Sea and Beyond, in collaboration with Capt. Madan Kumar, offers a comprehensive video-based course designed for students preparing for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Port and Terminal Management examination.

This engaging programme, with a total duration of approximately 10 hours, combines theoretical understanding, practical application, and exam-focused guidance to help students develop a strong grasp of port operations and terminal management. The course is structured into chapters, each explaining key concepts, followed by Q&A sessions based on recent ICS examination papers, enabling students to approach different question formats with confidence.

Course Structure and Chapter Overview

Chapter 1: Role and Development of Ports

This chapter introduces the role of ports in global trade, focusing on their economic significance, operational efficiency, and integration into global supply chains. Topics include the cost of congestion, port-related industries, and the impact of globalization on port development.

It also examines the evolution and redevelopment of ports, including strategic location, specialized commodity ports, classifications, and operational types such as artificial harbours and non-tidal river ports, along with the challenges and opportunities faced by modern ports.

Chapter 2: Cargoes and Ships

This Chapter explores the relationship between cargo types and ship design, covering unitized cargo, dry bulk, and liquid bulk cargoes. It explains how ship design is influenced by trade routes, tonnage, and cargo characteristics, providing a foundation in maritime logistics.

The chapter continues with an overview of specialized vessels, including crude oil, product, chemical, LNG, LPG, dry bulk, and container ships, introducing key concepts such as TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and tanker design considerations.

Chapter 3: Port Management and Governance

This chapter covers the core functions of port management, including organizational structures, marine operations, cargo operations, and safety and security procedures. It introduces statutory bodies responsible for port regulation and governance.

It further examines immigration control, port health authorities, support services, and value-added port services, highlighting their impact on overall port performance. The chapter also explains key performance indicators (KPIs) such as vessel turnaround time, cargo throughput, and handling speed, along with optimization strategies and capital investment planning.

Chapter 4: Port Finance and Investment

This Chapter introduces port finance, covering financial statements, depreciation, and accounting controls used in port operations. It explains financial performance analysis through gearing, liquidity, and profitability ratios.

It also explores economic and financial evaluation of port investments, including cost-benefit analysis, Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Funding models such as PPP, leasing, and concessions, along with risk management strategies, are discussed in line with ICS exam requirements.

Chapter 5: Legal Framework in Port Management

This chapter addresses the legal aspects of port and terminal management, including international conventions, jurisdiction, and environmental regulations such as MARPOL and SOLAS.

It also covers port planning regulations, employment laws, and port security measures under the ISPS Code, providing essential legal context for ICS Port and Terminal Management examinations.

Chapter 6: Port Competition and Strategy

This Chapter analyzes port competition using economic frameworks, including perfect and imperfect competition, SWOT analysis, and competitive strategies such as cost leadership.

It examines inter-port and intra-port competition, key market drivers, and strategic responses that influence port performance and long-term sustainability.

Chapter 7: Port Marketing

This chapter introduces port marketing strategies, focusing on attracting port users through product, price, and place-based promotion. It covers marketing tools such as websites, advertising, port fairs, and data-driven stakeholder engagement.

Chapter 8: Port Planning and Operations

This Chapter focuses on operational and strategic port planning, including berth planning, yard planning, and intermodal system design. It explains performance monitoring, resource allocation, traffic forecasting, and congestion management to optimize port capacity.

Chapter 9: Port Equipment and Terminal Operations

This chapter details port equipment and terminal layouts, covering general-purpose terminals, container terminals, and ship-to-shore equipment such as harbour cranes and forklifts.

It continues with RoRo terminals, pallet systems, dry bulk terminals, and tanker terminal equipment, while addressing future challenges in terminal operations and infrastructure development.

Chapter 10: Port Ownership Models

This Chapter examines port ownership and governance models, comparing public, private, and hybrid structures such as BOT and BOOT. Case studies and discussions on port privatization highlight its benefits and challenges.

ICS Exam Preparation – Q&A Sessions

The course includes two dedicated Q&A sessions, analyzing May 2024 and November 2024 ICS examination papers. These sessions guide students on answer structuring, time management, and handling various ICS question formats effectively.

Why This Course Works for ICS Students

This course provides a structured learning path, progressing from fundamental concepts to advanced port management topics, with exam-focused Q&A sessions ensuring strong ICS exam readiness.