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Professional diploma · Cargo and logistics

Professional Diploma in Container and Bulk Transport

This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of logistics and operations in maritime trade. You will work with container trades, bulk cargoes, chartering and terminal operations, including cargo handling, documents and key indicators.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of logistics and operations in maritime trade, with content on ship types, stowage and lashing, international regulations and supply chain management for containerised and bulk cargo. It also addresses route optimisation and compliance with environmental regulations.

What makes it different: real practical cases, software tools for cargo planning and control, and a flexible online format with multimedia resources and forums.

Programme highlights

  • A complete view of container and bulk transport, from global logistics to international regulation.
  • Supply chain optimisation to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
  • Practical cases and simulations of complex situations to support decision-making in dynamic environments.
  • A practical, global approach to leading the future of cargo transport.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Container and Bulk Shipping100 h
Liner and tramp markets, ship types, contracts of carriage, freight indices, the regulatory framework (SOLAS, MARPOL, IMSBC, CSS, CSC), operating costs and trends in ship design.
02Logistics, Infrastructure and Liner Operations in Containers100 h
Container standards and types, terminal operations, bay planning, empty container management, shipping alliances, the cold chain and intermodal integration.
03Dry Bulk Operations and the IMSBC Code100 h
Cargo groups, liquefaction risks and chemical hazards, loading and discharging machinery, trimming, high-risk cargoes and hold preparation.
04Liquid Bulk Operations on Tankers100 h
Oil, chemical and gas tankers, inert gas systems, tank cleaning, ship-to-ship transfers, tank gauging and loss control.
05Stability, Structural Stresses and Safety on Board100 h
Initial stability, bending and shear forces, free surface effect, the cargo securing manual, container losses and loading computers.
06International Regulation, Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection100 h
Verified gross mass (VGM), dangerous goods (IMDG), ballast water, IMO decarbonisation (EEXI and CII), EU ETS and FuelEU, port state control inspections and charterer vetting.
07Documentation, Insurance, Claims and Average100 h
Bills of lading, letters of protest, demurrage and laytime, types of average, marine insurance, general average and surveys.
08Digitalisation, Automation and Integrating Project100 h
IoT and blockchain, automated terminals, data analytics, AI for stowage plans, the maritime single window, predictive maintenance and a final project planning a real voyage.

Duration and format

800hours in total
8modules of 100 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

  • Optimise the logistics management of cargo.
  • Manage port operations efficiently.
  • Master international transport regulations.
  • Assess and select the most suitable modes of transport.
  • Supervise and control safety in cargo transport.
  • Coordinate transport documentation effectively.

Career outcomes

  • Container logistics specialist.
  • Container and bulk terminal manager.
  • Shipping operator.
  • Transport market analyst.
  • International trade consultant.
  • Transport procurement and contracting manager.
  • Safety and risk prevention specialist.
  • Quality control technician.
  • Administrative officer in transport companies.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: a degree in transport, logistics, international trade or engineering, or demonstrable professional experience in container and/or bulk shipping.
  • Valued knowledge: IMO regulations, international conventions (such as the IMDG Code), supply chain and port operations.
  • Documentation: up-to-date CV, qualification or certificate of experience, identity document and motivation letter.
  • Skills: analysis and problem-solving, communication, teamwork and use of logistics 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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