Professional & Continuing Studies

Marine Supply Chain and Logistics Micro-credential

Program Overview:

This four-course micro-credential program equips learners with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for successful careers in the marine transportation sector. Designed to support marine industry workforce development, the program focuses on the operation and management of cargo ships, tankers, ferries, and passenger vessels. It integrates core principles of supply chain management with applied learning in procurement, logistics, and maritime operations. Students will complete four (4) courses to earn the full micro-credential.

Courses:

1. Introduction to Marine Supply Chain Operations

Topics covered:

  • Overview of marine transportation systems
  • Key players: ports, shipping lines, regulatory bodies
  • Introduction to marine freight operations, customer service, fulfillment
  • Supply-demand balancing in maritime environments
  • The role of ports, intermodal connections, challenges of ocean freight

2. Marine Procurement and Supplier Management

Topics covered:

  •  Strategic sourcing in the maritime context (fuel, ship maintenance, provisioning)
  •  Supplier relationship management for ship operators and port authorities
  •  Ethical sourcing and compliance with marine environmental laws (e.g., MARPOL)
  •  Procurement for ship fleets, contracts with dockside service providers

3. Logistics Distribution in Marine Transportation

Topics covered:

  • Marine transportation networks (domestic and international)
  • Freight forwarding, intermodal transport, 3PLs in maritime logistics
  • Planning and managing port logistics and cargo flow
  • Terminal operations, ferry logistics, vessel scheduling, cargo handling 

4. Marine Supply Chain Risk and Resilience

Topics covered:

  • Risk factors: weather, geopolitical events, port disruptions
  • Emergency preparedness, recovery strategies, redundancy planning
  • Digital innovations: AIS, port community systems, blockchain in shipping
  • Real-world marine supply chain disruptions and mitigation case studies

Micro-credential Outcomes:

Upon completion of this micro-credential, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate applied knowledge of marine transportation systems, supply chain logistics, and procurement practices to support safe and efficient maritime operations.
  • Analyze and develop logistics and distribution strategies tailored to marine environments, including port operations, vessel scheduling, and intermodal transport.
  • Evaluate and apply risk management, resilience planning, and sustainability principles to enhance the performance and continuity of marine supply chains.

Delivery Format:

You will engage in blended online learning, combining synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods. This approach ensures a dynamic learning environment where you can participate in real-time virtual interactions while also having the flexibility to access materials and activities at your own pace.

Anticipated time investment is 4-6 hours per week, per course.

Students will complete four (4) core courses to achieve the micro-credential*

  • Introduction to Marine Supply Chain Operations
  • Marine Procurement and Supplier Management
  • Logistics Distribution in Marine Transportation
  • Marine Supply Chain Risk and Resilience

*Program content and schedule are subject to change

Applications Open Soon!

 

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