Operations & Supply Chain

Port and Terminal Operations Management

Ports and terminals are critical nodes in global supply chains. This course covers port organisation and governance, terminal operations, berth and yard planning, equipment and productivity, safety and security, digitalisation, customer service and port performance measurement.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Port congestion and inefficiency affect trade and costs across supply chains. This course gives port and terminal professionals tools to improve operations.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses terminal case studies, planning exercises, productivity analysis and technology demonstrations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand port governance and business models
Plan berth, yard and gate operations
Improve equipment productivity
Manage safety, security and environmental compliance
Apply digital tools and port community systems
Measure and improve port performance

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Port and terminal managers
Operations planners
Shipping and logistics professionals
Port authority staff
Customs and border professionals

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Port operations
Berth and yard planning
Productivity analysis
Port safety and security
Digital port systems
Performance measurement

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Ports and Terminals

09:00–09:54Port functions
09:54–10:48Governance models
10:48–11:00Terminal types
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Terminal types (continued)
12:12–13:06Industry trends
13:06–14:00Exercise: Port profile

Day 2Terminal Operations Planning

09:00–09:54Berth planning
09:54–10:48Yard planning
10:48–11:00Gate operations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Gate operations (continued)
12:12–13:06Vessel operations
13:06–14:00Workshop: Berth plan

Day 3Equipment and Productivity

09:00–09:54Cargo handling equipment
09:54–10:48Productivity metrics
10:48–11:00Maintenance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Maintenance (continued)
12:12–13:06Automation
13:06–14:00Exercise: Productivity analysis

Day 4Safety, Security and Environment

09:00–09:54Port safety
09:54–10:48Security codes
10:48–11:00Environmental management
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Environmental management (continued)
12:12–13:06Emergency response
13:06–14:00Case study: Port incident

Day 5Digitalisation and Performance

09:00–09:54Terminal operating systems
09:54–10:48Port community systems
10:48–11:00Customer service
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Customer service (continued)
12:12–13:06KPIs and benchmarking
13:06–14:00Capstone: Terminal improvement plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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