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.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Port Logistics Course?
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.
Syllabus of the Port Logistics Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of Port Logistics, the Maritime Supply Chain and Design of Port-Hinterland Operational Flows
- 1.1. The port's role in the global chain: nodes, corridors, hinterland/foreland and types of logistics services
- 1.2. End-to-end processes: pre-arrival, arrival, stay, operations, clearance and departure with documentary traceability
- 1.3. Physical and information flows: event synchronisation, handoffs between players and critical congestion points
- 1.4. Players and responsibilities: shipping lines, terminals, agents, freight forwarders, customs, inspection bodies and land transport operators
- 1.5. Process design and logistics KPIs: lead time, dwell time, throughput, productivity and service level
Terminal Operations and Cargo Handling: Containers, Bulk, Ro-Ro and General Cargo with a Focus on Productivity
- 2.1. Container terminal operations: berthing, STS, yard, gates and intermodal transfer with exception control
- 2.2. Yards and storage: stacking strategies, rehandles, operational density and resource balancing
- 2.3. Dry and liquid bulk: receipt, storage, process safety, cross-contamination and operational continuity
- 2.4. Ro-Ro and rolling cargo: ramps, stowage, sequencing, damage control and management of demand peaks
- 2.5. General and project cargo: lifts, special equipment, planning of operations and infrastructure limitations
Berth Planning, Resource Scheduling and Capacity Management in Multi-Terminal and Multimodal Operations
- 3.1. Quay and berth planning: windows, prioritisation, compatibilities, draughts and operational constraints
- 3.2. Equipment and staff scheduling: shifts, skills, dynamic allocation and saturation control
- 3.3. Gate and pre-gate management: appointments, queues, peak balancing, inspection control and anti-congestion strategies
- 3.4. Intermodal coordination: rail, truck and barge with cut-off/cut-on synchronisation and yard readiness
- 3.5. Capacity management and resilience: buffers, contingency plans, rerouting and operation under disruption
Documentation, Customs and Compliance: Integrated Management of Formalities, Risk and Traceability in Foreign Trade
- 4.1. Transport and trade documentation: B/L/Sea Waybill, booking, manifests, instructions and the documentary chain
- 4.2. Incoterms and logistics responsibilities: costs, risks, transfers and effects on port planning
- 4.3. Customs procedures: declarations, regimes, inspections, release and coordination with authorities
- 4.4. Risk management and compliance: sanctions screening, traceability, audits and prevention of documentary fraud
- 4.5. Claims and casualty management: damage, delays, losses, liabilities and preservation of evidence
Sustainability, Safety and Port Logistics Capstone Project with Design of a Complete Operational Solution
- 5.1. Operational safety in logistics: risks by operation, manoeuvres, equipment, internal traffic and preventive culture
- 5.2. Applied environmental management: emissions, dust/noise, spills, waste and compliance control with evidence
- 5.3. Energy efficiency and decarbonisation: electrification, optimisation of moves and reduction of unproductive time
- 5.4. Service quality management: SLAs, B2B customer experience, complaints and indicator-based improvement
- 5.5. Capstone project I: logistics diagnosis of the port/terminal (flows, capacity, documents, technology and risks)
Duration and format of the Port Logistics Course
It is 300 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 instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. 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
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Port Logistics Course
Career opportunities after the Port Logistics Course
Questions about the Port Logistics Course
Maritime transport.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/internship placements through agreements.
To optimise the loading and unloading of goods in ports, minimising costs and times, in order to facilitate international trade.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Cargo and logistics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- 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.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose 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 enrol
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.