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 Advanced Port Operations
The Diploma in Advanced Port OperationsThis program provides you with a comprehensive and strategic overview of modern port management. Master the latest trends in logistics, security, sustainability, and technology applied to
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Advanced Port Operations?
The Diploma in Advanced Port Operations
This program provides you with a comprehensive and strategic overview of modern port management. Master the latest trends in logistics, security, sustainability, and technology applied to ports. Learn to optimize processes, manage risks, and lead high-performing teams in this dynamic and crucial sector for global trade. This program will prepare you to face the challenges of the future and become a leader in the port industry.
This program provides you with a comprehensive and strategic overview of modern port management.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Simulations: Real-world cases and simulations to apply knowledge in a realistic environment.
- Strategic Networking: Connection with leading professionals and experts in the port sector.
- Focus on Innovation: Exploration of the latest technologies and disruptive trends in port operations.
- Recognized Certification: Earn a diploma that will validate your skills and knowledge for employers.
- Flexible Schedule: Online format with content accessible 24/7 to adapt to your learning pace.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Process Optimization: Master the latest techniques for operational efficiency and cost reduction in ports.
- Comprehensive Logistics Management: Delve into supply chain coordination and port strategic planning.
- Technology and Innovation: Implement digital and automation solutions to improve port competitiveness.
- Regulation and Standards: Stay up-to-date on the laws and international standards that govern port operations.
- Safety and Sustainability: Implement practices for risk prevention and The development of sustainable port operations.
- Boost your career and become a leader in the port management of the future.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Operational planning, ship-port interface and dock productivity
- Berth Allocation Problem - BAP Planning and Dock Resource Allocation
- Dock crane programming (Quay Crane Scheduling Problem - QCSP) and optimisation of discharge/shipping performance
- Management of the time spent in the port (Port Turnaround Time) and strategies for navigation just-in-time (JIT)
- Operational Interface between the First Officer (Positioner Officer), the Port Captain and the Terminal Superintendent
- Key Operational Performance Indicators (KPIs): Crane Production (Gangs/Hook Hours), Dwell Time and Berth Occupancy Rate
- Port congestion management, robbery windows (Berthing Windows) and contingency management due to bad weather
- Coordination of technical-nautical services: Pilotage (Pilotage), Port trailer (TUG Services) and Mooring/Unsaring
- Dock Productivity Indicators
02
Patio logistics, storage and land flow management
- Spatial design and distribution of storage areas: container yards, bulk storage and general cargo zones
- Yard allocation problem and minimisation of unproductive movements (rehandling)
- Patio machinery operation and selection: RTG, RMG, Straddle Carriers, REACH Stackers and Terminal Trucks
- Access Control and Terrestrial Interface: Truck Appointment Systems - TAS and Gates Management
- Operations in refrigerated cargo terminals (Reefer Yards): Electrical infrastructure, thermal monitoring and cold chain
- Managing yards for dangerous cargo (IMDG code): Zoning, retention cubets and segregation protocols
- Integration with Customs Deposits, Logistics Activity Zones (ZAL) and Dry Ports (Dry Ports)
- Management of doors and truck appointments
03
Automation, smart terminals and emerging technologies
- Automated Port Terminal Architecture: Automated STS cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGV/AIV)
- Terminal Operating Systems - TOS: Architecture, Data Integration and Optimisation Modules
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning application in the prediction of cargo flows and transport waiting times
- G and Internet of Things (IoT) Industrial networks applied to asset traceability and machinery telemetry
- Digital Twins (Digital Twins) Port for simulation of operational scenarios, capacity stress and maintenance
- Computer View and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on Doors, Cranes and Inspection Arcs
- Documentary Flow Automation: Integration with the Maritime Single Window (EMSWE) and Blockchain Networks for E-B/L
- Automated Reference Terminals
04
Advanced Operations in Specialised Terminals (Bullets and Liquids)
- Solid Bulk Terminal Operating Design: Continuous Tape Systems, Loaders (Shiploaders) and Continuous Downloaders
- Mineral/coal collection and homogenization operations: stackers (stackers) and rotopalas (reclaimers)
- Terminals of liquid bulk and hydrocarbons: monobuoys (SPM/CBM), loading fathoms (Loading Arms) and tank parks
- Vapor Recovery Units - VRU (Steam) Transfer and Control Systems in Chemical and Oil Terminals
- Advanced Operations in Ro-Ro Terminals and Car Carriers: Field Logistics, Adjustable Ramps and Rolling Flows
- Management of air pollution from suspended dust at bulk terminals (fogging and suppression systems)
- Maintenance of operational draughts: maintenance dredging, sediment management and precision bathymetry
- Agricultural and mineral bulk terminals
05
Regulatory framework, customs management and facilitation of port trade
- Port Governance and Administration Models: Landlord Port, Tool Port, Private Port and Service Port
- Regime of Port Concessions, Specifications and Rate Regulation of Services to Passage and Cargo
- Port customs procedures: clearance of goods, transit regimes, free zones and control of premises
- International Code for the Protection of Vessels and Port Facilities (PBIP Code / IPS Code)
- Access control, cybersecurity in critical port infrastructures and physical security audits/LPR
- Port State Inspections (PSC) and Articulation with Health, Phytosanitary and Border Organisations
- WMO/IMO regulations and international maritime traffic facilitation (FAL 65)
- Customs Single Window
06
Job security, ergonomics and port risk management
- ILO regulatory framework on safety and hygiene in port work (ILO Code of Practice)
- Hazard identification methodologies, risk assessment and determination of controls (IPERC) in docks and yards
- Ergonomics, operational fatigue prevention and work shift management in Stowage crews and crane operators
- Safety in Heavy and Critical Lifting: Rigg Plans, Tackle Review, and Workload Limits (SWL)
- Prevention of hits, falls at different levels and entrapments in human-machine interaction zones
- Port Emergency Response Plans (PrEP): Fires in enclosures, chemical spills, falls to the sea and evacuation
- Continuous training, high performance simulation and certification of job skills for operational personnel
- Risk Prevention in Stowage
07
Environmental sustainability, eco-ports and energy transition
- Eco-ports concept (Green Ports) and environmental performance indicators (Perspex, ISO 14001)
- Dock electrification (Cold Ironing / Onshore Power Supply - PAHO) for connection of docked ships
- Strategies for the reduction of the port carbon footprint and decarbonisation of the terminal machinery
- Bunkering infrastructure for alternative fuels in port: LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen
- Waste management generated by ships (MARPOL Convention): Port receiving facilities (MARPOL Annexes I to VI)
- Environmental impact control: Port noise management, water quality of the gift and marine biodiversity
- Adaptation of port infrastructures to climate change: sea level rise and extreme weather events
- Electrification of port equipment
08
Business Analytics, Port Finance and Capstone Project
- Terminal Financial Analysis: Revenue Structure (Scale Costs, Charge Fees), Opex, CAPEX and EBITDA
- Data analysis models with Business Intelligence (BI) for decision-making in operations management
- Evaluation of the socioeconomic impact of the port on its Hinterland and Foreland (Input-Output Analysis)
- Management of Community Relations Port-City (Por-City Interface) and Sustainable Urban Development
- Financial risk management, civil liability insurance for terminal operators and penalty clauses
- Balanced scorecard applied to the strategic management of the port terminal
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Operational redesign, automation plan, load flow optimisation, and financial/environmental viability analysis for a public or private port terminal
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
Port administrators and terminal managers seeking to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profitability.Port engineers and consultants needing to delve deeper into the design, planning, and management of modern port infrastructure.Logistics operators and shipping lines needing a thorough understanding of port operations to optimize the supply chain.Port authorities and regulators i
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 the comprehensive management of the port logistics chain
- 02Mastering port and maritime security regulations and management
- 03Efficiently manage port resources and equipment
- 04Implement sustainability and social responsibility strategies in port operations
- 05Leading modernization and technological innovation projects in port terminals
- 06Develop advanced skills in port contract negotiation and management
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port Operations Planner: Resource optimization, service coordination, and logistics chain management.
02Port Terminal Supervisor: Quality control, safety, and efficiency in cargo loading/unloading and storage.
03Port Logistics Specialist: Analysis of cargo flows, route design, and improvement of distribution efficiency.
04Port Security Manager: Implementation of security protocols, access control, and emergency response.
05Port Consultant: Advising on process optimization, infrastructure design, and competitiveness improvement.
06Port Project Manager: Planning, execution, and control of port facility expansion, modernization, or construction projects.
07Port Sales Representative: Acquisition of new clients, development of marketing strategies, and promotion of port services.
08Administrative Assistant specializing in port operations: document management, permit processing, and billing control.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Maritime and port sector.
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.
To professionals with experience in the port sector who are looking to expand or update their knowledge in advanced operations.
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:Higher Technician Diploma in Transport and Logistics, Degree in Engineering or Business Administration; or demonstrable professional experience in the port sector (minimum 2 years).Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of logistics, international trade, and maritime-port legislation.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or work experience certificate, ID card/residence permit/Passport.Skills:Analytical skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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