1. What is the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

The Certificate in Smart Shipping is a 12-week online professional development programme from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy exploring the technologies transforming maritime operations. Through six modules, you’ll examine the Internet of Things, smart ships, vessel optimisation, intelligent cargo handling, artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, autonomous vessels, cyber resilience, environmental performance and the regulatory and human considerations involved in maritime digitalisation.

2. Who teaches the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

The Certificate in Smart Shipping is led by Hanane Becha, an experienced maritime cybersecurity and smart shipping specialist. Throughout the scheduled course, Hanane acts as your dedicated tutor, providing expert guidance and answering questions through the online discussion forum.

3. Will the Certificate in Smart Shipping teach me how technology can improve cargo tracking and handling?

The course examines intelligent cargo handling and how the Internet of Things can improve transparency and efficiency across shipping operations. It also explores how digital technologies can enhance the maritime supply chain and improve the flow of operational information.

4. Does the course cover the environmental impact of smart shipping?

Yes. A dedicated module examines energy management, emissions monitoring, decarbonisation and the optimisation of new fuel use. This helps participants understand how digital technologies may support more environmentally efficient maritime operations.

5. Who is the Smart Shipping training course for?

The Certificate in Smart Shipping is designed for maritime professionals who want to understand technological developments and their impact on shipping. It may be particularly relevant to ship managers, fleet-performance professionals, technical teams, seafarers, business-development professionals and digital or innovation specialists.

The course is also suitable for senior managers within shipping companies, ports and Flag States who need to understand how smart shipping may affect organisational strategy, as well as insurance and P&I professionals considering the implications of autonomous and increasingly digital vessels.

6. Do I need experience before enrolling on the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

No specific prior qualification is stated in the course brief. However, the Certificate in Smart Shipping course is primarily designed for maritime professionals and managers who want to understand how digital technologies are changing the industry. Experience in shipping, vessel operations, fleet management, engineering, technology, insurance or maritime business may help you relate the course content to practical industry challenges.

7. Which companies have previously enrolled staff on the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

Previous participants have come from organisations including Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, BP, SK Shipping Co. Ltd., Thomas Miller & Co. Ltd. and Pacific Gas.

8. What career opportunities can the Certificate in Smart Shipping support?

The Certificate in Smart Shipping may support continuing professional development for people working in roles connected with maritime technology, digitalisation, vessel performance, cybersecurity, environmental management and operational efficiency.

The knowledge gained may be relevant to roles such as IT manager, maritime security manager, environmental manager and fleet-performance manager. These positions generally require relevant industry experience and, in some cases, additional technical qualifications. The certificate demonstrates a commitment to understanding smart shipping but does not qualify participants for a specific role.

9. Is the Certificate in Smart Shipping available on-demand?

Yes. The Certificate in Smart Shipping is available as both a scheduled course and an on-demand programme. The on-demand version can be started at any time and provides up to six months to complete the course.

10. Can I choose between the scheduled and on-demand versions of the Certificate in Certificate in Smart Shipping?

Yes. You can choose to take the Certificate in Smart Shipping either as a scheduled course or as an on-demand course. The scheduled version runs over 12 weeks and includes webinar sessions and an online forum with tutor support. The on-demand version allows you to enrol at any time and complete all modules and assessments at your own pace without live tutor interaction.

11. How does the scheduled version of the Certificate in Smart Shipping work?

The scheduled course runs over 12 weeks and consists of six modules released every two weeks. The learning materials are primarily provided as downloadable written content, supported by videos, audio, additional reading and integrated student forum activities.

You’ll also have access to an online discussion forum where you can network with other participants and receive support from the Course Director. The course includes at least one webinar.

12. Can I study the Certificate in Smart Shipping from anywhere?

Yes. The Certificate in Smart Shipping is delivered online, allowing you to study from anywhere with suitable internet access. No travel or in-person attendance is required.

13. How much time do I need for the Certificate in Smart Shipping course?

Each module in the Certificate in Smart Shipping requires approximately 2-3 hours of study, which is around 1-2 hours per week during the scheduled intake.

14. Does the on-demand Certificate in Smart Shipping include tutor support?

The on-demand version of the Certificate in Smart Shipping does not include tutor interaction or forum support. Tutor guidance is provided in the scheduled version only.

15. How is the Certificate in Smart Shipping assessed?

The Certificate in Smart Shipping is assessed through online tests at the end of each module. A score of 70% is required to progress to the next module.

16. Do I receive a qualification after completing the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

Yes. Upon successfully completing the course assessments, you'll receive a Lloyd's Maritime Academy Certificate of Completion. The scheduled course carries 21 CPD hours, equivalent to 2.1 CEUs.

17. When will I receive my Certificate in Smart Shipping?

You will receive your certificate once all assessments have been completed and your marks and mailing details have been confirmed. Certificates are issued after the full course has concluded.

18. When does the next Certificate in Smart Shipping course start?

The next scheduled intake starts in February 2027. The on-demand version can be joined at any time.

19. Can I join the Certificate in Certificate in Smart Shipping late?

Yes. Late applications are accepted for the scheduled intake up to two weeks after the official start date, although you may need to catch up on released modules.

20. What is the fee for the Certificate in Certificate in Smart Shipping?

The Certificate in Certificate in Smart Shipping is priced at £2,099 + VAT/ $2,840, with an early booking fee of £1,889.10 + VAT/ $2,556.
EUR pricing is also available at the exchange rate applied on the invoice date.

21. Are group bookings available for the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

Yes. Group bookings and referrals are welcome and may qualify for preferential pricing.
Contact us to discuss the group booking discount.

22. Do I need a visa for the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

No. The Certificate in Smart Shipping is delivered entirely online and does not require a study visa or physical attendance.

23. Is there a similar course to the Certificate in Smart Shipping?

Yes. The Certificate in Smart Shipping forms part of Lloyd's Maritime Academy's Maritime Technology & Innovation portfolio. Learners interested in related maritime technology and digitalisation subjects may also wish to explore the Certificate in Maritime Cybersecurity, Certificate in Blockchain in Shipping, Certificate in Big Data in Shipping, Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Shipping and Diploma in Digital Transformation in Shipping.