Cargo Ship Conversion Course
The Cargo Ship Conversion Course focuses on the transformation and adaptation of vessels for cargo transport. It covers naval engineering applied to structural modification, including space optimisation, the integration of loading and unloading systems, and compliance with maritime safety regulations. It studies stability assessment, hull strength and energy efficiency, using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure operability and profitability in logistics operations.
The course provides practical knowledge of naval welding, plasma cutting and conversion project management, with particular attention to port logistics and adaptation to different cargo types, such as containers, bulk cargo and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo. It emphasises the importance of technical inspections and documentation for the certification of the conversion, preparing professionals for roles such as conversion engineers, shipyard supervisors and naval consultants specialising in the maritime transport sector.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the types of cargo ship conversion and their feasibility.
Assess the structural and technical condition of the base vessel.
Design structural modifications and verify strength and stability.
Apply the regulations for major modifications to existing vessels.
Plan the execution of a conversion at a shipyard.
Estimate the costs and risks of a conversion project.
Develop the technical project for the conversion of a cargo ship.
Who it's for
- Conversion naval engineer wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Project superintendent wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Naval structures engineer wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Hull surveyor wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Repair yard project manager wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Naval investment consultant wishing to specialise in Cargo Ship Conversion.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter repair and conversion shipyards.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Convention
- International Convention on Load Lines, 1966
- MARPOL Convention, Annex I
- International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969
- ESP Code, Resolution A.1049(27), Enhanced Survey Programme
- Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 on ship recycling
- IACS UR Z10 Hull Surveys
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Tanker to FPSO or FSO unit1.2Bulk carrier to self-unloader1.3Container ship stretching1.4Cargo ship to offshore support vessel1.5Ro-Ro to Ro-Pax1.6Tanker to bulk carrier1.7Conversion to cable layer or crane vessel1.8Second-hand market and economic motivation1.9Conversion versus newbuilding1.10Case study: feasibility of an FSO conversion
2.1Condition survey and thickness measurement2.2Class history and recommendations2.3Residual fatigue assessment2.4Machinery and systems condition2.5Enhanced Survey Programme records2.6Inventory of hazardous materials2.7Determination of lightship weight2.8Review of available documentation2.9Vessel condition report2.10Laboratory: analysis of thickness measurements
3.1Stretching with an insert section3.2Local and global structural reinforcement3.3Longitudinal strength after modification3.4Intact and damage stability3.5Freeboard and load lines3.6Relocation of machinery and equipment3.7New cargo handling systems3.8Structural analysis by finite elements3.9Class approval of drawings3.10Workshop: longitudinal strength after stretching
4.1Concept of major modification4.2Application of SOLAS to existing vessels4.3MARPOL requirements after conversion4.4Class rules for conversions4.5New tonnage measurement and certificate4.6Tanker conversion and Annex I4.7Change of flag and registration4.8EEXI requirements for the converted vessel4.9Documentation and final certificates4.10Practice: requirements applicable to a stretching project
5.1Conversion planning5.2Cutting and separation of sections5.3Fabrication of the new section5.4Joining and alignment of sections5.5Renewal of deteriorated steel5.6Coordination with outfitting5.7Post-conversion testing5.8Cost control5.9Risk management5.10Case study: stretching a container ship
6.1Selection of the base vessel6.2Definition of the conversion6.3Condition assessment6.4Structural engineering of the modification6.5Stability analysis6.6Regulatory compliance plan6.7Execution plan6.8Budget and feasibility6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is NAPA, Maxsurf, DNV Nauticus Hull, Simcenter Femap, AVEVA Marine, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: assessing the condition of a base vessel, calculating longitudinal strength after a modification, and analysing the feasibility of a conversion. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus a final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the types of cargo ship conversion and their feasibility.
Assess the structural and technical condition of the base vessel.
Design structural modifications and verify strength and stability.
Apply the regulations for major modifications to existing vessels.
Plan the execution of a conversion at a shipyard.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A level of Spanish sufficient to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is 10 to 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
Students work with NAPA, Maxsurf, DNV Nauticus Hull, Simcenter Femap and AVEVA Marine. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma, awarded on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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