Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Container and Bulk Transport
The Diploma in Container and Bulk TransportThis program provides you with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of logistics and operations in maritime trade. You will learn about types of vessels, stowage and lashing, intern
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Container and Bulk Transport?
The Diploma in Container and Bulk Transport
This program provides you with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of logistics and operations in maritime trade. You will learn about types of vessels, stowage and lashing, international regulations, and the efficient management of the supply chain for containerized and bulk cargo. Master the challenges of modern maritime transport, from route optimization to compliance with environmental regulations.
Differential Advantages
- Real-world case studies: analysis of port operations and risk management.
- Industry experts: instructors with extensive experience in shipping lines and port terminals.
- Management tools: software and platforms for cargo planning and control.
- Networking: opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
- Flexibility: online format with multimedia resources and discussion forums.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Mastery: Gain a complete and up-to-date overview of container and bulk transport, from global logistics to international regulations.
- Efficient Strategies: Learn to optimize the supply chain, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency in cargo handling.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples and simulate complex situations to develop decision-making skills in dynamic environments.
- Professional Networking: Connect with industry experts and expand your network, opening doors to new job and business opportunities.
- Certification Recognized: Earn a diploma that validates your knowledge and skills, boosting your professional career in the maritime and land transport sector.
- Prepare to lead the future of freight transport with a practical and global approach.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of shipping containers and bulk cargoes
- Configuration of the transport markets: regular liner (liner) for containers and free transport (tramp) for bulk
- Typology and technical specifications of container ships (Feeder, Panamax, Neo-Panamax, ULCV) and bulk carriers (HandySize, Supramax, Capesize)
- Transport contracts: Chartering in the Bulk sector (Voyage/Time Charter) vs. bill of lading in the container sector
- Economic freight indicators: bulk indices (Baltic Dry Index) and container indexes (SCFI, CCFI, Drewry)
- Applicable international regulatory framework: SOLAS, MARPOL, IMSBC code, CSS code and CSC agreement
- Structure of operating costs (OPEX/CAPEX) and travel expenses (VOYEX) according to the type of ship and commercial modality
- Trends in naval design: bulk carriers with rotor sails and container ships propelled by methanol/LNG
- Main routes and markets
02
Logistics, infrastructure and container line operations
- ISO standards of containers, types of equipment (Dry, Reefer, Open Top, Flat Rack, ISO Tank) and CSC marking
- Container Terminal Operation: Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS), Patio Systems (RTG, RMG, Straddle Carriers) and Access Doors (Gates)
- Berry planning (Bay Plan), EDI messages (Baplie) and interaction between the ship and the land planner
- Empty Repositioning Container Management: Flow Optimisation and Inventory Balance Strategies
- Global strategic alliances, ship sharing agreements (VSA) and consortia in the container industry
- Cold chain and refrigerated cargo transport: temperature monitoring, controlled atmosphere and fault prevention
- Intermodal integration: connection of port terminals with railway, land transport and dry ports (Dry Ports)
- Alliances Shipping Companies and Regular Services
03
Solid Bulk Operations (Dry Bulk) and IMSBC Code
- Structure of the International Maritime Code of Bulk Solid Cargo (IMSBC Code) and Classification of Groups A, B and C
- Loads of the group A susceptible to liquefaction: Determination of the limit of transportable humidity (TML) and critical humidity
- Group B loads with chemical hazards: self-heating, corrosion, emission of toxic/flammable gases and oxygen depletion
- Bulk loading and unloading machinery: conveyor belts, shiploaders, shiploaders, bucket cranes and pneumatic discharge
- Measuring or levelling of the load (trimming) to ensure stability and prevent load shifting
- Specific handling of high-risk loads: coal, mineral concentrates, iron ore, fertilizers and grain
- Washing, degassing and preparation of warehouses for food grade inspections or load changes
- Liquefaction of cargoes and risks
04
Liquid bulk operations on tankers
- Oil & Product Tankers Operations: Pipe Systems, Manifolds and Cargo Pumps
- Inert Gas Systems (IGS): Oxygen Parametres, Overpressure Maintenance and Explosive Atmosphere Prevention
- Washing of tanks with crude oil (CRUDE OIL WASHING - COW) and degassing procedures for entry to dam or inspections
- Operations in chemical ships: IBC code, cargo and washing compatibility matrix with chemical agents
- Gas Vessel Operations (LNG / LPG): Cooling (cool-down), inertization and management of evaporation gas (boil-off gas)
- Cargo transfer procedures between ships (Ship-to-Ship - STS): equipment, mooring and safety protocols
- Tank measurement, sampling, volume calculation (ASTM/API factors) and control of losses (Ullage Reports)
- Tank cleaning and cargo change
05
Stability, structural efforts and safety on board
- Calculation of initial stability, metacentric height (GM) and static stability curves in bulk carriers and container ships
- Evaluation of structural stresses: bending moments and shear forces on the ship beam
- Effect of free surfaces (Free Surface Effect) in ballast and fuel tanks during loading operations
- Using the Cargo Securing Manual (Cargo Securing Manual) and Calculation of Dynamic Forces in Container Lashing
- Prevention of container losses at sea: forces by rocking, pitching and parametric resonance phenomenon
- Bulk structural collapse risks due to incorrect loading/unloading sequences or overloading in warehouses
- On-board charging computers: Verification of stability criteria intact and fault according to SOLAS
- Calculation of shear and bending
06
International regulations, maritime safety and environmental protection
- Determined Gross Mass Verification (VGM) under the SOLAS Convention for Export Containers
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code): Segregation, labelling and storage on containers
- EU Regulation for the Treatment of Ballast Waters (BWM Convention) and Control of Invasive Species in Bulk Ships
- IMO decarbonisation regulations: application of the EEX and IIC indexes in container fleets and bulkers
- Impact of regional regulations: EU ETS and Fueleu Maritime applied to bulk and container trade routes
- Port Status Inspections (PSC / Paris Mou) Applied to Lashing Deficiencies and Cargo Equipment
- Charter Risk Assessment Inspections: SIRE 2.0 Tanker Programs and Solid Bulkhead Rightship
- IMSBC code and IBC code
07
Document management, insurance, claims and breakdowns
- Issue and Clauses in Bill of Lading - B/L: Reserves, Missing, Damages and Electronic B/L (E-B/L)
- Protest letters (Sea Protest) and officer receipts (Mate’s Receipt) on the delivery of bulks and containers
- Delay management (demurrage), dispatches and ironing times (laytime) in bulk chartering contracts
- Load breakdown typology: Condensation wetting (sweat), pollution, liquefaction and collapse of Stowage
- Maritime Insurance Coverages: Hull and Machinery (H&M), Protection and Compensation Clubs (P&I) and Cargo Insurance
- Procedure and declaration of gross failure (General Average) in rescue incidents or fires on board
- Marine Expertise (Cargo Surveys): Role of Independent Inspectors in Determination of Damage and Losses
- Gross Fault and Cargo Claims
08
Digitization, automation and capstone project
- Digital transformation in the logistics chain: visibility of containers through IoT technology and traceability with blockchain
- Automation of Bulk and Container Terminals: Autonomous Cranes and Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV)
- Real-time data and sensor analytics for temperature monitoring in reefers and atmosphere in tanks
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Stowage Plan Design and Upload/Download Sequence Optimisation
- Integration of the single maritime window (EMSWE) for the expediting of goods entry and exit procedures
- Predictive maintenance models in lifting systems, loading pipes and hatch covers
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Stowage plan development, loading/unloading sequence, stability assessment, and regulatory/environmental compliance strategy for a container ship or bulk carrier on an international commercial crossing
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Logistics and transportation professionals looking to specialize in the efficient handling of containers and bulk cargo.Port operators and freight forwarders who need to delve deeper into process optimization, regulations, and document management.Supply chain managers who need to control costs, minimize risks, and improve merchandise traceability.Business owners and entrepreneurs interested
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize cargo logistics management
- 02Efficiently manage port operations
- 03Mastering international transport regulations
- 04Evaluate and select the most suitable modes of transport
- 05Supervise and control cargo transport safety
- 06Effectively coordinate transport documentation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Container Logistics Specialist: Supply chain planning and optimization, fleet management, and intermodal coordination.
02Container and Bulk Terminal Manager: Supervision of loading/unloading operations, warehousing, and inland transport.
03Shipping Operator: Rate negotiation, service contracting, and shipment tracking.
04Transport Market Analyst: Trend research, risk assessment, and business strategy development.
05International Trade Consultant: Advising on customs regulations, documentation, and transport risk management.
06Transport Procurement and Contracting Manager: Supplier selection, contract negotiation, and quality control.
07Safety and Risk Prevention Specialist: Implementation of security measures Safety, emergency management, and regulatory compliance.
08Quality Control Technician: Inspection of containers and bulk cargo, verification of standards, and claims management.
09Administrative Assistant in Transportation Companies: Document management, invoicing, and customer service.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Containerized cargo is transported in standardized units (containers), while bulk cargo is transported unpackaged, in large quantities, directly into the holds of ships or by other suitable means of transport.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Bulk cargo.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's degree in areas related to transportation, logistics, international trade, or engineering; Demonstrable professional experience in the container and/or bulk transport sector.Specific Knowledge:Knowledge of IMO regulations, international transport conventions (IMDG, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), supply chain management, and port operations will be valued.Documentation: Updated curriculum vitae, copy of academic qualification or work experience certificate, identification document (ID/Passport), letter of interest explaining the
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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