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Short course · Cargo and logistics

Port Logistics Course

This course gives you a complete overview of operations and management within the port environment, the supply chain and transport. You will learn about cargo handling, terminal processes and the interfaces with rail and road, using key indicators to see where time and costs arise.

100% online300 hours5 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This course gives you a broad view of how operations are organised and managed within a port. It covers the supply chain, multimodal transport, warehouse and terminal management and customs documentation, with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing costs in port operations.

Key benefits: specialised knowledge of modern port operations; the practical ability to plan, organise and control port logistics; and the skills to identify and solve problems in order to increase operational efficiency.

Programme highlights

  • Supply chain: end-to-end management from the receipt of goods to their final distribution.
  • Legal framework: customs regulations, Incoterms and the key legal aspects of operating in a port.
  • Technology: trends in digitalisation, automation and traceability.
  • Port operations: planning, organisation and control of loading, unloading, storage and transport within the port.
  • Safety and sustainability: safe and environmentally responsible practices that reduce risk.
  • Complete, practical training to advance your career in the port sector.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Port Logistics, the Maritime Supply Chain and Port-Hinterland Operational Flow Design60 h
The role of the port in the global supply chain: nodes, corridors, hinterland and foreland, and types of logistics services. End-to-end processes: pre-arrival, arrival, stay, operation, clearance and departure, with documentary traceability. Physical and information flows: event synchronisation, hand-offs between actors and critical congestion points. Actors and responsibilities: shipping lines, terminals, agents, freight forwarders, customs, inspection bodies and land operators. Process design and KPIs: dwell and cycle times, throughput, productivity and service level.
02Terminal Operations and Cargo Handling: Containers, Bulk, Ro-Ro and General Cargo with a Productivity Focus60 h
Container terminal operations: berthing, STS cranes, yard, gates and intermodal transfer, with exception management. Yards and storage: stacking strategies, rehandles, operating density and resource balancing. Dry and liquid bulk: receipt, storage, process safety, cross-contamination and operational continuity. Ro-Ro: ramps, stowage, sequencing, damage control and peak demand management. General and project cargo: lifts, special equipment, manoeuvre planning and infrastructure limits.
03Berth Planning, Resource Scheduling and Capacity Management in Multi-Terminal, Multi-Mode Operations60 h
Quay and berth planning: time windows, prioritisation, compatibilities, draughts and operational restrictions. Equipment and staff scheduling: shifts, skills, dynamic allocation and saturation control. Gate and pre-gate management: appointments, queues, peak balancing, inspection control and anti-congestion strategies. Intermodal coordination: rail, truck and barge, synchronising cut-off times and yard availability. Capacity and resilience: capacity buffers, contingency plans, diversions and operating through disruptions.
04Documentation, Customs and Compliance: Integrated Management of Procedures, Risk and Traceability in Foreign Trade60 h
Transport and trade documentation: bills of lading, bookings, manifests, instructions and the documentary chain. Incoterms and logistics responsibilities: costs, risks, transfer points and their effect on port planning. Customs procedures: declarations, regimes, inspections, release authorisations and coordination with the authorities. Risk management and regulatory compliance: sanctions screening, traceability, audits and prevention of document fraud. Claims and incidents: damage, delays, liabilities and preservation of evidence.
05Sustainability, Safety and Integrative Port Logistics Project with the Design of a Complete Operational Solution60 h
Operational safety: the risks of each operation, manoeuvres, equipment, internal traffic and a preventive culture. Applied environmental management: emissions, dust and noise, spills, waste and evidence-based compliance control. Energy efficiency and decarbonisation: electrification, movement optimisation and reduction of unproductive time. Service quality: service level agreements, B2B customer experience, claims and indicator-driven improvement. Integrative project: a logistics diagnosis of a port or terminal covering flows, capacity, documents, technology and risks.

Duration and format

300hours in total
5modules of 60 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

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

What you will learn

  • Optimise the management of port warehouses.
  • Coordinate the flow of goods through the port.
  • Master ship loading and unloading processes.
  • Manage customs and port documentation.
  • Apply safety and risk prevention regulations in the port.
  • Supervise and control the receipt and dispatch of goods.

Career outcomes

  • Port operations coordinator.
  • Logistics and transport technician.
  • Foreign trade specialist.
  • Customs agent.
  • Port crane operator.
  • Stevedore.
  • Quality inspector.
  • Port administrative officer.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: vocational training in commerce and marketing, transport and logistics or a similar field, or demonstrable experience in port logistics.
  • Knowledge: basic notions of warehouse management, freight transport, customs legislation and port safety.
  • Documentation: an up-to-date CV, copies of qualifications or certificates, ID card or passport, and an optional letter of interest.
  • Desirable skills: teamwork, organisation, attention to detail, problem solving and the use of IT tools such as spreadsheets or logistics management software.

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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