Choose your language
Port and Shipping Management Course
More than 2 million students worldwide

Port and Shipping Management Course

4.8

Master every layer of the global port and shipping industry, from terminal operations and maritime law to freight pricing and supply chain strategy. This course gives you the practical knowledge to navigate one of the world's most complex and economically vital sectors. Whether you're building a career or advancing one, you'll finish with skills that translate directly to the job.

Dedika for businesses

What you will learn:

You'll gain a thorough understanding of how ports operate, how cargo moves through global supply chains, and how commercial decisions are made in the shipping industry. The course covers vessel types, terminal management, shipping documentation, customs compliance, and maritime law. You'll also learn how freight rates are structured, how to analyse voyage costs, and how to manage carrier contracts. Topics in port safety, security, and risk management prepare you for real operational environments. Advanced sections address port digitalisation, sustainability strategy, and leadership in maritime organisations.

How you study in practice Port and Shipping Management Course

How you practise Port and Shipping Management Course

For companies looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the specific needs of your company.

Click here

Course content

8 Chapters • 42 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Port and Shipping Industry

  • Lesson 1 • Global Maritime Trade Overview

    Covers the scale, history, and economic significance of seaborne trade. Anchors all subsequent topics in real-world commercial context.

  • Lesson 2 • Port Types and Functions

    Defines port classifications by cargo type, geography, and function. Enables students to identify port roles within supply chains.

  • Lesson 3 • Shipping Modes and Vessel Types

    Surveys major vessel categories and their cargo compatibility. Connects vessel selection to cargo requirements and trade routes.

  • Lesson 4 • Key Industry Stakeholders

    Maps relationships among carriers, shippers, port authorities, and intermediaries. Clarifies decision-making flows across the shipping ecosystem.

  • Lesson 5 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

    Introduces international maritime governance bodies and safety standards. Provides the compliance baseline referenced throughout the course.

Chapter 2See details

Port Operations and Terminal Management

  • Lesson 1 • Container Terminal Operations

    Focuses on container flow from vessel discharge to gate-out. Integrates planning, sequencing, and yard management concepts.

  • Lesson 2 • Port Layout and Infrastructure

    Examines berth design, yard configuration, and gate systems. Connects physical layout decisions to throughput capacity and safety.

  • Lesson 3 • Port Performance Metrics

    Introduces KPIs such as berth occupancy, crane productivity, and dwell time. Enables students to evaluate and benchmark terminal performance.

  • Lesson 4 • Vessel Arrival and Berthing Procedures

    Details pre-arrival notifications, pilotage, and mooring sequences. Establishes the procedural foundation for safe and efficient vessel turnaround.

  • Lesson 5 • Cargo Handling Equipment

    Covers cranes, forklifts, reach stackers, and conveyor systems. Links equipment selection to cargo type and operational productivity.

  • Lesson 6 • Bulk and Break-Bulk Operations

    Addresses handling procedures for dry bulk, liquid bulk, and break-bulk cargo. Highlights unique safety and contamination risks for each cargo type.

Chapter 3See details

Shipping Documentation and Cargo Procedures

  • Lesson 1 • Customs and Border Compliance

    Addresses import and export declarations, tariff classification, and clearance. Connects compliance failures to cargo delays and financial penalties.

  • Lesson 2 • Dangerous Goods Documentation

    Covers classification, labelling, and declaration of hazardous cargo. Ensures students can verify compliance with international dangerous goods rules.

  • Lesson 3 • Core Shipping Documents

    Explains the bill of lading, sea waybill, and manifest. Establishes document functions as the legal and logistical backbone of every shipment.

  • Lesson 4 • Electronic Data Interchange in Shipping

    Introduces EDI message standards and port community system integration. Demonstrates how digital data exchange reduces errors and processing time.

  • Lesson 5 • Booking and Space Allocation

    Covers the booking process from shipper inquiry to slot confirmation. Links booking accuracy to vessel planning and revenue management.

Chapter 4See details

Maritime Law and Regulatory Compliance

  • Lesson 1 • Contracts of Carriage

    Analyses charter parties, liner terms, and carrier liability conventions. Enables students to interpret and negotiate carriage contract clauses.

  • Lesson 2 • Environmental Compliance at Sea

    Covers discharge regulations, emission controls, and ballast water management. Links environmental violations to financial and reputational consequences.

  • Lesson 3 • Port State Control and Inspections

    Details inspection regimes, deficiency categories, and detention criteria. Prepares students to manage vessel compliance and avoid operational disruptions.

  • Lesson 4 • Principles of Maritime Law

    Covers jurisdiction, admiralty courts, and foundational maritime legal concepts. Frames the legal environment within which all shipping contracts operate.

  • Lesson 5 • Trade Sanctions and Cargo Controls

    Addresses sanctions screening, prohibited cargo, and dual-use goods controls. Equips students to identify and escalate compliance red flags.

Chapter 5See details

Freight Pricing and Commercial Management

  • Lesson 1 • Freight Rate Structures

    Explains base rates, surcharges, and tariff construction for liner and tramp markets. Provides the pricing vocabulary needed for commercial negotiations.

  • Lesson 2 • Freight Market Intelligence

    Covers freight indices, market reports, and competitive benchmarking tools. Equips students to monitor market trends and adjust commercial strategy.

  • Lesson 3 • Service Contracts and Rate Agreements

    Examines long-term service contracts, volume commitments, and rate negotiation tactics. Enables students to structure agreements that balance risk and revenue.

  • Lesson 4 • Cost Analysis and Voyage Estimation

    Covers voyage cost modelling, port disbursements, and break-even analysis. Connects cost visibility to profitable route and cargo decisions.

  • Lesson 5 • Revenue Management in Liner Shipping

    Introduces yield management, cargo mix optimisation, and slot revenue analysis. Links commercial decisions to vessel profitability and network performance.

Chapter 6See details

Supply Chain Integration and Logistics

  • Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Visibility and Tracking

    Introduces container tracking, event milestones, and exception management. Connects real-time visibility to proactive customer service and risk mitigation.

  • Lesson 2 • Inventory and Warehousing at Ports

    Addresses bonded warehouses, free zones, and port-centric distribution. Links storage decisions to customs status, cost, and supply chain velocity.

  • Lesson 3 • Intermodal Transport and Connectivity

    Covers rail, road, and inland waterway connections to seaports. Demonstrates how intermodal planning reduces total transit time and cost.

  • Lesson 4 • Incoterms and Trade Terms Application

    Explains delivery terms, risk transfer points, and cost allocation under trade terms. Enables students to select and apply appropriate terms in contracts.

  • Lesson 5 • Supply Chain Fundamentals for Shipping

    Defines supply chain tiers, flows, and the role of maritime transport. Positions shipping as a critical link in global production and distribution networks.

Chapter 7See details

Port Safety, Security, and Risk Management

  • Lesson 1 • International Ship and Port Security Code

    Details ISPS Code requirements for port facilities and vessels. Enables students to develop and audit port facility security plans.

  • Lesson 2 • Occupational Health and Safety in Ports

    Covers hazard identification, personal protective equipment, and incident reporting. Establishes the safety culture foundation required for all port roles.

  • Lesson 3 • Operational Risk Assessment and Mitigation

    Introduces risk matrices, bow-tie analysis, and business continuity planning. Connects risk tools to port operational resilience and insurance requirements.

  • Lesson 4 • Cargo and Access Control

    Addresses container scanning, access credentialing, and contraband prevention. Links physical security measures to regulatory compliance and loss prevention.

  • Lesson 5 • Maritime Piracy and Threat Response

    Covers high-risk area routing, best management practices, and incident response. Prepares students to advise on voyage security planning.

Chapter 8See details

Strategic Port Management and Development

  • Lesson 1 • Concession and Terminal Leasing

    Examines concession agreement structures, performance obligations, and renegotiation. Prepares students to evaluate and manage terminal concession contracts.

  • Lesson 2 • Port Hinterland and Foreland Strategy

    Analyses hinterland capture, feeder network design, and foreland market positioning. Connects geographic strategy to cargo volume growth and market share.

  • Lesson 3 • Port Masterplanning and Capacity Expansion

    Covers demand forecasting, land use planning, and phased infrastructure investment. Links masterplan decisions to long-term port competitiveness.

  • Lesson 4 • Sustainability and Green Port Initiatives

    Addresses carbon reduction targets, shore power, and green certification programmes. Equips students to develop and communicate a port sustainability strategy.

  • Lesson 5 • Port Governance Models

    Compares landlord, tool, and service port models and their governance implications. Enables students to assess governance fit for different port contexts.

  • Lesson 6 • Port Digitalisation and Smart Port Strategy

    Covers port operating system integration, IoT deployment, and data-driven decision-making. Positions digital investment as a strategic competitive differentiator.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Logistics coordinator: wants to understand the port side of their shipments.

  • Freight forwarder: needs deeper knowledge of terminal and compliance processes.

  • Supply chain analyst: looking to add maritime expertise to their existing skill set.

  • Career changer: transitioning from a land-based role into the shipping industry.

  • Trade finance professional: seeking operational context behind the deals they structure.

  • Port authority employee: aiming to broaden their strategic and commercial perspective.

What our students say

Your classes are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of my interest without needing to change platforms... I thank you for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
Mariana Ferres
Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
Luciana Alvarenga
Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast, simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos help a lot with learning.
André Felipe
André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

Top trainings

FAQ

Who is Dedika?

Is the certificate valid in Nigeria?

Are the courses free?

What is the course workload?

What are the courses like?

How do the courses work?

What is the duration of the courses?

What is the cost or price of the courses?

What is an EAD or online course and how does it work?

PDF Course