Liner Shipping and Container Operations

Globalisation of container shipping and World economic production has resulted in stiff competition, low freight rates and a rethink of business strategies. Many shipping lines have even reorganised their long-standing consortia associations; and mergers such as pioneered by P&O and Nedlloyd or the acquisition of Sealand by Maersk point to the strategy pursued by many of the leading lines.

At the same time there are signs that to survive requires either size or a market niche, an approach that applies equally to cargo as to lines. To thrive in this competitive environment requires more effective global business strategies, success in harnessing the potential of information technology and a savvy implementation of supply chain management techniques.

Let this course help you understand better the implications of these changes and go some way towards mapping-out your long term career objectives.

Course content (14 Lessons)

Lesson Topics

Introduction to Liner Shipping and Container Operations –Liner Shipping Structure – Economics of Sea Transport – First Container Revolution – Through Transport Concepts – Conferences and Consortia – Second Container Revolution – Practitioners in the Shipping Business
International Trade and Cargoes –Trade Routes – Cargo Types – Development of New Services – Consortia and Alliances – Key Players – Freight Conferences – FCLs AND LCLs – Container Hardware – Equipment Operations and the problems of imbalances
International Conventions – Organisations and Associations – Ships and Management – Trade and Cargoes – Land Transportation and Equipment – Maritime Affiliated Groups
Operational Hardware – Ships and Schedules – Operations – Technical Aspects – Hull Markings – Shipboard Cargo Handling Equipment – Evolution of Ship Types – Container Carrying Vessels – Ship Management – Schedules and Services – Feeder Ship Operations
Operational Hardware – Ports, Terminals and Depots – Hub Centres and Hub & Spoke Operations – Conventional General Break-Bulk Cargo Berth – Container Terminal Operations – Terminal Equipment – Container Freight Stations/Inland Clearance Depots – Container Yards and Repair Depots
Marketing and Sales – Strategies and Policies – Market Intelligence and Competition – Yield Management – Tariffs – Sales Functions – PR / Advertising
Commercial Activities – Documentation – Credit Control – Data Interfaces – Service Options – Monitoring and Liaison Functions – Revenue Receivables – Interline Activities – Insurance and Claims – Reports and Statistics
Regional Offices – Office Structures – Marketing and Sales – Customer Services – Operations – Container and Logistical Management – Financial Activities
Area Agencies – Agency Sales – Customer Relations Services – Operations – Accounts – Carrier v Independently Owned – Reports and Communications
Supply Chain Management – Customers’ Requirements – Commercial Terminology – International Transportation Movements – Just in Time (JIT) – Supply Chain Integration – Transport Intermediaries – Infomediaries
Intermodal Logistics – Inventory Management – Hinterland Operations – IT Systems and Solutions – Human Resources
Finance for Non Accountants – Accounts – Budgets and Forecasts – Cash Flow – Chart of Accounts – Company’s Annual Report and Accounts – Voyage Accounts – Cost Control – Capital Investment
Marine Insurance Issues – London Market – Protection and Indemnity (P & I ) Clubs – Through Transport Club – Through Transport Contracts of Carriage – General Average and Salvage – Dispute Settlements – Cargo Claims
Key Issues Affecting Today’s Liner Shipping Industry – Annual Update

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