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Professional diploma · Ports and marinas

Professional Diploma in Port Management and Port Authorities

This professional diploma gives you a complete and practical view of modern port administration and operational efficiency. You will work on organisational models, concessions, tariff structures and operational performance, along with the interaction between authorities, customs and terminal operators.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you a complete and practical view of modern port administration. You will learn to improve operational efficiency, manage safety, security and regulatory compliance, and lead the digital transformation of the sector. The programme also covers the key strategies of strategic planning, infrastructure development and stakeholder management, with the aim of driving the sustainable growth of ports and port authorities.

What sets the programme apart: a practical approach, with real case studies and tools you can apply to day-to-day management; an integrated view, with modules on port finance, operations, legislation and sustainability; skills development, strengthening decision-making and strategic leadership; and flexibility, with an online format that adapts to your schedule and needs.

Programme highlights

A strategic view of port management and its current challenges.
Study of national and international port regulations.
Improvement of logistics, security and operational performance.
Application of sustainability and social responsibility practices.
Leadership development to run teams and projects.
Preparation to advance professionally and contribute to more efficient, sustainable ports.

Study plan

01Governance, Legal Framework and Port Management Models100 h

Port administration models: service port, tool port, landlord port and private port. Functions, powers and regulatory role of the port authority in the global economy. Concessions, licences and terminalisation: legal and contractual aspects and tender specifications. Maritime and international regulations applicable to port management (IMO, UNCTAD, World Bank). Tariffs, concession fees, infrastructure costs and the economic and financial regime. Competition policy, free competition and regulation of monopolies in port services. Public-private partnerships (PPP) for financing and developing port infrastructure. Organisation of port authorities.

02Port Planning, Design and Infrastructure100 h

Strategic planning: master plans, port land-use plans and the service area. Design of maritime works: breakwaters, access channels, basins, quays, dolphins and anchorage areas. Capital and maintenance dredging: techniques, sediment management and environmental permits. Terminal sizing by cargo type: containers, dry and liquid bulk, ro-ro and passengers. Traffic capacity, level of service and indicators of maritime and landside congestion. Landside accessibility and intermodal connectivity: road and rail access, logistics platforms and dry ports. Adapting the port to ever larger vessels in length and draught (mega-ships). Infrastructure master plan.

03Port Operations and Cargo Terminals100 h

Ship operations in port: berthing manoeuvres, towage, pilotage and mooring, and berth allocation. Container terminal management: quay equipment, yard equipment and gate inbound and outbound flows. Liquid and dry bulk operations: conveyor belts, pipelines, silos and tanks. Ro-ro and PCTC operations: vehicle logistics, ramps and waiting areas. Stowage, unloading, lashing and handling of dangerous goods under the IMDG Code. Key operational performance indicators: crane productivity, vessel turnaround time and yard rotation. Maintenance and upkeep of port infrastructure, superstructure and machinery. Operational performance indicators.

04Intermodal Logistics Chain, Logistics Zones and Hinterland100 h

Integration of the port into the global supply chain and the concept of synchromodality. Defining and developing the hinterland (area of influence) and the foreland (maritime routes). Logistics activity zones and bonded warehouse areas: design, services and added value. Port rail transport: intermodal terminals and rail motorways. Port logistics operators: ship agents, stevedores, customs brokers, freight forwarders and maritime service providers. Foreign trade single windows and integration of import and export procedures. Multimodal corridors and their effect on port competitiveness. Dry ports and rail connections.

05Digitalisation, Smart Port and Automation100 h

Digital transformation of the sector: roadmap towards a Smart Port. Port community systems (PCS) and their technological architecture. Terminal automation: automated cranes, automated guided vehicles and smart gates (OCR/RFID). Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and big data for process optimisation and traffic forecasting. Digital twins for asset management and real-time operational simulation. Cybersecurity in critical port infrastructure and incident response protocols. Automation of maritime traffic through advanced vessel traffic services (VTS). Single window and port community.

06Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Green Port100 h

Environmental sustainability strategies and impact indicators in ports. Shore power (cold ironing/OPS) and air quality in port cities. Supply of alternative fuels in port: LNG, green methanol, hydrogen and ammonia. Management of ship-generated waste under MARPOL and collection and treatment systems. Environmental monitoring: noise, water quality, suspended particulates and carbon footprint. Integration of renewable energy in the port: wind, photovoltaic and tidal. Port-city relationship: urban integration, waterfront regeneration and community impact management. Shore electrical connection for ships in port.

07Port Security, Maritime Security and Risk Management100 h

International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Security risk assessment, port facility security plans and the port facility security officer. Access control, non-intrusive container inspection, cargo traceability and perimeter surveillance. Occupational health and safety in port operations and labour inspections. Emergency management, contingency plans, drills and response to spills or fires. Coordination with state security forces, customs and coastguard. Management of financial, operational and reputational risk in port administration. Port security plan.

08Strategic Port Management and Capstone Project100 h

Formulation of strategic plans, balanced scorecard and management indicators for port authorities. Port marketing, corporate diplomacy and attracting shipping lines and private investment. Economic and financial analysis of investment projects in port infrastructure and superstructure. Global trends in the maritime sector: shipping alliances, vertical integration and their impact on ports. Port resilience to disruptions such as climate change, pandemics or geopolitical crises. Leadership, talent management and collective bargaining in the port environment. Presentation of the capstone project. Capstone project: drawing up a strategic development plan or operational redesign for a port or terminal.

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 operational efficiency.
Develop regulatory compliance strategies.
Implement technological innovation.
Improve strategic decision-making.
Promote environmental sustainability.
Maximise the profitability and competitiveness of ports.

Career outcomes

Port operations manager: planning and supervising terminals and port areas.
Port logistics specialist: optimising the supply chain and cargo flows.
Port data analyst: analysing data to support strategic decisions.
Port management consultant: advising on efficiency, security and sustainability.
Port security manager: protecting people, assets and facilities.
Port marketing specialist: promoting services to attract customers and traffic.
Administrative officer in port authorities: procedures, documentation and public service.
Port environmental officer: assessing and controlling environmental impacts.

Entry requirements

Profile: a degree in administration, economics, law, engineering or another management-related field, or accredited professional experience in the port or logistics sector.
Valued knowledge: international trade, maritime and port legislation, logistics, project management and finance.
Documents: up-to-date CV, degree certificate where applicable, identity document or passport, and a motivation letter.
Other skills: analysis, problem solving, communication, negotiation, teamwork and results orientation.

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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