Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Container Terminal Engineering
This program offers comprehensive and specialized training in the design, management, and optimization of container terminals. You will learn about the latest technologies and trends in automation, digitalization, and…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Container Terminal Engineering?
The Master in Container Terminal Engineering
This program offers comprehensive and specialized training in the design, management, and optimization of container terminals. You will learn about the latest technologies and trends in automation, digitalization, and sustainability applied to the port sector. You will master strategic planning, operations management, and supply chain analysis to maximize terminal efficiency and profitability. This program prepares you to lead innovation and development projects in a globalized and competitive environment.
Differential Advantages
- Simulations and Case Studies: Operations modeling, bottleneck analysis, and flow optimization.
- Specialized Software: Handling simulation, planning, and terminal management tools.
- Technical Visits: First-hand experiences at state-of-the-art container terminals.
- Expert Faculty: Industry professionals with extensive experience in port engineering and management.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with companies and professionals in the logistics and port sector.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Design and Optimization: Master the techniques for efficient design and optimization of container terminals.
- Operations Management: Learn to manage port operations with the latest technologies and best practices.
- Technology and Automation: Delve into automation, digitalization, and disruptive technologies in the sector.
- Simulation and Modeling: Develop simulation and modeling skills for strategic decision-making.
- Regulations and Sustainability: Understand current regulations and strategies for sustainable terminal management.
- Boost your career in port management with a comprehensive approach to container terminal engineering.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Advanced design and operational optimisation of smart port terminals
- Container Terminal Design Fundamentals: Demand Analysis, Infrastructure Capacity, and Modular Design Criteria
- Advanced operational simulation models: Optimisation techniques using traffic flow simulators and load handling
- Integration of IoT and Big Data technologies for real-time management of resources and assets in port terminals
- Design and evaluation of automated container handling systems: RTG cranes, automated STS and autonomous vehicles
- Spatial distribution strategies and port urban planning to improve operational efficiency and reduce cycle times
- Optimisation of the internal logistics chain: coordination between storage, transport and consolidation through advanced analytics tools
- Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the prediction of maritime and land traffic flows for dynamic terminal planning
- Evaluation methodologies for environmental impact and sustainability in the design of smart terminals, including emission reduction and energy management
- Advanced integrated control and monitoring systems (SCADA) for continuous monitoring and proactive response to operational contingencies
- Comparative analysis of emerging technologies: Blockchain for logistic traceability, Digital Twins for simulation and augmented reality for predictive maintenance
02
Disruptive technologies applied to automation and sustainability in container terminals
- Fundamentals of automation in container terminals: principles, levels and models of technological integration
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Applications for Optimisation of Operating Flows and Demand Prediction in Terminals
- Advanced control systems: PLC, SCADA and IoT in real-time management and monitoring of port equipment and processes
- Robotics and autonomous vehicles: design, implementation and maintenance of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) in loading and unloading operations
- Sensor and wireless communication technologies: RFID, 5G and IoT networks for container tracking and control
- Big data and predictive analysis for strategic decision making aimed at reducing waiting times and maximising operational efficiency
- Implementation of flexible and modular automation systems: advantages, challenges and success stories in global reference terminals
- Sustainability and energy efficiency: integration of renewable energy, reduction of CO2 emissions and responsible management of resources in the automated terminals
- International regulations and technological standards applicable to automation and sustainability in port terminals
- Management of change and technology training: strategies for the efficient adoption of disruptive technologies by operational and managerial staff
03
Innovation and sustainability in smart port terminal design and operations
- Fundamentals of sustainable design in port terminals: environmental, social and economic criteria
- Technological innovation applied to terminal automation: AGV systems, automated RTGs and intelligent cranes
- Digitalization and use of digital twins: advanced simulation for optimisation and predictive maintenance
- Implementation of renewable energy in terminals: integration of solar panels, wind turbines and energy recovery systems
- Intelligent management of water and waste resources: technologies for recycling, water treatment and effluent minimisation
- Advanced energy management systems: real-time monitoring, energy storage and carbon footprint reduction
- Green infrastructure and its impact on operational efficiency: biophilic design, heat island mitigation and microclimatic improvement
- Big data and predictive analysis in port operations: flow optimisation, condition-based maintenance and reduction of dead times
- Integration of IoT systems and intelligent sensors: environmental control, security and internal traffic management
- Evaluation and certification of sustainable port terminals: international standards, key performance indicators and sustainability audits
04
Integrated management and control systems in automated terminals (TOS, industrial IoT, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity for high operational availability)
- Fundamentals and architecture of the systems Terminal Operation Systems (TOS): Design, key modules and scalability in automated terminals
- Integration of industrial IoT in port infrastructures: intelligent sensors, communication protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA), and 5G networks for real-time monitoring
- Implementation of predictive maintenance based on Big Data and Machine Learning: Vibration analysis, thermography and condition sensors for optimisation of the equipment life cycle
- Advanced analytics platforms for prediction of operating failures and reduction of downtime in container handling systems
- Container terminal cybersecurity architecture: in-depth defence strategies, industrial network segmentation and digital identity management
- International regulations and safety standards for industrial systems (IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework) applicable to automated terminals
- Real-time monitoring and control of operations through integrated dashboards and SCADA protocols adapted to port environments
- Optimisation of operational availability through critical systems redundancy, load balancing and technological disaster recovery
- Integration of TOS systems with ERP, CRM and logistics platforms for comprehensive automation and multimodal supply chain traceability
- Advanced pilot cases and incident simulations in automated terminals: response to cyber threats and technology failures
05
Strategic planning and analysis of multimodal flows in smart port terminals
- Fundamentals of strategic planning in port terminals: definition of objectives, situational analysis and formulation of operational strategies
- Advanced methodologies for multimodal flow analysis: traffic assessment, bottleneck identification and operational capacity calculation
- Implementation of intelligent technologies for comprehensive terminal management: IoT sensors, big data and predictive analysis platforms
- Modelling and simulation of multimodal logistics chains: port-rail integration-road-road and transit time optimisation
- Design and planning of port infrastructures adapted to dynamic demands: storage spaces, docks, accesses and intermodal connections
- Digital terminal management: control systems, process automation and real-time monitoring through SCADA and WMS systems
- Risk and contingency analysis in multimodal flows: quantitative methods to identify vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies
- International regulations and standards applicable to smart terminal planning and operation: ISO 28000, IAPH and IMDG conventions
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Operational Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability in Smart Port Terminals
- Pilots and global benchmarking studies in strategic planning and multimodal flows in state-of-the-art terminals
06
Innovation, automation and sustainability in the integral management of container terminals
- Principles of technological innovation applied to container terminals: current and future trends in port infrastructure
- Terminal Automation: Automated Stowage Systems, Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Smart Cranes
- Integration of IoT and Big Data technologies for real-time operational monitoring and optimisation
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Demand Prediction, Load Management and Logistics Optimisation
- Design and application of SCADA systems for the comprehensive control of port processes
- Strategies for environmental sustainability in terminals: renewable energy, emission reduction and waste management
- International regulations and certifications in sustainability and energy efficiency applied to container terminals
- Implementation of circular economy models and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the port logistics chain
- Advanced simulation and digital twins: tools for efficient terminal planning and operation
- Environmental impact assessment and management: mitigating measures and environmental audits in a context of global and local regulation
07
Technological innovation, sustainability and advanced management in smart port terminals
- Current and future landscape of technological innovation in container terminals: trends, challenges and opportunities
- Implementation of advanced automation systems: Automatically guided vehicles (AGVS), smart cranes, and collabourative robotics
- Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies for real-time monitoring of operations and assets
- Big data and predictive analysis applied to logistics management, predictive maintenance and optimisation of container flow
- Digital and Twin Platforms (Digital Twins) for simulation, planning and strategic decision making
- Advanced environmental management systems for carbon footprint minimisation and international regulatory compliance
- Strategies and technologies for sustainable energy in terminals: integration of renewable energy, electrification and efficient use of resources
- Blockchain application in traceability and security of the port supply chain
- Advanced management of operational risks and cybersecurity in smart terminals
- Advanced models of integrated terminal management based on artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomous decision making
08
Comprehensive optimisation and advanced automation in smart container port terminals
- Fundamentals of comprehensive port terminal optimisation: process analysis, bottleneck identification and Lean Six Sigma methodologies applied to container operation
- Design and architecture of advanced automation systems: PLC, SCADA, and distributed systems in terminal management
- Advanced modelling and simulation of terminal operations: digital tools for predicting flows, cycle times and resource allocation
- Implementation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for real-time monitoring of heavy machinery, harbour cranes and container transfer equipment
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning application for dynamic optimisation of docking, storage and dispatch planning
- Integration of Automated Stacking Cranes (ASC) systems and autonomous vehicles in the terminal logistics chain: parametres, protocols and technical challenges
- Development of digital platforms for the comprehensive management of smart terminals: interoperability, APIs and international standards
- Advanced control of inventories and traceability systems through RFID and artificial vision applied to container handling
- Energy optimisation and sustainability in automated operation: consumption analysis, clean energy and eco-efficient terminal design
- Cybersecurity and resilience strategies in digitized port environments: data protection, access and defence against cyber attacks
09
Innovation, automation and sustainability in the planning and comprehensive management of smart port terminals
- Fundamentals of Technological Innovation Applied to Port Terminals: Global Trends and Success Case Analysis
- Advanced automation in port operations: terminal management systems (TOS), automated cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGV)
- Integration of IoT and Big Data technologies for real-time monitoring of container flow and operating resources
- Design and application of digital twins for the simulation and continuous optimisation of intelligent port processes
- Environmental Sustainability Strategies: Life Cycle Assessment, Neutral CO2 and Emission Reduction in Port Operations
- Efficient management of energy resources: use of renewable energies and energy storage systems in terminals
- Comprehensive analytics-based planning predictive for operating cost reduction and productivity improvement
- Cybersecurity protocols in automated terminals: protection against threats and operational continuity
- International regulations and certifications related to sustainability and automation in container terminals
- Implementation of intelligent port logistics systems: interoperability, blockchain and traceability in the supply chain
10
Design of equipment, infrastructure and civil works of container terminals
- Crane Types: STS, RTG, RMG, and Straddle Carriers
- Dimensioning of cranes and equipment
- Design of springs and loads on pavements
- Patio and drainage floors
- Electrical installations and equipment electrification
- Automated access and control doors
- Reefer areas and dangerous goods
- Terminal workshops and buildings
- Extension of existing terminals
- Layout project of a terminal
11
Master’s Final Project in Container Terminal Engineering
- Conceptual design and theoretical foundations of the integrated system of automation in container terminals: analysis of operational and regulatory requirements
- Implementation of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies for real-time monitoring of terminal handling and storage equipment
- Integration of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for centralised monitoring and control of port operations
- Development of logistics optimisation algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning for dynamic container flow management
- Industrial network architectures and communication protocols: OPC UA, Modbus TCP/IP, and 5G networks to ensure low latency and high availability
- Application of artificial vision systems and LiDAR sensors for the automation of stacking and precise positioning of containers
- Design of predictive maintenance strategies through data analysis and failure models to maximise machinery availability
- Implementation of sustainable energy management systems: integration of renewable sources and optimisation of consumption in the facilities
- Environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies for emission reduction and carbon footprint in automated terminals
- Development of advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect critical infrastructure from attack and ensure information integrity
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 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
Civil and naval engineers seeking to specialize in the design, construction, and management of modern port terminals.Graduates in logistics, maritime transport, and business administration interested in leading operations and optimizing efficiency in container terminals.Port industry professionals (operators, planners, consultants) who wish to update their knowledge of the latest technologies
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
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize container management and flow
- 02Implement advanced technologies in terminal management
- 03Design and implement comprehensive security strategies
- 04Leading expansion and modernization projects
- 05Efficiently manage human and material resources
- 06Leading the optimization of the port logistics chain
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Terminal Operations Manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of operational activities at the terminal.
03Logistics and Transportation Manager: Optimization of the supply chain and management of container flow.
04Terminal Planning Specialist: Design and optimization of the terminal layout to maximize efficiency.
05Equipment Maintenance Engineer: Supervision of the maintenance and repair of terminal machinery and equipment (cranes, reach stackers, etc.).
06Port Operations Consultant: Advising companies in the sector on process improvement and the implementation of new technologies.
07Terminal Data Analyst: Collection and analysis of data to optimize operational efficiency and predict trends.
08Safety and Environment Manager: Implementation of safety and environmental protection measures at the terminal.
09Infrastructure Project Manager: Participation in the planning and execution of projects to expand or improve the terminal's infrastructure.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Gantry cranes, RTG cranes, automated container handling systems, and yard design and management.
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.
Port infrastructures specialized in container handling, including docks, cranes, storage areas, access gates and internal transport systems.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Roads, Canals and Ports Engineering, or related qualification; or proven professional experience in port operations, logistics, or terminal management.Language proficiency:Recommended: technical English for understanding manuals, software, and international communications.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or professional experience certificate, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in container terminal management.Technical requirements (for online):Computer wi
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Frequently Asked Questions
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