hardware-in-the-loop virtual testing for autopilots and dynamic positioning, ship-to-ship and ship-to-channel hydrodynamic interaction, shore-based remote control centres and dynamic calculation of the CII indicator.
05Digital Twin of Port Infrastructure and Terminal Operations136 h
Modelling breakwaters, quays, pontoons and anchorage areas, as well as wave agitation inside the harbour and resonance phenomena. Replicating cargo handling equipment (STS cranes, RTGs, reach stackers and AGVs) and the operation of container, bulk and Ro-Ro terminals. Analysing land access and its bottlenecks, real-time monitoring of fenders and moorings, berth allocation through simulation, the port's energy grid (smart grids, photovoltaics and shore power for ships) and the impact of climate change, such as sea level rise and extreme events.
06Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Prediction in Maritime Twins136 h
Large-scale real-time data ingestion from ships and port sensors (Kafka and Spark), and cleaning of telematic data (GNSS noise, missing data and anomalies). Predictive maintenance algorithms, estimating the remaining useful life of cranes, hulls and propulsion, and models of waiting times and congestion. Reinforcement learning for crane scheduling, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), spill detection with computer vision, MLOps to keep models up to date, and the creation of dashboards and predictive KPIs.
07Process Simulation, Logistics and the Port Supply Chain136 h
Discrete event simulation applied to port logistics with tools such as AnyLogic, FlexSim and Siemens Plant Simulation. Integrating the port twin with terminal operating systems (TOS) and port community systems (PCS), and simulating the intermodal chain (port, rail and road). The cold chain for reefer containers, repositioning of empty containers, queue modelling in access channels, bunkering with conventional and clean fuels (LNG and hydrogen), connection with ERP and customs, resilience testing against global disruptions and assessment of the terminal's carbon footprint.
08Digital Twin for Safety, Rescue and Emergency Management136 h
Simulating port emergencies such as fires, chemical leaks and explosions, and modelling the dispersion of pollutants and oil spills. Maritime search and rescue (drift simulation), evacuation of cruise ships and passenger terminals, and structural behaviour during storms. Response protocols for collisions or groundings, integration of AI-based video surveillance into the 3D model, training of emergency staff through immersive simulations, risk analysis (HAZOP) and business continuity plans after disasters.
09Digital Twin Platforms, Software Architecture and Integration136 h
Platforms such as Azure Digital Twins, AWS IoT TwinMaker and Bentley iTwin. Development of microservices and APIs (REST and GraphQL), integration of real-time physics engines (moorings, loads and quay impacts) and knowledge graphs linking ship, port and cargo. Maritime and port ontologies, interface design for command centres, data auditing with blockchain, hybrid deployments (on board and in the cloud), low-latency data synchronisation between ship and shore, and maintenance and change management in IT projects.
10Implementation, Cybersecurity and Return on Investment of Digital Twins136 h
The implementation roadmap, selection of platforms and suppliers, cybersecurity of the twin, data governance, standardisation and interoperability, organisational change management, user training, value indicators and return on investment. Includes a practical implementation case.
11Final Master's Project: Implementing a Maritime or Port Digital Twin136 h
You choose a real case involving a ship (propulsion, structure or routes) or a port (terminal, water or access). You define the system architecture, capture the 3D geometry or integrate the CAD/BIM model, configure the IoT layer, develop the simulation models, implement predictive or AI algorithms, integrate the result into a platform with its dashboard and validate its accuracy, response times and usability. You also prepare a technical report, an architecture manual and a feasibility plan, and present and defend the project before a panel with a real-time demonstration.
Duration and format
1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round
At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.
What you will learn
- Optimise predictive maintenance.
- Simulate maritime emergency scenarios.
- Assess the energy efficiency of maritime operations.
- Implement smart port management systems.
- Improve strategic decision-making.
- Develop predictive models of maritime behaviour.
Career outcomes
- Digital twin developer: creating and maintaining virtual replicas of ships and ports.
- Maritime simulation engineer: designing and running simulations to improve operations and safety.
- Maritime digital transformation consultant: advising companies on implementing digital twins.
- 3D modelling and visualisation specialist: building accurate models and interactive visualisations.
- Maritime data analyst: extracting valuable insight from the data generated by twins.
- Innovation project manager: leading the development and implementation of new technologies.
- Maritime technology researcher: developing new applications for digital twins.
- Port operations optimisation expert: improving the efficiency and safety of ports.
- Predictive maintenance specialist: predicting failures and optimising ship maintenance.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: degree in Naval Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Sciences or a related field, or accredited professional experience in the maritime and port sector.
- Language skills: technical English is recommended for working with digital twin software and documentation.
- Prior knowledge: notions of 3D modelling, programming, simulation or BIM are valued.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your degree, identity document or passport, and a letter of motivation.
- Technical requirements (online): a computer capable of running modelling and simulation software, a high-speed connection and, preferably, a dedicated graphics card. Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documentation.
How to enrol
Enrol online
Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.
Receive your access
We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.
Study at your pace
Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.
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