Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
Lead the transformation of ports into digital, automated, zero-emission hubs. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
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What is the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation?
The Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation prepares you to lead the transformation of ports into digital, automated, zero-emission hubs. You will study port digital platforms (Port Community Systems, the maritime single window, digital twins), terminal automation, shore power supply to ships at berth (OPS), renewable energy generation in the port, alternative fuel supply and decarbonisation planning.
It is a private online professional programme delivered by Navalis Institute that combines the digital transformation and the energy transition of the port in a single course and ends with an applied project. On completion you receive a private professional certificate from Navalis Institute.
Programme highlights
- Dual focus: Digital transformation and energy transition of the port in a single programme.
- European regulation: AFIR Regulation, FuelEU Maritime and the obligation to provide shore power at berth.
- Real technology: 5G, IoT, digital twins, automated terminals and logistics blockchain.
- Port energy: Microgrids, renewables, storage and hydrogen in the port.
- Applied project: A master plan for a smart, zero-emission port.
- Lead the change: Prepare to head strategic projects in port authorities and terminals.
Syllabus of the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
The Port of the Future: Trends and Strategy
- 1.1. Evolving role of ports in the logistics chain
- 1.2. The smart port concept
- 1.3. The green and zero-emission port concept
- 1.4. Port governance models
- 1.5. Competition between ports and attractiveness factors
- 1.6. Benchmark ports in innovation
- 1.7. The port community and its stakeholders
- 1.8. Port strategic planning
- 1.9. Performance indicators
- 1.10. European and international funding for innovation
Digital Platforms and Data Exchange
- 2.1. Port Community Systems (PCS)
- 2.2. European Maritime Single Window
- 2.3. Just-in-time arrival
- 2.4. Data standards: IMO FAL and DCSA
- 2.5. Interoperability between ports and shipping lines
- 2.6. APIs and open platforms
- 2.7. Blockchain and document traceability
- 2.8. Data governance and ownership
- 2.9. Cybersecurity of port platforms
- 2.10. Digitalisation success stories
IoT, Connectivity and Port Digital Twins
- 3.1. Private 5G networks in ports
- 3.2. IoT sensors in infrastructure and equipment
- 3.3. Real-time environmental monitoring
- 3.4. Digital twin of the port
- 3.5. Simulation of operations and capacity
- 3.6. Road and rail traffic management
- 3.7. Video analytics and artificial intelligence
- 3.8. Predictive maintenance of infrastructure
- 3.9. Data platforms and integration
- 3.10. Return on investment of digital projects
Terminal Automation
- 4.1. Terminal types and levels of automation
- 4.2. Automated gantry and yard cranes
- 4.3. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and straddle carriers
- 4.4. Terminal operating systems (TOS)
- 4.5. Automated gates and OCR recognition
- 4.6. AI-based planning optimisation
- 4.7. Safety in automated terminals
- 4.8. Labour relations and workforce transition
- 4.9. Costs and productivity
- 4.10. Automated terminal case studies
Shore Power Supply to Ships at Berth (OPS)
- 5.1. Ship emissions in port
- 5.2. Ship shore-connection technology
- 5.3. IEC/IEEE 80005 standards
- 5.4. Requirements by ship type: cruise ships, ferries and container ships
- 5.5. Grid connection and substations
- 5.6. Frequency and voltage conversion
- 5.7. Obligations under the AFIR Regulation and FuelEU Maritime
- 5.8. Tariff and business models
- 5.9. Ship retrofitting
- 5.10. Implemented projects and lessons learned
Renewable Energy and Port Energy Management
- 6.1. Port energy audit
- 6.2. Solar and wind power in port areas
- 6.3. Battery storage
- 6.4. Port microgrids
- 6.5. Electrification of equipment and vehicles
- 6.6. Port energy communities
- 6.7. Ports as offshore wind hubs
- 6.8. Renewable energy contracts
- 6.9. Energy management systems (ISO 50001)
- 6.10. Consumption monitoring and optimisation
Alternative Fuels and Hydrogen Hubs
- 7.1. Future demand for alternative fuels
- 7.2. LNG and bio-LNG supply infrastructure
- 7.3. Methanol storage and supply
- 7.4. Ammonia terminals
- 7.5. Port hydrogen hubs
- 7.6. Safety and facility planning
- 7.7. Fuels for port equipment and trucks
- 7.8. Green shipping corridors
- 7.9. Collaboration with the energy industry
- 7.10. Investment planning
Emissions Inventory and Decarbonisation Plans
- 8.1. Port emissions inventory methodologies
- 8.2. Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- 8.3. Air quality and health in port cities
- 8.4. Zero-emission targets
- 8.5. Reduction measures and their prioritisation
- 8.6. Environmental tariff incentives
- 8.7. Environmental indices for ships
- 8.8. Port environmental certifications
- 8.9. Reporting results
- 8.10. Monitoring and verification
Logistics, Intermodality and Port-City Relations
- 9.1. Rail connections and motorways of the sea
- 9.2. Inland terminals and dry ports
- 9.3. Truck appointment management
- 9.4. Urban logistics and last mile
- 9.5. Integrating the port into the city
- 9.6. Cruise and tourism management
- 9.7. Uses of port space
- 9.8. Public participation
- 9.9. Climate change resilience
- 9.10. Territorial planning
Project Management, Funding and Innovation
- 10.1. Managing port transformation projects
- 10.2. Public-private collaboration
- 10.3. European funds: CEF, Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund
- 10.4. Public procurement of innovation
- 10.5. Port startup ecosystems
- 10.6. Organisational change management
- 10.7. Training and new skills
- 10.8. Project evaluation
- 10.9. Risk management
- 10.10. Communication and leadership
Master's Final Project: Smart and Zero-Emission Port Master Plan
- 11.1. Diagnosis of the selected port
- 11.2. Analysis of the port community
- 11.3. Digital strategy and project prioritisation
- 11.4. Automation proposal
- 11.5. Shore power supply design
- 11.6. Energy and renewables plan
- 11.7. Emissions inventory and targets
- 11.8. Investment and funding plan
- 11.9. Timeline and monitoring indicators
- 11.10. Writing the report and defence before a panel
Duration and format of the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
It is 1,500 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.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. 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
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
Career opportunities after the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
Questions about the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
A port that uses data, connectivity and automation to be more efficient, safer and more sustainable, and that digitally coordinates its whole community.
Onshore Power Supply allows ships to switch off their auxiliary engines in port, reducing emissions and noise.
Yes. The AFIR Regulation, FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS are analysed for their impact on ports.
Yes. The strategic, economic and project management content is accessible to management profiles.
A complete master plan for a smart, zero-emission port, applied to a real port.
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 1500 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the calendar given to you at enrolment.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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 or qualification in Civil, Industrial, Electrical, Telecommunications or Computer Engineering, Nautical Science, Economics or Logistics; or proven professional experience in the port or logistics sector.
- Language: Sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes and materials; basic technical English is recommended, as much of the sector's regulation and documentation is published in English.
- Technical resources: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission: 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.