| SHORT COURSE OUTLINE |
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| Maritime transport forms the backbone of international trade, enabling the global exchange of raw materials, finished goods, and energy supplies across vast distances. It is estimated that around 80% of the world’s traded cargo, by volume, moves via sea routes, transported by a diverse fleet of merchant vessels. These ships range from small feeder vessels to ultra-large container ships and tankers, operating across a complex global web that connects continents, markets, and communities. Within tramp and liner shipping systems, they serve high-traffic port hubs and remote coastal terminals under various ownership models and contractual arrangements, including voyage, time, and bareboat charters. |
| However, maritime transport is far more than a logistical undertaking; geography profoundly shapes it. Ships navigate oceans, seas, gulfs, straits, and canals, following structured networks of primary and secondary trade routes. These routes are constantly affected by geopolitical developments, climatic variability, seasonal weather systems, and technological advancements. Navigating global waters successfully demands more than technical or regulatory expertise. It requires a deep understanding of maritime geography, an essential tool for mitigating risks, optimising routing, and making informed strategic decisions. |
| This geographical lens becomes even more critical in today’s context of environmental urgency and sustainable shipping goals. Maritime geography provides insight into environmental vulnerabilities, emission hotspots, and regional disparities in infrastructure and resilience. It allows industry professionals to evaluate the implications of decarbonisation targets, anticipate disruptions due to extreme weather events, and understand the spatial dynamics of global supply chains. |
| Although there is no universally accepted definition of maritime geography, it is commonly understood to encompass interconnected themes such as spatial awareness, oceanographic and meteorological conditions, trade flow patterns, and the physical realities of the maritime domain. These dimensions collectively shape global shipping operations’ performance, safety, and sustainability. |
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| Key topics include: |
| TOPIC 01. The Shipping Industry. Explore the structure of global shipping, the forces that drive it, and its vital contribution to economic development. |
| TOPIC 02. Where Are We in the Universe? Understand Earth's position in space and its implications for modern navigation and satellite technologies. |
| TOPIC 03. Earth’s Hydrosphere. Dive into the importance of oceans, seas, and inland waterways in shaping shipping routes and patterns. |
| TOPIC 04. Trade Geography. Gain insight into global trade flows, economic hotspots, and how geography influences transport logistics. |
| TOPIC 05. The Role of Ports. Examine how ports function as critical nodes in the supply chain, supporting trade, connectivity, and cargo operations. |
| TOPIC 06. Where Are We on Earth? Master the tools of navigation, latitude, longitude, charts, and GPS, essential for precise positioning at sea. |
| TOPIC 07. Meteorology. Learn how atmospheric conditions impact maritime transport and how to forecast weather for safer voyages. |
| TOPIC 08. Oceanography. Study ocean dynamics, including tides, currents, and seabed mapping, to enhance voyage safety and efficiency. |
| TOPIC 09. Measuring Time at Sea. Understand the significance of timekeeping in navigation, shipping schedules, and international coordination. |
| TOPIC 10. Voyage Planning. Apply theoretical knowledge to plan routes that are economically viable, operationally sound, and environmentally responsible. |
| TOPIC 11. Understanding Voyage Estimation. Analyse voyage costs, duration, and profitability, key to commercial decision-making in the shipping industry. |
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| The main objective of this Short Course on Maritime Geography is to provide shipping professionals with a solid, interdisciplinary foundation in maritime transport’s spatial, environmental, and strategic dimensions. The course empowers participants to understand and interpret the physical and geopolitical landscapes that shape global shipping routes by drawing on the key principles of cartography, oceanography, meteorology, and trade geography. By mastering these dimensions, attendees will be better prepared to support voyage planning, anticipate operational challenges, and optimise trade performance. Special attention is given to real-world applications, such as route selection, risk mitigation, and the integration of sustainability goals in maritime logistics. Through this comprehensive approach, the course aims to enhance participants’ ability to navigate today’s increasingly complex and environmentally conscious maritime environment, contributing not only to individual professional growth but also to the broader efficiency and resilience of the shipping industry. |
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| TARGET AUDIENCE |
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| This Short Course targets all Players interested in Distribution Channels, Logistics and Maritime Economics issues. It includes University Students, Importers / Exporters, Shippers, Shipping Companies, Vessel Operators, Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Supply Chain Managers, 3PLs, Port Authorities, Port Terminal Operators, International and/or Intermodal Transport Companies, Maritime Lawyers, Consultants, and other parties with interest in the subject matter. |
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SHORT COURSES AT WORLD OF SHIPPING PORTUGAL
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| At World of Shipping Portugal, our Short Courses are thoughtfully designed to provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of key maritime and logistics topics. These courses are: |
| Broader in scope, allowing learners to explore a subject in depth while connecting it to a wider industry context. |
| Structured to deliver essential background knowledge, they bring together a range of interrelated topics, offering a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience. |
| Balanced between theory and practice, combining academic concepts with real-world applications, case studies, and industry examples to ensure practical relevance. |
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| Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your professional knowledge, explore a new field, or complement your academic studies, our short courses offer an accessible and engaging route to upskilling. |
| Short courses are available in-person and online, and are delivered in Portuguese or English, making them flexible and inclusive for a diverse audience of learners and professionals. These short courses are ideal for those who value both academic insight and industry relevance, taught by experienced professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities of the maritime world. |
| A certificate of completion will be awarded to all participants who successfully complete any of our short courses, serving as a formal recognition of their professional development in international trade and maritime transport. |
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| MEET OUR GUEST LECTURER: ANA CASACA, PhD, FICS |
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Ana Casaca was, first and foremost, a Deck Officer responsible for navigational watches. Being at sea gave her a thorough perspective of the operational side of the shipping industry. She holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Management and Maritime Technologies from Escola Nautica Infante D. Henrique (Portuguese Nautical school), an MSc in International Logistics from the University of Plymouth and a PhD in International Transport/Logistics from the University of Wales-Cardiff. Next, she became an Experienced Lecturer, Researcher and Peer Reviewer in Maritime Economics and Logistics.
In between, numerous functions and roles. For more than 20 years, she has been an External Expert for the European Commission, evaluating R&D/CEF proposals within the scope of maritime transport. In parallel, she has carried out other projects. She has delivered training and has been invited, since 2002, to peer review academic papers submitted to well-known international Journals. She is the author of several research papers published in well-known academic journals and member of some journals’ editorial boards, namely, Maritime Business Review Associate Editor, Journal of International Logistics Editorial Board Member, Universal Journal of Management Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Future Transportation Review Editor, and Journal of Shipping and Trade Guest Editor.She is also the founder and owner of ‘World of Shipping Portugal’ a website initiative established in 2018 focused on maritime economics. In addition, she is a Member of the Research Centre on Modelling and Optimisation of Multifunctional Systems (CIMOSM, ISEL), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and Member of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME). |
 : Ana Casaca, PhD, FICS |
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