Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
This professional diploma gives you a comprehensive, up-to-date view of the global logistics chain, with an emphasis on process optimization and the efficient use of resources. You will learn to integrate sea, road and rail transport into competitive, profitable logistics solutions, manage documentation, customs and contracts, apply digital and tracking technologies, and control costs, risks and sustainability in multimodal operations.
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What is the Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport?
This professional diploma prepares you to design and manage door-to-door transport chains built around the sea leg. You will learn how multimodal, intermodal and combined transport differ, which actors take part, from shipping lines and freight forwarders to terminals, hauliers and customs, how liner, feeder, short sea and tramp services and port and terminal operations are organized, how road and rail connect ports with dry ports and inland terminals, how multimodal routes are planned and cargo consolidated, how bills of lading, Incoterms, customs procedures and transport insurance work, how TMS, Port Community Systems, IoT tracking and electronic documents provide visibility, and how total logistics cost, risk, quality and carbon footprint are managed.
What sets this professional diploma apart: an integrated view of the whole chain rather than of each mode in isolation; solid coverage of port and terminal operations and their links with the hinterland; practical treatment of documentation, contracts, customs and insurance, where many operations go wrong; attention to digitalization, real-time visibility and cybersecurity; cost, risk and sustainability analysis, including the carbon footprint of transport; an in-depth structure of eight modules; and a final project in which you design and justify a complete multimodal solution.
Program highlights
- Integrated chain: sea, road, rail, terminals and dry ports as a single system.
- Port operations: liner and short sea services, terminals, productivity and the ISPS Code.
- Route optimization: modal choice, consolidation, special cargo and alternative routes.
- Documentation and customs: bills of lading, Incoterms, customs procedures, AEO and insurance.
- Digital visibility: TMS, Port Community Systems, IoT tracking and electronic bills of lading.
- Final project: a multimodal solution validated on cost, time and emissions.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of multimodal maritime transport and international logistics chains
- 1.1. Key concepts of multimodal maritime transport and the differences between intermodal, combined and unimodal transport and integrated logistics
- 1.2. The strategic role of maritime transport in global supply chains and international trade
- 1.3. Actors involved: shipping lines, freight forwarders, multimodal operators, ports, terminals, road hauliers, customs and customers
- 1.4. Cargo types: containerised, bulk, ro-ro, refrigerated, dangerous, oversized and high-value cargo
- 1.5. The relationship between ports, hinterland, logistics corridors, distribution centers, inland terminals and destination markets
- 1.6. Performance indicators: transit time, punctuality, logistics cost, utilization, traceability, reliability and service level
- 1.7. Current trends in digitalization, sustainability, automation and resilience in multimodal maritime transport
- 1.8. International regulatory framework for multimodal transport
Maritime operations, ports and cargo terminals
- 2.1. Organization of liner shipping, feeder services, cabotage, short sea shipping and tramp shipping
- 2.2. Ship types and their relationship with containers, bulk, general cargo, ro-ro, refrigerated products and special goods
- 2.3. Port operations: berthing, loading, unloading, stowage, unstowing, storage and cargo transfer
- 2.4. Management of container terminals, multipurpose terminals, ro-ro terminals and port logistics areas
- 2.5. Coordination between ships, terminals, pilots, tugs, stevedores, shipping agents and port authorities
- 2.6. Port productivity, dwell times, congestion, berth utilization and efficiency of handling equipment
- 2.7. Integration of the port with rail, road and barge networks, dry ports and inland logistics centers
- 2.8. Safety and security in ports and terminals: the ISPS Code
Road and rail transport and integration with the maritime chain
- 3.1. The role of road and rail transport in connecting ports, warehouses, industries and end customers
- 3.2. Organizing land routes according to distance, capacity, time windows, restrictions, costs and operating conditions
- 3.3. Management of rail terminals, container depots, dry ports and intermodal platforms
- 3.4. Coordination of containers, semi-trailers, swap bodies and other intermodal transport units
- 3.5. Management of fleets, drivers, tractor units, chassis, wagons and auxiliary transport resources
- 3.6. Control of loading, unloading, waiting and equipment return times and reduction of empty running
- 3.7. Building efficient land networks that ensure continuity between the sea leg and inland distribution
- 3.8. Rail freight corridors and motorways of the sea
Route planning, cargo management and multimodal optimization
- 4.1. Designing multimodal routes considering origin, destination, port calls, transhipments, frequency, capacity and transit time
- 4.2. Selecting transport modes according to cost, urgency, type of goods, distance, risk and service level
- 4.3. Cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, container utilization and optimization of available space
- 4.4. Management of refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods, perishable products, project cargo and oversized equipment
- 4.5. Planning inventory in transit, port warehouses, distribution centers and modal transfer points
- 4.6. Assessing alternative routes in the face of port congestion, closures, strikes, weather events and operational failures
- 4.7. Using optimization models to reduce costs, times, emissions and risks in multimodal maritime operations
- 4.8. Management of project cargo and oversized goods
Documentation, customs, contracts and regulatory compliance
- 5.1. Maritime and multimodal documentation: bill of lading, consignment note, manifest, commercial invoice and packing list
- 5.2. The multimodal transport contract and the responsibilities of the operator, shipper, carrier, consignee and other parties
- 5.3. Incoterms and the allocation of costs, risks, delivery obligations and documentary responsibilities
- 5.4. Customs procedures for import, export, transit, warehousing, inspection and clearance of goods
- 5.5. Documentation for dangerous goods, sanitary and phytosanitary cargo, refrigerated cargo and goods subject to special controls
- 5.6. Transport insurance, civil liability, claims, average, losses, delays and damage to goods
- 5.7. Building documentary files that ensure traceability, legal compliance and smooth logistics operations
- 5.8. Customs single window and Authorized Economic Operators (AEO)
Digitalization, traceability and technologies applied to multimodal transport
- 6.1. TMS, WMS, ERP, Port Community Systems and multimodal operations management platforms
- 6.2. Tracking containers, vehicles, trains and goods with GPS, RFID, IoT, sensors and electronic seals
- 6.3. Data integration between shipping lines, terminals, customs, hauliers, warehouses, customers and logistics operators
- 6.4. Using artificial intelligence to predict arrival times, demand, congestion, risks and operating capacity
- 6.5. Blockchain, electronic documentation, the digital bill of lading and automation of contractual processes
- 6.6. Cybersecurity, data protection, access control, digital continuity and prevention of documentary fraud
- 6.7. Building end-to-end visibility systems that improve control, coordination and real-time decision-making
- 6.8. Collaborative platforms and digital port communities
Costs, risks, sustainability and logistics quality management
- 7.1. Cost structure: freight, terminals, handling, storage, land transport, insurance, customs and demurrage
- 7.2. Calculating total logistics cost, cost per container, per tonne, per route and per operation
- 7.3. Managing operational, commercial, regulatory, environmental, climate, technological and geopolitical risks
- 7.4. Contingency plans, operational continuity, alternative routes, backup suppliers and logistics crisis management
- 7.5. Sustainability through rail intermodality, route optimization, emissions reduction and energy efficiency
- 7.6. Quality indicators: punctuality, cargo integrity, claims, traceability, customer satisfaction and contractual compliance
- 7.7. Building continuous improvement systems focused on efficiency, resilience, sustainability and service excellence
- 7.8. Calculating the carbon footprint of multimodal transport
Final Project
- 8.1. Defining the case study: import or export chain, regional distribution, intermodal corridor or specialized cargo transport
- 8.2. Diagnosis of origin, destination, goods, actors, routes, ports, terminals, documentation, costs and main risks
- 8.3. Designing the multimodal solution with sea, road and rail transport, storage and transfer points
- 8.4. Preparing the operating plan with routes, schedule, resources, capacity, traceability, document management and customs coordination
- 8.5. Developing the economic model with freight, port costs, land transport, insurance, inventory and profitability analysis
- 8.6. Integrating the risk, sustainability, digitalization, performance indicator and operational continuity plans
- 8.7. Validating the multimodal design using cost, time and emissions indicators
- 8.8. Presentation and defense of the final project with technical, logistics, economic, regulatory and environmental validation of the proposed solution
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
It is 800 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 installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
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 Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Multimodal Maritime Transport
Maritime transport, which is combined with road, rail and, where needed, inland waterway legs to deliver goods door to door under a coordinated plan.
Multimodal transport is carried out under a single contract with one operator responsible for the whole journey; intermodal transport uses the same loading unit across several modes, often under separate contracts. The first module explains these distinctions.
Yes. A full module covers bills of lading, consignment notes, manifests, Incoterms, customs procedures, the customs single window, AEO status and transport insurance.
Yes. You study TMS, WMS and Port Community Systems, IoT and RFID tracking, AI-based arrival predictions, electronic bills of lading and cybersecurity.
Yes. The program covers modal shift to rail, route optimization, emissions reduction and the calculation of the carbon footprint of multimodal transport.
You design a complete multimodal solution for a real case, with operating plan, economic model and risk and sustainability plans, and validate it on cost, time and emissions.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of 100 hours each and ends with a final project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Cargo and logistics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at logistics and international trade professionals, executives of shipping lines, logistics operators and freight forwarders, importers and exporters, port and customs professionals and graduates in related fields; a degree in logistics, transport, international trade, engineering or business, or professional experience in multimodal maritime transport, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of maritime transport, customs and Incoterms.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- 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.
- 03EnrollmentChoose 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 enroll
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.