Container Terminal Operation Course
Online 300-hour course in container terminal operation. 6 modules covering ISO 668:2020, ISO 6346:2022 and Navis N4. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the structure and subsystems of a container terminal.
Plan berthing, cranes and loading sequences.
Design stacking strategies that reduce re-handles.
Organise gate processes and the rail connection.
Apply safety requirements, dangerous goods and VGM.
Calculate and interpret productivity indicators.
Draw up an operational improvement plan for a real terminal.
Who it's for
- Vessel and stowage planner looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Terminal operations manager looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Yard planner looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Quay supervisor looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Port productivity analyst looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Gate and rail coordinator looking to specialise in Container Terminal Operation.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter port terminals.
What you'll work with
- ISO 668:2020
- ISO 6346:2022
- SOLAS Convention Chapter VI, Regulation 2 (VGM)
- IMDG Code
- CSC Convention
- ISO 1496-1:2013
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Origin-destination and transhipment terminals1.2Quay, yard, gate and rail subsystems1.3ISO containers: types and dimensions1.4TEU and terminal capacity1.5Handling equipment1.6Shipping lines, consignees and freight forwarders1.7Concession agreements1.8Productivity indicators1.9Mega-vessels and shipping alliances1.10Case study: capacity of a 1 M TEU terminal
2.1Berth planning2.2Crane assignment to the vessel2.3Stowage plan and bayplan2.4Loading and discharging sequences2.5Gross and net productivity per crane2.6Out-of-gauge containers2.7Dangerous goods and IMDG segregation2.8Reefer containers and reefer connections2.9Coordination with pilotage and mooring2.10Practice: loading sequence of a feeder vessel
3.1Block and lane layout3.2Stacking strategies3.3Minimising re-handles3.4Yard position allocation3.5RTG, RMG and straddle carrier equipment3.6Empty container management3.7Reefer and dangerous goods zones3.8Inventory and yard control3.9Dwell time and occupancy3.10Workshop: stacking strategy to reduce re-handles
4.1Gate processes and truck appointments4.2OCR and access automation4.3Physical inspection and scanners4.4Rail terminal operation4.5Coordination with freight forwarders and customs4.6Queue management at access points4.7Delivery and pick-up documentation4.8Verified gross mass control4.9Interface with the port community system4.10Case study: redesign of the gate process
5.1Quay, yard and gate KPIs5.2Terminal benchmarking5.3Shifts and stowage organisation5.4Risk prevention in terminals5.5Equipment maintenance5.6Operational incident management5.7Terminal carbon footprint5.8Equipment electrification5.9Continuous operational improvement5.10Practice: indicator dashboard of a terminal
6.1Characterisation of the study terminal6.2Analysis of demand and calls6.3Quay plan and resources6.4Yard strategy6.5Gate process design6.6Operational economic analysis6.7Target performance indicators6.8Improvement plan6.9Report 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. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Navis N4, Tideworks Mainsail, CyberLogitec OPUS Terminal, AnyLogic, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures for planning a vessel's loading sequence, optimising the yard stacking strategy and redesigning truck flow at the gate. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the structure and subsystems of a container terminal.
Plan berthing, cranes and loading sequences.
Design stacking strategies that reduce re-handles.
Organise gate processes and the rail connection.
Apply safety requirements, dangerous goods and VGM.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish 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 consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with Navis N4, Tideworks Mainsail, CyberLogitec OPUS Terminal, AnyLogic. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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