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 Cargo and Container Management
Offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to optimize logistics and transport operations. Learn about international regulations, key documentation, and best practices in cargo handling. Master strategic planning…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Cargo and Container Management?
The Diploma in Cargo and Container Management
Offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to optimize logistics and transport operations. Learn about international regulations, key documentation, and best practices in cargo handling. Master strategic planning, risk management, and supply chain security to boost your company's efficiency and profitability.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world case studies and simulations to apply your knowledge.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: Cargo management and route optimization software.
- Professional Networking: Connect with experts and colleagues in the logistics sector.
- Recognized Certification: Validates your knowledge and skills in cargo management.
- Online Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with access to resources and personalized tutoring.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Optimize your logistics: Master advanced techniques in cargo planning, handling, and securing.
- Regulations and standards: Understand the international and national legislation applicable to transport of goods.
- Container management: Learn best practices for space optimization, inventory control, and security.
- Innovative technologies: Implement digital tools and tracking systems for efficient and traceable management.
- Case studies: Apply your knowledge in simulations and real-world case studies to solve logistics challenges.
- Boost your career and become a global supply chain expert.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of intermodal transport, cargo and container typology
- Introduction to container logistics: history of containerization, impact on global trade and evolution of intermodal transport
- Types and specifications of ISO containers: Dry Van, High Cube, Reefer, Open Top, Flat Rack, Tank Container and Flexitank
- ISO 6346 standardisation and markings: Identification codes, check digits, owner prefixes, dimensions and payload capacity (payload)
- General classification of goods: general cargo, loose, bulk (liquid/solid), oversized and fragile or perishable cargo
- Load unarization: Pallets (EuroPallet, ISO), bags, drums, boxes and their volumetric optimisation inside the container
- Legal Framework and International Institutions: BIC (Bureau International Des Containers), IMO, ICS, FIATA and CSC Agreement (Secure Containers)
- Container Inspection and Status Criteria: Inspection under ICL (International Container Lessors) and Transportability (Cargo Worthy)
- Container ISO standardisation
02
Cargo planning, stowage, lashing and container security
- Fundamental principles of Stowage inside the container: uniform weight distribution, centre of gravity and prevention of displacements
- IMO/ILO/CEE-UN Code of Practice (CTU Code): Guidelines for packing and secure fixing of cargo transport units
- Lashing Systems and Materials (Lashing & Securing): Lashing Tapes, Airbags (Dunnage Bags), Slings, Sweepers and Fastening Nets
- Calculation of dynamic forces in transport: transverse, longitudinal and vertical accelerations in maritime, road and rail transport
- Moisture sealing and control conditions: use of desiccants, ventilation, prevention of sweat from the container (container rain) and thermal insulation
- Container weighing and mass verification (VGM SOLAS): Methods 1 and 2 for verified gross mass, shipper responsibility and safety impact
- Safety seals and seals (ISO 17712): Types of seals (bolt, cable), Security inspection, traceability and integrity of the container
- Container Verified Weighing (VGM)
03
Management and handling of dangerous goods (IMDG code)
- Structure and scope of the IMDG code: Classification of dangerous goods in the 9 IMO classes and assignment of the number UN
- Conditioning and safe packaging: Packing groups (I, II, III), Approval of containers and use of large containers for bulk (GRG/IBC)
- Labeling, marking and labelling: distinctive signs on packages and risk panels on the four sides of the container
- Segregation and incompatibility of loads: IMDG code segregation matrix, on-board distancing and in storage tanks
- Required Documentation for Dangerous Goods: Dangerous Goods Statement (DGD), Container Certificate of Pooling and Safety Data Sheet (FDS/MSDS)
- Emergency plans and immediate response: EMS Guide (Emergency Procedures for Dangerous Goods) and MFAG Guide (First Aid)
- Port Storage and Handling: Terminal Safety Regulations for Dangerous Goods and Chemical Supplies
- Segregation and documentation IMDG
04
Refrigerated Container Management (Reefer)
- Refrigeration unit technology: operation of compressors, evaporators, capacitors and power supplies (GenSet)
- Control parametres on refrigerated load: Setpoint temperature management (Set-point), airflow (bottom-air supply), relative humidity and ventilation ($CFM/m^3/h$)
- Treatment in controlled and modified atmosphere: Technologies for the regulation of $O_2$, $CO_2$ and Ethylene to stop the maturation of fruits and vegetables
- Cold treatment for pests (cold treatment / USDA): phytosanitary requirements, placement of pulp probes and continuous temperature records
- Pre-Travel Inspection (PTI): Operational testing of the refrigeration system, container cleaning and pre-consolidation disinfection
- Monitoring, telemetry and traceability IoT: real-time sensors for temperature tracking, GPS location, gate status and power failure alerts
- Managing cold chain breakdowns: claims for alteration of temperature, chain of custody of the data record and responsibility of the parties
- Remote monitoring of refrigerated containers
05
Port operations, container terminals and ship planning
- Container terminal infrastructure and equipment: STS cranes (ship-to-shore), RTG, RMG, REACH Stackers and Straddle Carriers
- Container yard design and management: Zoning by import, export, reefer, dangerous and empty goods
- Planning of stowage on container ships (Stowage Plan / Bay Plan): Assignment of Bay-Row-Tier positions and Baplie Archives
- Vessel Stability, Trim and Strength Calculations: Bending, Torque, Metacentric Height ($GM$) and Visibility Limits from the Bridge
- Loading and unloading sequence: Crane movement optimisation, reduction of reshuffling and stay times (Turnaround time)
- Terminal Management Systems (TOS - Terminal Operating System): Process automation, appointment for truck appointments and gate control (Gate-in / Gate-out)
- Container maintenance and repair: vacuum tanks, repair budgets under CEDEX and ICL regulations, and technical cleaning
- Stowage (Bay Plans) and EDI Communications Plans
06
Documentation, customs regimes and legal aspects of the cargo
- Bill of Lading - B/L functions: B/L (Title Value, Load Receipt, Freight Contract), Modalities (Master B/L, House B/L, Express Release)
- Incoterms® 2020 applied to container transport: responsibilities, risk transfer and costs in FCA, CPT, CIP, CFR, CIF and DDP
- Chartering contracts and space reservations (Booking): Commercial agreements with shipping companies, assignment of equipment and cancellation policies
- Customs processes and container inspection: cargo manifests, electronic data transmission (single window), physical inspection and non-invasive scanners
- FRANCO AND CUSTOMS TRAFFIC DEPOSIT REGIME: International transfer, cabotage, free zones and suspension of taxes
- Operating Cost Management: Overstays (Demurrage), Stops, Storage, and Strategies to Avoid Penalties
- Cargo Insurance: Clauses of the Institute of Insurers of London (Institute Cargo Clauses A, B, C), Container Coverage and Fault Inspection
- Bill of lading and its functions
07
Digitization, Operating Indicators and Sustainability in Load
- Digitization of the maritime supply chain: electronic bill of lading (E-B/L), DCSA standards (Digital Container Shipping Association)
- Blockchain Implementation and Traceability: Smart Contracts, End-to-End Visibility and Documentary Security
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Load Management: Container Cycle Times, Void Rotation, Fill Level (Fill Rate) and Costs by TEU
- Optimisation of empty container fleets: reverse logistics, strategic repositioning of voids and exchange agreements (interchange agreements)
- Cargo transport decarbonisation: carbon footprint by TEU/KM, energy efficiency in terminals and emissions emissions
- Intelligent weighing and access control systems: scale automation, optical character recognition (OCR) and artificial intelligence in gates
- Risk management and resilience in the intermodal chain: protocols against port congestion, strikes, bottlenecks and global disruptions
- Carbon footprint of container transport
08
Capstone Project: Cargo Operational Plan, Stowage and Container Logistics
- Definition of the case study: Selection of an intermodal export/import project with specific load requirements
- Container selection and cubing: calculation of necessary units, selection of the type of container ISO and optimisation of the interior space
- Design of the Lashing Plan (Lashing Plan): Elabouration of the scheme of distribution of weights, Mooring points and fastening materials (CTU code)
- Management Plan for Special or Dangerous Loads: Preparation of the documentary file (IMO/REEFER/VGM), safety sheets and contingency plans
- Operational Costs and Logistic Times Matrix: Estimation of freight, local expenses, calculation of transit times and prevention of demurrage/detention
- Digital traceability plan and risk management: integration of IoT sensors, E-B/L, analysis of critical control points and insurance coverage
- Presentation of the Operational Plan
- Final presentation: Defence of the cargo operational plan before a court of international logistics specialists, ship captains and port operators
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 seeking to optimize the management of cargo and containers.Shipping line, port terminal, and logistics operator personnel who wish to deepen their knowledge of regulations, safety, and operational efficiency.Purchasing, sales, and foreign trade managers who need to understand the supply chain and maritime transport.Students and recent graduates in r
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 logistics chain
- 02Mastering efficient manipulation
- 03Comply with safety regulations
- 04Manage streamlined customs operations
- 05Implement cost-effective transportation strategies
- 06Assess and mitigate operational risks
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Logistics Coordinator: Supply chain planning and management, route and transportation optimization.
02Container Terminal Manager: Supervision of port operations, equipment and personnel management.
03Freight Forwarder: Rate negotiation, shipment coordination, and customs documentation.
04Customs Specialist: Regulatory compliance, management of import/export procedures and documentation.
05Container Inspector: Verification of container safety and condition, regulatory compliance.
06Stowage Planner: Optimization of space on ships and in terminals, cargo coordination.
07Logistics and Transportation Consultant: Advising on process improvement, efficiency, and cost reduction. costs.
08Entrepreneur in the logistics sector: Creation and management of transportation, warehousing, and distribution companies.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The container.
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.
It covers all three modes of transport: land, sea, and air.
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:Technical or university degree in Logistics, Foreign Trade, Business Administration, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in cargo and container management.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of maritime transport, customs legislation, Incoterms, and regulations on dangerous goods (IMDG).Documentation:Updated resume, copy of degree or work experience certificate, identity document.Skills:Organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Experience with logistics managemen
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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