*Core Subjects/Syllabus* 

*Semester 1: Introduction to Maritime Commerce* 

1. *Introduction to Shipping and Maritime Industry* 

   - Overview of global shipping markets (tanker, dry bulk, container, LNG). 

   - Key players: shipowners, charterers, brokers, port authorities. 

   - Trade routes and cargo types (crude oil, iron ore, grain, etc.). 

 

2. *Basics of Maritime Law and Contracts* 

   - Introduction to international maritime law (IMO, UNCTAD). 

   - Types of charter parties: *Voyage Charter, **Time Charter, **Bareboat Charter*. 

   - Key clauses in shipping contracts (Hague-Visby Rules, Force Majeure). 

 

3. *Shipping Economics and Market Analysis* 

   - Freight rate mechanisms and market cycles (Baltic Exchange indices). 

   - Factors affecting supply and demand in shipping (geopolitics, seasonality). 

   - Basics of ship financing and investment. 

 

4. *Ship Types and Technical Knowledge* 

   - Vessel classifications (tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers). 

   - Ship specifications (deadweight tonnage, TEU capacity, draft, speed). 

   - Cargo handling and stowage principles. 

 

5. *Maritime Documentation* 

   - Bill of Lading (B/L), Letter of Credit (L/C), and other trade documents. 

   - Lay time and demurrage calculations. 

   - Customs clearance and port formalities. 

 

*Semester 2: Advanced Chartering and Broking* 

6. *Chartering Practices* 

   - Negotiation strategies for charter parties (terms, hire rates, clauses). 

   - Role of chartering brokers and principals (shipowners vs. charterers). 

   - Case studies: Fixing a vessel, voyage estimation, and post-fixture operations. 

 

7. *Ship Broking and Market Operations* 

   - Role of shipbrokers (sale & purchase, chartering, newbuilding). 

   - Baltic Exchange practices and market reporting. 

   - Brokerage commission structures and ethics. 

 

8. *Risk Management and Insurance* 

   - Marine insurance (P&I Clubs, Hull & Machinery insurance). 

   - Risk mitigation in shipping (war risks, piracy, weather delays). 

   - Claims handling and dispute resolution. 

 

9. *Logistics and Port Operations* 

   - Port agency functions and responsibilities. 

   - Cargo planning and stowage optimization. 

   - Bunker (fuel) procurement and cost management. 

 

10. *Software and Tools for Shipping* 

    - Introduction to shipping software (Dataloy, Veson IMOS, ShipNet). 

    - Freight calculation tools and voyage optimization software. 

    - Use of AI and data analytics in chartering decisions. 

 

*Semester 3: Specializations and Practical Training* 

11. *Advanced Contract Negotiation* 

    - Drafting bespoke charter party agreements (GENCON, NYPE, ASBATIME). 

    - Handling disputes and arbitration (LMAA, SMA). 

 

12. *Sale and Purchase (S&P) of Ships* 

    - Valuing second-hand vessels and newbuilding’s. 

    - MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) and closing procedures. 

    - Demolition market trends. 

 

13. *Sustainability in Shipping* 

    - Environmental regulations (IMO 2020, EEXI, CII). 

    - Green shipping practices (alternative fuels, carbon trading). 

    - ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance. 

 

14. *Case Studies and Simulations* 

    - Simulated chartering negotiations and fixture recap analysis. 

    - Crisis management (e.g., grounding, cargo damage). 

 

15. *Internship/Project Work* 

    - Placement with shipping companies, brokers, or maritime law firms. 

    - Final project: Preparing a full charter party agreement or market analysis report. 

 

*Elective Subjects * 

- LNG and Offshore Shipping 

- Maritime Arbitration and Dispute Resolution 

- Port Management and Terminal Operations 

- Maritime Cybersecurity 

- Emerging Technologies (blockchain in shipping, autonomous vessels). 

 

*Assessment Methods* 

- Written exams (contract drafting, freight calculations). 

- Case study analysis and market reports. 

- Simulation exercises (negotiation role-plays). 

- Internship evaluations and project presentations.