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Master’s degree · Ports and marinasMaster's in International Port Management
This master's programme gives you a complete view of port operations and terminal management in global trade. You will work on capacity planning, concession models, key indicators and investment appraisal, including digitalisation and sustainability in ports.
100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This master's degree prepares you to lead in a key sector of global trade. It offers a complete view of port operations, logistics, finance and international regulation, and develops the strategy, innovation and sustainability skills needed for the challenges of the port sector's future. It is advanced training with a practical, global approach, built on real case studies.
What sets this master's degree apart: a global approach, analysing the dynamics of the world's major ports and their impact on international trade; practical experience, through simulations and real projects; leadership development, strengthening management, negotiation and decision-making; and sustainability and technology, learning to implement innovative, sustainable solutions in port management.
Programme highlights
- Global vision: master the end-to-end management of international ports, from operations to strategy.
- Learn from the world's major ports: content built on how the leading ports operate.
- Practical cases: apply what you learn through simulations and real success stories.
- Professional development: a springboard to leadership positions in the international port sector.
- Specialisation: the goal is to become a reference in port management at global level.
Study plan
01Strategic Optimisation of Port Operations and Integrated Multimodal Logistics136 h
Fundamentals of port management: organisational structure, port types and the actors in the logistics chain. Strategic design and planning: SWOT analysis applied to ports, capacity diagnosis and predictive demand models. Process optimisation: Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to maximise efficiency and reduce turnaround times. Multimodal logistics: coordination of land, sea and rail transport to improve the flow of goods. Infrastructure management: predictive maintenance and modernisation of terminals and storage areas. Technology systems: terminal operating systems (TOS), automation and digitalisation. Maritime traffic: berth planning, anchorage control and congestion mitigation. Sustainable supply chain: green practices, emission reduction and environmental certifications. Financial analysis: key performance indicators (KPIs), cost management and investment models. Regulatory framework: international compliance, port security (ISPS), trade agreements and logistics treaties.
02Technological Innovation and Sustainability for Competitiveness in Global Ports136 h
Innovative infrastructure: modular design, smart materials and sustainable construction. Digitalisation: IoT, big data and integrated port management systems (PMS). Automation and robotics: autonomous cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and inspection drones. Smart ports: artificial intelligence to optimise logistics, predictive management and preventive maintenance. Environmental sustainability: emission mitigation, waste management and adaptation to IMO and MARPOL regulations. Energy management: renewable energy, efficiency and advanced storage systems. Circular economy: reuse of materials, integrated waste management and reduction of the ecological footprint. Blockchain for traceability and transparency in the logistics chain. Climate risks: vulnerability analysis and resilience plans. International innovation regulations and standards: compliance and key certifications.
03Advanced Strategies for Integrated Optimisation and Sustainable Innovation in International Port Management136 h
Advanced strategic analysis: situational diagnosis, extended SWOT and multi-criteria evaluation. Integrated management systems: ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 and their impact on efficiency and sustainability. Innovation in automation: IoT, digital twins and blockchain for traceability. Reducing the environmental footprint: life-cycle assessment (LCA), emissions management and renewable energy. Optimisation of the maritime chain: flow planning and control, modal integration and inventory management. Talent and leadership: management skills, change management and an innovation-oriented culture. Legal framework and public policy: comparison of international regulations, IMO conventions and governance. Big data and predictive analytics for traffic and operations decisions. Infrastructure risk management: identification, mitigation and business continuity plans for critical events. Sustainable innovation projects: agile methodologies, cost-benefit analysis and stakeholder engagement.
04Integrated Management of Ports and Terminals: Infrastructure Planning, Traffic Operations, Port Technology and Maritime Safety136 h
Fundamentals of integrated management: a systemic, multidisciplinary approach to the administration of ports and terminals. Infrastructure planning: analysis of demand, capacity, environmental impact and sustainability criteria. Terminal design: zoning, logistics flows and handling of general cargo, containers and bulk. Advanced technologies: automation, digitalisation, TOS and artificial intelligence. Maritime and river traffic: coordination, VTS systems, communication protocols and traffic control. Maritime and port security: ISPS regulations, prevention, incident management and emergency protocols. Critical infrastructure and resilience: vulnerabilities, natural, technical and human risks, and contingency plans. Intermodal integration: coordination with rail networks, roads and distribution. Economic and financial evaluation: cost-benefit, public-private financing and tariff and concession models. International and local regulatory framework: IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL and applied national port legislation.
05Strategic Planning and Efficient Management of Integrated Port Logistics Chains with Technological Innovation136 h
Fundamentals of strategic planning: vision, mission, situational analysis and short-, medium- and long-term objectives. Methodologies for integrated chains: flow optimisation, intermodal synchronisation and reduction of transit times. Simulation models to evaluate scenarios under uncertainty and variable demand. Geographic information systems (GIS) for managing space, access and operating areas. Technology integration: digitalisation, IoT, blockchain and collaborative platforms. Big data and advanced analytics: trend forecasting, inventory control and continuous improvement. Terminal automation: cranes, autonomous vehicles and smart storage. Management of maritime and land traffic with real-time tracking to reduce congestion and improve safety. Sustainability and resilience standards and good practice: ISO 28000, the environment and corporate social responsibility. Economic evaluation of logistics innovation projects: costs, return on investment and risk mitigation.
06Technological Innovation, Sustainability and Competitiveness Strategies in the Management and Operation of Global Ports136 h
Infrastructure innovation: modular design, automation and integrated digitalisation. Environmental sustainability: waste management, emission reduction and green technologies. Energy optimisation: renewables, energy management systems and smart grids. Global competitiveness: comparative analysis of port models and sustainable advantages. Port information systems (PIS): big data, IoT and blockchain for traceability and security. Smart traffic management: control and planning to minimise congestion and idle time. Standards and regulations: ISO 28000, the ISPS Code and sustainability certifications. Advanced logistics models: chain optimisation, multimodality and smart warehouses. Economic and financial analysis of innovation and sustainability: investment and social and economic return. Change management and continuous training: digital and cultural skills for the workforce.
07Technological Innovation, Sustainability and Integrated Strategies for Competitiveness in International Port Management136 h
Fundamentals of port innovation: disruptive advances and digital transformation. Emerging technologies: IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and automation. Control and monitoring systems: sensors, drones, digital twins and blockchain. Environmental sustainability: green policies, emission reduction and renewable energy. Waste and resource management: solid and liquid waste and water treatment. Environmental regulations and certifications: compliance, audits and continuous improvement. Integrated competitiveness strategies: value chain analysis, alliances and collaborative models. Data-driven planning: performance indicators, critical KPIs and advanced analytics. Risk management and resilience: technological, climate and operational risks. Case studies and international benchmarking of ports leading in innovation and sustainability.
08Advanced Logistics and the Port Supply Chain: Multimodal Integration and Optimisation of International Trade Flows136 h
Fundamentals of port logistics: key concepts, historical evolution and impact on trade. Supply chain design: logistics networks, actors and flows of materials and data. Multimodal integration: coordination between sea, rail, road and air transport. Advanced management systems: IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain. Operations planning: simulation models, optimisation algorithms and real-time resources. Inventories and warehouses: cost reduction, faster response times and traceability. International trade flows: efficiency in the receipt, storage and dispatch of cargo. International regulation: customs framework, security and compliance. Sustainability and social responsibility in the chain: environmental management, emissions and green practices. Case studies and global benchmarking of the major ports and their best practices.
09Technological Innovation, Sustainability and Integrated Strategies for Competitiveness in the Management and Operation of Global Ports136 h
Principles of port technological innovation: evolution, trends and future outlook. Advanced digital systems: IoT, big data and artificial intelligence in operational optimisation. Automation and robotisation: smart cranes, autonomous vehicles and automated cargo platforms. Sustainability models: mitigation of environmental impact, energy efficiency and waste management. Environmental certifications and regulations and their integration into corporate strategy. Integrated strategies: public-private partnerships, stakeholder management and logistics clusters. Supply chain optimisation: traceability, digital twins and blockchain. Resilience planning: risk management, contingencies for natural and geopolitical disasters, and operational continuity. Economic and financial analysis of investments in green and digital technologies: return on investment. Case studies of leading ports: benchmarking and lessons learned.
10Port Governance, Regulation and Institutional Relations136 h
Port governance models: landlord, tool and service ports. Port authorities and their organisation. Concession and fee regimes. European regulation of port services. Competition between ports. Port-city relations. Strategic port planning. Institutional communication and stakeholders. Ports and regional development. International benchmarking of ports.
11Final Master's Project in International Port Management: Development of an Integrated Model of Planning, Technological Innovation and Sustainability for Global Competitiveness136 h
Strategic planning: multi-criteria analysis, future scenarios and decisions under uncertainty. Integrated management models: interdepartmental coordination, process evaluation and alignment with corporate objectives. Innovation in international ports: terminal automation, digital platforms and IoT systems for real-time monitoring. Artificial intelligence and big data: architecture and deployment for operational optimisation and demand forecasting. Sustainability in infrastructure: emissions management, waste reduction and adaptation to climate change. Regulations and certifications: MARPOL, ISO 14001 and corporate social responsibility. Global competitiveness: benchmarking, differentiation strategies and international alliances. Integration with global logistics chains: synchronisation of operations, traceability and risk management. Economic and financial evaluation: investment modelling, profitability and innovative sources of funding. Developing the final project: preparation, structuring and presentation of an integrated model for improving port competitiveness.
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 the operational efficiency of a port.
- Develop sustainable port expansion strategies.
- Manage port security and regulatory compliance effectively.
- Lead innovation and digital transformation in port management.
- Provide strategic direction for the financial and economic management of an international port.
- Negotiate and manage international agreements in the port sector.
Career outcomes
- Port terminal manager: plans and optimises operations, coordinates resources and improves efficiency.
- Port logistics specialist: optimises the supply chain and the flow of goods, and designs logistics strategies.
- International trade consultant: advises on imports and exports, analyses markets and designs internationalisation strategies.
- Customs and foreign trade manager: handles customs procedures, ensures regulatory compliance and optimises processes.
- Port operations director: oversees all operations, manages staff and drives continuous improvement.
- Port security risk analyst: assesses risks, prepares security plans and coordinates with authorities and security forces.
- Port business development specialist: identifies opportunities, designs expansion strategies and manages customer relationships.
- Port project manager: plans and delivers infrastructure projects, manages budgets and coordinates teams.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: a degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering (Civil or Industrial), Law or a related qualification. Accredited professional experience in the port or logistics sector is also accepted.
- Language skills: English at B2 level (CEFR) or equivalent; other languages are an advantage.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your degree, academic transcript, national ID or passport, and a motivation letter.
- Technical requirements for online study: a computer with camera and microphone, a broadband connection and up-to-date video conferencing software.
- Admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation; if the requirements are not met, the full amount is refunded. An admission interview confirms the candidate's fit.
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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