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 Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
Prepares you to lead the transformation of ports into digital, automated, zero-emission hubs. You will study digital port platforms (port community systems, the maritime single window, digital twins), terminal automation, onshore…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation?
The Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation
Prepares you to lead the transformation of ports into digital, automated, zero-emission hubs. You will study digital port platforms (port community systems, the maritime single window, digital twins), terminal automation, onshore power supply (OPS) for ships at berth, renewable energy generation in the port, alternative fuel supply and decarbonisation planning.
Key advantages
- Two-in-one focus: Digital transformation and the energy transition of the port in a single programme.
- European regulation: AFIR, FuelEU Maritime and the shore power obligation.
- Real technology: 5G, IoT, digital twins, automated terminals and logistics blockchain.
- Port energy: Microgrids, renewables, storage and hydrogen in the port.
- Applied project: Master plan for a smart, zero-emission port.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Digitalise the port: Deploy data platforms, IoT and digital twins.
- Automate terminals: Learn about automated cranes and vehicles and how to manage them.
- Electrify the berths: Design onshore power supply (OPS) systems.
- Decarbonise: Draw up zero-emission plans for the port community.
- Lead change: Prepare to run strategic projects at port authorities and terminals.
- Train to run the port of the future: connected, efficient and sustainable.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
The Port of the Future: Trends and Strategy
- The changing role of ports in the supply chain
- The smart port concept
- The green and zero-emission port concept
- Port governance models
- Competition between ports and attractiveness factors
- Benchmark ports for innovation
- The port community and its stakeholders
- Strategic port planning
- Performance indicators
- European and international innovation funding
02
Digital Platforms and Data Exchange
- Port community systems (PCS)
- The European Maritime Single Window
- Just-in-time arrival
- Data standards: IMO FAL and DCSA
- Interoperability between ports and shipping lines
- APIs and open platforms
- Blockchain and document traceability
- Data governance and ownership
- Cyber security of port platforms
- Digitalisation success stories
03
IoT, Connectivity and Port Digital Twins
- Private 5G networks in ports
- IoT sensors on infrastructure and equipment
- Real-time environmental monitoring
- The port digital twin
- Simulating operations and capacity
- Road and rail traffic management
- Video analytics and artificial intelligence
- Predictive maintenance of infrastructure
- Data platforms and integration
- Return on investment of digital projects
04
Terminal Automation
- Terminal types and levels of automation
- Automated ship-to-shore and yard cranes
- Automated guided vehicles and straddle carriers
- Terminal operating systems (TOS)
- Automated gates and OCR recognition
- AI-based planning optimisation
- Safety in automated terminals
- Labour relations and workforce transition
- Costs and productivity
- Automated terminal case studies
05
Onshore Power Supply for Ships at Berth (OPS)
- Ship emissions in port
- Shore connection technology
- IEC/IEEE 80005 standards
- Requirements by ship type: cruise, ferries and container ships
- Grid connection and substations
- Frequency and voltage conversion
- Obligations under AFIR and FuelEU Maritime
- Tariff and business models
- Adapting ships
- Installed projects and lessons learned
06
Renewable Energy and Port Energy Management
- Port energy audit
- Solar and wind in port areas
- Battery storage
- Port microgrids
- Electrifying equipment and vehicles
- Port energy communities
- Ports as offshore wind hubs
- Renewable energy contracts
- Energy management systems (ISO 50001)
- Monitoring and optimising consumption
07
Alternative Fuels and Hydrogen Hubs
- Future demand for alternative fuels
- LNG and bio-LNG bunkering infrastructure
- Methanol storage and supply
- Ammonia terminals
- Port hydrogen hubs
- Safety and site planning
- Fuels for port equipment and trucks
- Green shipping corridors
- Collaboration with the energy industry
- Investment planning
08
Emissions Inventories and Decarbonisation Plans
- Port emissions inventory methods
- Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- Air quality and health in port cities
- Zero-emission targets
- Reduction measures and prioritisation
- Environmental port dues incentives
- Environmental ship indices
- Port environmental certification
- Reporting results
- Monitoring and verification
09
Logistics, Intermodality and Port-City Relations
- Rail links and motorways of the sea
- Inland terminals and dry ports
- Truck appointment systems
- Urban logistics and the last mile
- Integrating the port into the city
- Cruise and tourism management
- Use of port land
- Public participation
- Resilience to climate change
- Spatial planning
10
Project Management, Funding and Innovation
- Managing port transformation projects
- Public-private partnerships
- EU funding: CEF, Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund
- Public procurement of innovation
- Port start-up ecosystems
- Organisational change management
- Training and new skills
- Project evaluation
- Risk management
- Communication and leadership
11
Master's Final Project: Smart and Zero-Emission Port Master Plan
- Diagnosis of the chosen port
- Port community analysis
- Digital strategy and project prioritisation
- Automation proposal
- Onshore power supply design
- Energy plan and renewables
- Emissions inventory and targets
- Investment and funding plan
- Timeline and monitoring indicators
- Writing the dissertation and defending it before a panel
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
Port authority staff and managers: responsible for planning, innovation or the environment Terminal and logistics operator professionals: working on automation and efficiency Civil, industrial, electrical and telecoms engineers: interested in port infrastructure Digital and energy transformation consultants: advising the port sector Shipping line and agency professionals: who need to under
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
- 01Design a smart port strategy
- 02Deploy digital platforms
- 03Manage terminal automation
- 04Design onshore power supply
- 05Plan port decarbonisation
- 06Manage port energy
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port innovation manager: Digital projects at port authorities.
02Port sustainability and energy manager: Decarbonisation and efficiency plans.
03OPS systems engineer: Designing and delivering shore power.
04Terminal automation lead: Automation and productivity projects.
05Smart port consultant: Strategic advice to ports and terminals.
06Funded projects manager: Projects backed by European and international funds.
Questions
Entry Requirements
A port that uses data, connectivity and automation to be more efficient, safer and more sustainable, and that coordinates its whole community digitally.
Onshore power supply lets ships switch off their auxiliary engines at berth, cutting emissions and noise.
Yes. AFIR, FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS are analysed for their impact on ports.
Yes. The strategy, economics and project management content is accessible to managers.
A complete smart, zero-emission master plan for a real port.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 1500 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Master's in Smart Ports and Port Decarbonisation qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
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: A degree in civil, industrial, electrical, telecommunications or computer engineering, nautical science, economics or logistics; or proven experience in the port or logistics sector. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.