Basics of Maritime Logistics Course

Lesson 1 • Global Maritime Trade Overview

Examines the scale and structure of seaborne trade and its role in global supply chains. Establishes context for all subsequent logistics concepts.

Lesson 2 • Core Maritime Terminology

Introduces essential vocabulary used across shipping, ports, and documentation. Accurate terminology is prerequisite for all technical chapters.

Lesson 3 • Key Industry Stakeholders

Identifies the principal actors in maritime logistics and their interdependencies. Clarifies roles students will encounter throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Cargo Classification and Compatibility

Defines cargo categories by physical and hazard properties and explains stowage compatibility rules. Directly informs documentation and planning in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Bulk and Tanker Vessels

Explains dry bulk and liquid bulk vessel designs and their cargo handling requirements. Distinguishes bulk logistics from containerised operations.

Lesson 3 • Ro-Ro, General Cargo, and Specialised Vessels

Introduces roll-on/roll-off, multipurpose, and project cargo vessels. Prepares students to handle non-standard cargo logistics.

Lesson 1 • Terminal Operating Systems

Explains how terminal operating systems manage vessel calls, yard planning, and gate transactions. Connects technology to operational efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Port Performance Metrics

Introduces key performance indicators such as crane productivity, dwell time, and vessel turnaround. Students use metrics to evaluate and compare port efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Port Infrastructure and Layout

Describes berths, quays, yards, and gate systems that form port infrastructure. Provides spatial understanding needed for operational planning.

Lesson 4 • Port Community and Stakeholder Coordination

Examines how port authorities, customs, agents, and carriers coordinate within a port community. Highlights communication flows critical to smooth operations.

Lesson 1 • Bill of Lading Fundamentals

Explains the bill of lading as a receipt, contract, and title document. Accurate completion is essential for cargo release and trade finance.

Lesson 2 • Trade Compliance and Sanctions Screening

Introduces export controls, trade sanctions, and denied-party screening in maritime trade. Compliance failures carry severe financial and reputational consequences.

Lesson 3 • Vessel Certificates and Port State Control

Identifies mandatory vessel certificates and the port state control inspection process. Students recognise compliance gaps that delay vessel operations.

Lesson 4 • Dangerous Goods Documentation

Details the declarations, packing certificates, and placarding required for hazardous cargo. Non-compliance creates safety and legal liability.

Lesson 1 • Freight Cost Calculation and Landed Cost

Teaches step-by-step calculation of total landed cost including freight, duties, and local charges. Accurate costing supports competitive pricing and margin management.

Lesson 2 • Freight Market Dynamics

Analyses supply and demand drivers that cause rate volatility in container and bulk markets. Market awareness enables proactive procurement decisions.

Lesson 3 • Ocean Freight Rate Structures

Explains base rates, surcharges, and accessorial charges that compose total freight cost. Rate literacy is foundational for procurement and budgeting.

Lesson 1 • Inland Transport Modes and Connections

Compares rail, road, and inland waterway options for connecting ports to hinterlands. Mode selection affects cost, speed, and carbon footprint.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Visibility and Tracking

Covers tools and data standards that provide real-time cargo visibility across the supply chain. Visibility reduces uncertainty and improves exception management.

Lesson 3 • Freight Consolidation and Deconsolidation

Explains how cargo is consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination to optimise container utilisation. Directly reduces per-unit freight costs.

Lesson 4 • Routing Optimisation and Transit Time Analysis

Applies routing logic to select optimal port pairs, transshipment hubs, and inland paths. Students balance transit time, cost, and reliability trade-offs.

Lesson 1 • Business Continuity and Contingency Planning

Develops contingency plans for port closures, vessel delays, and supply disruptions. Proactive planning minimises financial impact of maritime disruptions.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Liability and Limitation Regimes

Covers international conventions governing carrier liability limits and shipper recourse options. Understanding liability gaps informs insurance purchasing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Marine Cargo Insurance Principles

Explains insurable interest, coverage clauses, and claims procedures for marine cargo insurance. Students select appropriate coverage for different cargo types.

Lesson 1 • Network Design for Maritime Operations

Applies network design principles to select ports, hubs, and distribution centres for maritime supply chains. Decisions at this level have long-term cost and service implications.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Selection and Relationship Management

Establishes criteria for evaluating and selecting ocean carriers and managing long-term partnerships. Strong carrier relationships improve service reliability and problem resolution.

Lesson 3 • Digital Transformation in Maritime Logistics

Evaluates digital tools including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT for maritime logistics optimisation. Technology adoption creates competitive advantage and operational resilience.

Lesson 4 • Sustainability in Maritime Strategy

Integrates environmental sustainability targets into maritime logistics strategy and carrier selection. Regulatory pressure and customer expectations make sustainability a strategic priority.