Maritime Transport Track

Fundamentals of the Maritime Transport Industry

Everything starts with a good understanding of how the maritime industry works. We explore the diversity of materials, market players and how they affect market organization. On a field trip to the port of Antwerp, you will see this theory come to life. This not only provides you with the right foundation to tackle the rest of the curriculum, but also to tackle the transportation world you will enter after graduation.

Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management

You are looking forward to a specialized career in the maritime industry, but in doing so, it is important to also master the principles of broader transportation economics and supply chain. With knowledge of different transportation types, logistics economics, profit and loss principles and policies, you'll be able to critically evaluate supply chain solutions and management strategies, and understand how movements such as globalization, digitalization and environmental impacts affect the industry.

Technology, Digital Innovation & Sustainability

As a typical growth sector, the world of maritime transportation is constantly changing. What technological and innovation trends are already contributing to the sustainability of the sector today? How does an innovation network work and how do ports, airlines, logistics organizations and technology suppliers benefit? How do you assess the effectiveness of new digital solutions? You will discover it all.

Maritime Transport Market Analysis

This course zooms in on the markets in which shipowners and operators trade. After learning about their dynamic business environment, we will take a look at developments within the cargo, shipbuilding and shipbreaking markets. With an overview of key modeling tools, you'll proceed to productively analyze the shipping market yourself. Add to that strategy development and operations of container shipping, and you will create a thorough understanding of the overall picture of transportation companies.

Maritime Chain Cost Analysis

Is innovating phases of the maritime supply chain one of your ambitions? This course will provide you with all the tools to analyze and assess possible changes, and to defend the necessary investments for your organization. In doing so, we always cast an eye over the current challenges in the sector so that you can take all factors into account for maximum efficiency.

Maritime Supply Chains & Hinterland

Maritime transport is an essential link in global supply chains, but within that chain there are several key moments that require major decisions. The mode of transport, the choice of port, which hinterland shipping services are involved, which external trends and events play a role, etc. After this course, you will be in a strong position to make informed decisions, together with other links in your supply chain.

Port Economics & Business

The port is the beating heart of maritime transportation - that's as much about the location and infrastructure as it is about the organizational power behind it. Dive into the history of ports and discover what structures, innovations and movements contribute to their value creation today. Everything you ever wanted to know about the ins and outs of ports, you will discover here.

Maritime Economics & Business

This course focuses on all the major issues and actors shaping the maritime transportation market. What business strategies do shipowners employ? How do they create market forecasts? What role do authorities play? What type of ship do you choose for which route or cargo? With smart economic tools, you will analyze all the typical characteristics that make this booming business what it is.

Maritime Business Game

In this course, we will bridge the gap between theory and practice. Step into the shoes of a maritime manager and develop your own business plan. Play along! We will execute your business plan for the first year and determine your successes with an annual report. This way you get used to the stressful environment that the maritime industry sometimes brings and see how your new knowledge translates to the workplace.

Master Project

Last but not least, there is the Master Project in which you can make full use of all your talents. Assisted by an academic advisor, you and your group will work out a real business case for an existing company - as if you were part of their team. This provides you with a nice crowning achievement for your work over the past year and the chance to impress industry professionals.

Note: This curriculum is subject to change.

You can't talk about maritime transport without mentioning the international nature of the sector. That's why we like to take you across the border to discover how things work in foreign ports and maritime organizations. The series of lectures and visits will not only give you the chance to gain new experiences, but also to expand your network with new business contacts and - of course - friendships.

In addition to the standard curriculum, you can also enrich your studies with an elective course tailored to your interests and learning needs. For the Master in Maritime Transport Management, you can choose between 2 tracks:

Research Methodology Track

Are you fascinated by academic and practical research? We will present you with the necessary skills to independently set up research projects according to the most common methodologies in transport economics. With a critical eye, you will evaluate research procedures and results to arrive at valuable tools that will give your future in academic research or consultancy a powerful boost.

Global Leadership

Your personal development is just as important as the technical knowledge you will gain this year. Therefore, this module challenges you to get to know yourself better: What is your personality like? How do you work with others? What career goals do you want to pursue? This valuable awareness and the soft skills that go with it will strengthen you as a person to take the next professional step.

After completing this master's program:

• ...you will understand the industry context in which maritime stakeholders operate, as well as the operational and strategic drivers behind their business models.
• ...you are aware of the current challenges moving the maritime industry and how to strategically respond to them.
• ...you are familiar with both managerial and analytical tools to address day-to-day and strategic maritime issues.
• ...you can skillfully respond to cultural differences when doing business in an international and globalized industrial context.
• ...you are able to maintain flexible management techniques so that you can move to the rhythm of the dynamic shipping industry.