Home/Programmes/Master’s degrees/Master's in Supply Chain and Blue Logistics

Master’s degree · Cargo and logistics

Master's in Supply Chain and Blue Logistics

This master's programme prepares you to lead the sustainable transformation of a maritime sector in constant evolution. You will work on network planning, emissions accounting and supplier management, including the digital tools of the supply chain.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's programme prepares you to lead the sustainable transformation of a maritime sector in constant evolution. It teaches you to optimise the flow of goods from production to the end consumer, reducing environmental impact and increasing efficiency. It offers an integrated view of port logistics, maritime transport, inventory management and the technologies of blue logistics.

What makes the programme different: a sustainable approach, with eco-efficient practices and carbon footprint reduction across the whole chain; digitalisation and automation, using IoT, blockchain and data analytics to optimise processes; risk management, identifying and mitigating risks in the maritime chain; and advanced port logistics, covering terminal management, flow optimisation and port security.

Programme highlights

  • Optimise the supply chain with the key strategies and technologies of efficient, sustainable blue logistics.
  • Specialise in the particular features of the maritime and port supply chain.
  • Apply sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact.
  • Use innovative software and methodologies to manage and optimise blue logistics.
  • Advance your career in the maritime sector, leading the way towards a more efficient and sustainable chain.

Study plan

01Integrated Optimisation of the Blue Supply Chain: Advanced Strategies and Innovative Technologies for Efficient Maritime Logistics136 h
Fundamentals, key components and the weight of the blue chain in global maritime trade. Advanced optimisation models: mathematical formulation, linear programming and heuristics for inventories and flows. Emerging technologies: IoT, big data and satellite tracking for traceability and real-time control. Risk management and resilience in the face of climate, geopolitical and operational risks. Design and evaluation of maritime routes with routing algorithms and port traffic simulation. TMS and WMS for port and intermodal environments. Port automation and autonomous vehicles: technical criteria, investment and return. Sustainability and the blue economy: eco-efficient practices and international regulation. Logistics KPIs: productivity, energy efficiency, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. Practical cases and software simulation for strategic decisions.
02Strategic and Sustainable Management of Port Logistics: Green Technologies and Risk Analysis136 h
Fundamentals of strategic port management: objectives, alignment with the blue chain and operational capabilities. Green technologies in infrastructure: renewable energy, electrification of equipment and environmental IoT sensors. Sustainable logistics processes: planning, emissions reduction and carbon footprint in terminals. Risk analysis: operational, climate and regulatory threats. Intelligent systems: integrated platforms, blockchain and big data for decision-making. Environmental regulations and good practice: MARPOL, ISO 14001 and green certifications. Intermodal collaboration between ports, shipping lines, land operators and authorities. Economic evaluation of sustainable projects: costs, return on investment and green finance. Resilience to disruption: climate adaptation, contingency and recovery plans. Case studies of leading ports worldwide.
03Innovation and Sustainability in the Advanced Management of the Maritime Chain and Port Logistics136 h
Introduction to maritime sustainability, key concepts and the circular economy. Disruptive technologies: IoT, blockchain, big data and advanced analytics. Emissions management: IMO regulation, MARPOL compliance, footprint reduction and green technologies in terminals. Renewable energy in maritime transport: hydrogen, biofuels and electrification. Automation and digitalisation: TOS systems, autonomous vehicles and robotics. Design of sustainable logistics networks: routes, loading, unloading and storage under ecological and economic criteria. Circular economy and waste management in ports and maritime chains. National and international policies and regulations: compliance, audit and certification. Environmental, social and economic sustainability indicators. Case studies of successful innovation and sustainability.
04Traceability and Intelligent Security in the Maritime Chain (Blockchain, Digital Twins and Cybersecurity)136 h
Fundamentals of maritime traceability and its operational benefits. Introduction to blockchain: distributed architecture, consensus, smart contracts and immutable records. Blockchain for cargo traceability: real-time tracking, document validation and fraud reduction. Digital twins: definition, parametric modelling and scenario simulation. Integration of digital twins with IoT and big data: predictive maintenance and performance. Cybersecurity in blue logistics: threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation in port and maritime systems. Security protocols: advanced encryption, key management and multi-factor authentication. Regulations and standards: IMO, ISO 28000, NIST and best practice. Emerging platforms: hybrid solutions, APIs and interoperability. Real cases of blockchain and digital twins in ports and operators, with ROI analysis.
05Design and Implementation of Intelligent Systems for the Dynamic and Resilient Management of the Blue Chain136 h
Fundamentals of the blue logistics chain and its maritime and coastal particularities. Intelligent systems: AI, machine learning and predictive algorithms. Dynamic models: simulation, optimisation and real-time adaptation. IoT and maritime sensors: monitoring of fleets, infrastructure and oceanographic conditions. Resilience: anticipating, mitigating and recovering from natural or human-caused disruptions. Automation and robotics in port and transport operations, with their technical challenges. Maritime and environmental risk management: forecasting extreme events and contingencies. Big data and analytics for sustainable inventories, routes and delivery times. Integrated platforms and blockchain for traceability, security and transparency. Practical cases of real implementation.
06Technological Innovation, Sustainability and Resilience in the Integrated Optimisation of the Blue Chain136 h
Fundamentals of innovation applied to the blue chain and disruptive trends. Advanced digitalisation: IoT, blockchain and big data for real-time traceability and optimisation. Cyber-physical systems and intelligent automation in maritime and port processes. Sustainable management under ESG criteria and environmental impact assessment. The blue circular economy: minimising waste and making use of aquatic resources. Energy optimisation: renewables and clean technologies for fleets and operations. Operational resilience: adaptive chains in the face of climate, geopolitical and health disruptions. Multimodal analysis and optimisation of sea and land routes under sustainability criteria. AI and predictive algorithms for risk management and preventive maintenance. Case studies and integrated simulations.
07Technological Innovation, Sustainability and Resilience in the Integrated Management of the Blue Chain136 h
Fundamentals of the blue chain in marine and coastal environments. Applied innovation: IoT, big data and blockchain for real-time visibility. Green logistics: emissions reduction, energy efficiency and the circular economy in maritime transport. Renewable energy in logistics operations for ports and fleets. Operational resilience to climate, geopolitical and technological risks. Predictive models and simulation for crisis management and rapid recovery. Sustainability and environmental responsibility regulations and certifications. Automation and robotics in storage and distribution in smart ports. Data analysis and machine learning for routes, costs and continuous improvement. Collaborative strategies and public-private partnerships.
08Predictive Analytics and Big Data for the Sustainable Optimisation of the Smart Maritime Chain136 h
Fundamentals of predictive analytics: statistical techniques and advanced methodologies. Big data in blue logistics: sources, acquisition, storage and management. Machine learning for demand forecasting and maritime route optimisation. IoT and smart sensors for monitoring vessels, cargo and environmental conditions. Sustainable algorithms for reducing emissions, energy consumption and environmental footprint. Integration of geospatial and meteorological data to anticipate risks. Data visualisation: interactive dashboards for strategic decisions. Risk management and resilience through predictive analytics. Practical cases in ports, terminals and multimodal logistics. Compliance and ethics in data processing: privacy and security.
09Innovation, Sustainability and Resilience in the Strategic Management of the Global Maritime Chain136 h
Advanced innovation: disruptive trends, emerging technologies and global competitiveness. Sustainability models: carbon footprint, circular economy and environmental regulation. Resilient logistics networks: risk analysis, contingencies and mitigation. IoT and big data for real-time visibility and automation. Blockchain for transparency, traceability and security in transport and storage. Climate impacts: adaptation and operational resilience policies. Partnerships and collaborative strategies in multimodal networks. Strategic optimisation of inventory and transport under sustainability criteria. ISO 28000 and TAPA standards for security and continuity. Practical cases and integrative projects.
10Decarbonisation and the Circular Economy in Blue Logistics136 h
The carbon footprint of the maritime logistics chain. GLEC and ISO 14083 methodologies. Alternative fuels in transport. Green shipping corridors. Reverse logistics and recycling. Sustainable packaging. Green procurement and supplier management. Sustainability reporting (CSRD). Environmental logistics certifications. A decarbonisation roadmap.
11Final Master's Project: Designing Sustainable and Innovative Management Models for the Blue Chain136 h
Fundamentals of the blue chain and how it differs from traditional chains. Design and modelling of sustainable systems: renewables, carbon footprint and the circular economy. Innovation in maritime and land management with IoT, blockchain and big data. Methodologies for environmental and social risk analysis. Multi-sector collaboration for responsible logistics models. Regulations and standards: IMO, ISO 14001 and the GLEC Framework. Quantitative tools and sustainable KPIs specific to the blue chain. Route optimisation under environmental criteria through simulation. Contingency plans for environmental emergencies and marine disasters. Presentation, defence and overall assessment of the final project.

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 maritime logistics processes.
  • Implement sustainability strategies in the maritime chain.
  • Manage shipping fleets and port operations efficiently.
  • Lead the digital transformation of blue logistics.
  • Develop innovative business models in the blue economy.
  • Design efficient coastal distribution strategies.

Career outcomes

  • Blue supply chain manager: optimisation of sustainable processes in the maritime and port sector.
  • Blue logistics consultant: advice on sustainability and efficiency strategies.
  • Blue logistics data analyst: collection and analysis of data for strategic decisions.
  • Innovation project manager in blue logistics: projects that improve efficiency and sustainability.
  • Sustainable maritime transport specialist: transport management focused on sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
  • Director of logistics operations in the maritime sector: planning and control in shipping companies, ports or maritime services.
  • Head of purchasing and procurement in the maritime sector: management of the goods and services needed for operations.
  • Entrepreneur in blue logistics: creating companies or start-ups with innovative, sustainable solutions.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Economics or a related field, or accredited professional experience in logistics, operations or the supply chain.
  • Knowledge: basic notions of logistics, operations and supply chain management. Familiarity with sustainability and the blue economy is valued.
  • Language skills: English at B2 level is recommended for technical materials and international forums.
  • Documentation: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your degree, academic transcript (if applicable), ID card or passport and a motivation letter.
  • Technical requirements: a device with camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, document software and the ability to take part in video conferences.

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.

More programmes in Cargo and logistics

See the whole area →

Short courseCargo and logistics

Cold Chain and Seafood Logistics Course

This course prepares you to manage the cold chain for fish and seafood from the vessel or the farm to the consumer. You will learn temperature control, packaging, hygi…

100% online300 hours5 modules
$395View programme →
Professional diplomaCargo and logistics

Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers

This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of global logistics and efficient supply chain management. You will work with container trades, mode…

100% online800 hours8 modules
$1,010View programme →
Short courseCargo and logistics

Container Handling and Stowage Course

This course gives you the essential tools to optimise efficiency and safety in cargo management. You will learn container handling, stowage planning, weight distributi…

100% online300 hours5 modules
$385View programme →
Scroll to Top