Course in Digital Modelling of Port Operations
Online 300 h course in digital modelling of port operations. 6 modules covering IEEE 1516-2010 (HLA), ISO/IEC 30173:2023 and AnyLogic. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Digital Modelling of Port Operations — studying from Malta
Maritime activity is central to Malta's identity, with the Grand Harbour and Freeport at Marsaxlokk handling significant cargo and transhipment. Ship repair, yacht building and marine services form a important part of the sector, supported by a long tradition of shipbuilding and maritime engineering. Offshore and sports nautical activity, including yacht refit and marine leisure, provides further opportunities. Engineers typically work with shipyards, classification societies, port authorities and marine service providers.
Fees for Malta: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies in Malta regulate naval and offshore engineering, and how does SEIUM fit in?
Malta is a major maritime nation, with the Transport Malta authority overseeing maritime affairs and the Malta Maritime Authority regulating shipping and registration. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition for maritime roles is decided by employers or the relevant regulator, so confirm this before enrolling.
Do employers in Malta's maritime and yachting sectors value this type of training?
Malta's maritime cluster, including shipping services, ship management and yacht-related businesses, employs engineers and technical staff. Hiring in these sectors often prioritises practical experience and relevant certifications. Whether a private online qualification helps depends on the employer, so asking prospective employers in Malta is the best way to judge its value.
Can I study this part-time while working offshore or on rotation, and what is the language requirement?
Programmes are 100% online, so you can study from anywhere with internet access, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, so you need a good working level of technical English. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Formulate conceptual models of port systems.
Prepare and characterise operational data for simulation.
Build discrete-event simulation models of terminals.
Verify and validate models with real data.
Apply optimisation techniques to berths, cranes and equipment.
Define the architecture of a port digital twin.
Recommend operational decisions based on simulated scenarios.
Who it's for
- Port simulation analyst wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Operational research engineer wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Maritime data scientist wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Port planning consultant wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Digital twin specialist wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Strategic terminal planner wishing to specialise in Digital Modelling of Port Operations.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter port terminals.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 1516-2010 (HLA)
- ISO/IEC 30173:2023
- ISO 8000-8:2015
- ISO 19650-1:2018
- ISO 19115-1:2014
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- UN/EDIFACT (ISO 9735)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1The port as a complex system1.2Levels of model abstraction1.3Analytical models versus simulation1.4Queueing theory in terminals1.5Discrete-event simulation1.6Agent-based simulation1.7System dynamics1.8Data required for modelling1.9Use cases in port planning1.10Case study: conceptual model of a multipurpose terminal
2.1TOS, AIS and PCS data sources2.2Data cleaning and preparation2.3Fitting arrival distributions2.4Service times and variability2.5Exploratory analysis of scales2.6Geospatial port data2.7Data quality and governance2.8Berth occupancy time series2.9Confidentiality of commercial data2.10Practical: fitting vessel arrival distributions
3.1Berth and crane modelling3.2Yard and equipment modelling3.3Gate and landside traffic modelling3.4Resource logic and priorities3.52D and 3D animation3.6Model verification3.7Validation with real data3.8Warm-up period and replications3.9Sensitivity analysis3.10Laboratory: discrete-event model of quay and yard
4.1Berth allocation problem4.2Quay crane assignment4.3Stowage optimisation4.4Integer linear programming4.5Heuristics and metaheuristics4.6Simulation-optimisation methods4.7Yard equipment routing4.8Shift planning4.9Scenario comparison4.10Workshop: berth allocation with linear programming
5.1Concept of a digital twin5.2Real-time data architecture5.3Sensors and the Internet of Things5.4Integration with BIM and GIS5.53D visualisation of the terminal5.6Predictive models with machine learning5.7Operational decision support5.8Digital twins of reference ports5.9Governance and cybersecurity5.10Case study: requirements of a terminal digital twin
6.1Definition of the operational problem6.2Data collection6.3Development of the conceptual model6.4Model implementation6.5Verification and validation6.6Scenario experimentation6.7Analysis of results6.8Operational recommendations for the terminal6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: learners progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is AnyLogic, FlexSim, Python with SimPy, Gurobi, QGIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures for simulating quay and yard capacity, optimising berth allocation and specifying a terminal digital twin. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Formulate conceptual models of port systems.
Prepare and characterise operational data for simulation.
Build discrete-event simulation models of terminals.
Verify and validate models with real data.
Apply optimisation techniques to berths, cranes and equipment.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses AnyLogic, FlexSim, Python with SimPy, Gurobi and QGIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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