Port Operations & Management
Overview
Ports are gateways for trade and their efficiency affects whole economies. This course covers port management and operations: port governance models, terminal operations, berth and yard planning, cargo handling, logistics links, safety and security, and port performance.
Who should attend
Port and terminal managers, port authority staff, shipping and logistics professionals, and customs and maritime officials.
Training methodology
Interactive presentations, practical exercises, case studies, group discussions, role-plays where relevant, and a personal action plan that participants apply in their own work.
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain port governance models and the role of port authorities
- Plan berth, yard and equipment operations
- Manage container, bulk and general cargo handling
- Integrate ports with hinterland logistics and customs
- Measure port performance and manage safety and security
Course outline
Day 1Ports and Governance
- Role of ports in trade
- Port types and functions
- Governance models: landlord, service and tool ports
- Port authority functions
- Concessions and public-private partnerships
- Discussion: your port
Day 2Terminal Operations
- Container terminal operations
- Bulk and general cargo terminals
- Berth planning
- Yard planning and storage
- Equipment and automation
- Exercise: berth allocation
Day 3Vessel and Cargo Flow
- Vessel arrival and pilotage
- Stevedoring and productivity
- Gate operations
- Port community systems
- Customs and inspection
- Case study: reducing dwell time
Day 4Logistics and Commercial
- Hinterland connections
- Dry ports and free zones
- Port tariffs and pricing
- Customer and shipping line relations
- Port marketing
- Exercise: port competitiveness analysis
Day 5Safety, Security and Performance
- Port safety management
- ISPS and port security
- Environmental management in ports
- Port KPIs
- Digital and smart ports
- Port improvement plan