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 Port Design and Planning
This program provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to address the challenges of modern port infrastructure. You will learn to optimize operational efficiency, ensure safety, and promote sustainability at every stage…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Port Design and Planning?
The Diploma in Port Design and Planning
This program provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to address the challenges of modern port infrastructure. You will learn to optimize operational efficiency, ensure safety, and promote sustainability at every stage of a port's lifecycle, from conception to management. This program immerses you in port engineering, maritime traffic analysis, environmental impact assessment, and international regulations, preparing you to lead innovative and efficient port projects.
This program provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to address the challenges of modern port infrastructure.
Differential Advantages
- Real-world case studies: analysis of successful port projects and lessons learned.
- Specialized software: use of port simulation and design tools.
- Multidisciplinary approach: integration of technical, economic, and environmental aspects.
- Networking: interaction with port sector experts and leading professionals.
- Flexibility: Online format with access to digital resources and personalized tutoring.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Port Design: Master the techniques of planning, design, and optimization of modern port infrastructure.
- Regulations and Standards: Understand the legal framework and international standards that govern the construction and operation of ports.
- Simulation and Modeling: Apply state-of-the-art simulation tools to predict port behavior.
- Port Sustainability: Incorporate energy efficiency and environmental protection criteria into your projects.
- Port Project Management: Acquire skills for the effective management of port projects, from conception to commissioning. march.
- Boost your career and become a port development expert of the future.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of the port system, port typologies and functional bases for the design and planning of maritime-port infrastructures
- Concept of port and strategic function within logistics chains, sea transport and coastal territorial development
- Typologies of ports and terminals: commercial, fishing, energy, industrial, sports, multipurpose and specialised according to operation profile
- Functional components of the port system: maritime accesses, docks, docks, esplanades, terminals, logistics zones and land connections
- Relationship between port demand, traffic profile, hinterland and spatial configuration of the port infrastructure
- Port design conditioning variables: Draught, design ship, manoeuvreability, maritime climate, ground availability and environmental restrictions
- Interaction between port planning, coastal management, urban development and regional logistics competitiveness
- Comprehensive approach to port design and planning: functionality, safety, operational efficiency, resilience and long-term sustainability
- Functions of modern ports
02
Previous studies, demand analysis, location and technical conditions for the planning of new ports or extensions
- Port Demand Analysis Methodologies: Current Traffic, Cargo Projections, Fleet Evolution and Growth Scenarios
- Selection of port sites: geographic, metocean, geotechnical, logistical, economic and environmental criteria
- Studies of maritime climate and applied oceanography: waves, tides, currents, wind, sedimentation and its influence on preliminary design
- Bathymetric, geotechnical and topographical studies as a basis for the implementation of port works and operating surfaces
- Evaluation of maritime and land accessibility: channels of access, manoeuvre, road connectivity, rail, rail and intermodal integration
- Identification of physical, regulatory, urban and environmental restrictions that determine the viability of port development
- Formulation of the port functional program: objective capacity, type of operations, spatial requirements and growth phases
- Maritime Climate Studies
03
Nautical-port design, maritime access and functional sizing of canals, docks and manoeuvreing areas
- Definition of the design ship and criteria for the sizing of access channels, turning radios and waiting areas
- Functional design of docks, manoeuvreing areas and evolution basins according to expected traffic and safe operating conditions
- Draught, Under Keel Clearance Criteria, Initial Dredging and Maintenance to Ensure Sustained Port Operation
- Interaction between waves, currents, wind and manoeuvreing of ships in port accesses, mouths and interior spaces
- Preliminary design of port configurations: open, warm, linear terminals, specialised docks and modular developments
- Nautical requirements for tugs, pilotage, navigation aids and safe management of maritime traffic within the port area
- Functional validation of the nautical-port design through operational criteria, simulations and evaluation of manoeuvre risks
- Simulation of ship manoeuvres
04
Maritime works and preliminary design of port infrastructures: docks, docks, esplanades, dredging and associated protections
- Fundamentals of the design of shelter works: battering, vertical, mixed dikes and protection structures against the maritime climate
- Preliminary design of docks and docking fronts: structural typologies, operating loads, fenders, bollards and compatibility with the design ship
- Port explanades and operating surfaces: capacity requirements, flooring, drainage, internal logistics and terminal equipment support
- Port dredging and initial depth management: materials, tolerances, volumes, pouring zones and environmental conditions of the project
- Coastal protection works and morphosedimentary control associated with port developments and extensions on the coast
- Integration between structural design, geotechnics, maritime hydraulics and port infrastructure constructibility
- Criteria for durability, maintenance and structural resilience in the design Base of long-life port facilities
- Coat dike design
05
Operational planning, port layout, specialised terminals and spatial organisation of the port for logistics efficiency
- Port Operational Planning Principles: Flows of Vessels, Goods, Vehicles, Equipment, Persons and Support Services
- Port layout design: functional zoning, traffic segregation, use compatibility and optimisation of available space
- Configuration of container terminals, bulk, liquid, RO-RO, passengers, fishing and energy terminals according to specific needs
- Integration between pier, patio, warehouses, access doors and connections to the Hinterland to improve productivity and reduce congestion
- Spatial and functional requirements for operational buildings, workshops, customs, control, security and complementary port services
- Phase expansion models and modular port planning to respond to demand increases and market changes
- Use of operational and capacity indicators to validate the spatial organisation and the expected performance of the port design
- Container terminal design
06
Sustainability, environmental impact, climate resilience and risk management in port design and planning
- Identification of environmental impacts of port development: hydrodynamic alteration, sedimentation, water quality, biodiversity and noise
- Integration of environmental criteria in the port design: minimisation of conditions, compatibility of uses and preventive measures from early stages
- Port Sustainability Strategies: Energy Efficiency, Electrification, Waste Management, Emission Control and Nature-Based Solutions
- Climate resilience of the port against storms, sea level rise, coastal flooding and changes in the Metocean regime
- Management of natural and operational risks in port planning: structural failures, logistics interruptions and physical security threats
- Criteria for the progressive adaptation of the port to scenarios of climate change, energy transition and technological transformation of the maritime sector
- Integrated evaluation of sustainability, risk and resilience as part of the decision process in new or expansion port projects
- Adaptation to climate change
07
Economic evaluation, development models, implementation phases and governance of port projects
- Economic structure of a port project: investment in maritime works, superstructure, dredging, access, equipment and indirect costs
- Economic-financial feasibility analysis: demand, expected income, CAPEX, OPEX, return, sensitivity and growth scenarios
- Port development models: public investment, concessions, public-private partnerships and specialised terminal schemes
- Port development planning: infrastructure prioritisation, staggered growth and synchronisation with real demand
- Port System Governance: Port Authority, Operators, Concessionaires, Logistics Community and Institutional Coordination
- Stakeholder management in port projects: users, administrations, local communities, private sector and environmental actors
- Strategic Indicators for Decision Making in Port Planning: Capacity, Occupation, Profitability, Service, Resilience and Territorial Value
- Financing of port infrastructures
08
CapStone Project of Port or Port Expansion Design and Planning with Technical, Functional, Environmental and Economic Approach
- Definition of the case study: type of port, location, planned traffic, site restrictions and port development objectives
- Preparation of the base diagnosis: Demand, Metocean conditions, Site, accessibility, Environmental conditions and functional program
- Development of the preliminary design proposal: maritime accesses, docks, docks, esplanades, terminals and spatial organisation of the enclosure
- Formulation of the implementation strategy: growth phases, constructive priorities, future expansion and operating scheme of the port
- Integrated feasibility assessment: technical criteria, functional performance, sustainability, climate resilience and economic-financial rationality
- Preparation of the technical report and supporting documentation: conceptual plans, justifications, decision matrices and key indicators
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Presentation and defence of the final project: Comprehensive argumentation of the proposed port design and planning, with a professional and applied approach
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
Civil engineers, architects, and urban planners seeking to specialize in the design and development of sustainable and innovative port infrastructure.Maritime and logistics professionals wishing to expand their knowledge in the strategic and operational planning of ports and terminals.Port infrastructure investment project managers needing to acquire tools for the technical, economic, and envi
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
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Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize the comprehensive management of port infrastructure
- 02Mastering sustainable and innovative port design techniques
- 03Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of port projects
- 04Leading the modernization and expansion of port facilities
- 05Implement efficient port environmental management strategies
- 06Monitor safety and operational efficiency in ports
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port Planner: Design and development of port infrastructure, optimization of space and resources.
02Port Project Manager: Leadership and coordination of port construction and expansion projects.
03Port Design Consultant: Technical advice on port planning and design, including feasibility studies.
04Port Operations Specialist: Optimization of logistics and operations within the port, including cargo handling.
05Port Design Engineer: Development of plans and technical specifications for the construction and improvement of port infrastructure.
06Environmental Impact Analyst: Evaluation of the environmental impacts of port projects and development of mitigation measures.
07Security Specialist Port Authority: Design and implementation of security measures to protect port facilities and personnel.
08Port Technology Researcher: Development and application of new technologies to improve port efficiency and sustainability.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The design, planning, construction, operation and management of port infrastructure.
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 addresses both aspects, both the physical infrastructure and the logistics and management of port 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:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Civil Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Architecture, Economics or related field; or accredited professional experience in the port sector.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of logistics, transport, infrastructure, and port legislation will be valued.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic qualification (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of interest explaining the motivation for completing the diploma program.Technical Requirements (for online, if applicable):Computer with a stable internet connection,
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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