Business & Actuarial Studies
International Shipping and Logistics
International Shipping and Logistics covers the global movement of goods, focusing specifically on maritime transport, supply chain coordination, customs regulations, and international trade law. It is the backbone of global commerce, ensuring products move efficiently from manufacturers to consumers across borders.
Program objectives
- 01Understand global supply chain networks, port operations, and maritime shipping routes.
- 02Learn international trade documentation, customs clearance procedures, and Incoterms.
- 03Analyze freight economics, chartering, and marine insurance.
- 04Develop risk management strategies for global cargo and supply chain disruptions.
Why choose this program
Backbone of the global economy
Over 80% of global trade by volume is carried by sea, meaning this industry is always essential and active.
Global career mobility
The skills you learn are universally applicable, allowing you to work for multinational companies in ports and cities around the world.
Dynamic and fast-paced
No two days are the same. You will constantly solve real-time problems related to weather, delays, and global events.
Skills you'll build
- Freight forwarding and chartering
- Supply chain mapping and optimization
- Customs compliance and trade documentation
- Maritime law basics and marine insurance
- Negotiation and vendor management
- Crisis management under tight deadlines
- Cross-cultural communication
- Extreme attention to detail
Tools & software
- Supply chain management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- Freight tracking and vessel AIS systems
- Customs declaration platforms
- Advanced Excel for logistics modeling and costing
Challenges to expect
Academic
- Memorizing and correctly applying complex international trade regulations, customs codes, and Incoterms.
Technical
- Coordinating shipments across multiple time zones, languages, and unexpected supply chain disruptions (like port strikes or blocked canals).
Financial
- Professional industry certifications (such as those from FIATA or ICS) can be costly, though often employer-sponsored.
Personal
- The industry operates 24/7. Managing stress when a high-value shipment is delayed or stuck in customs can be demanding.
Tips from the field
- Master Incoterms early; they are the universal language of international trade and will come up in every job interview.
- Learn a second language, especially one relevant to major trading partners, to significantly boost your global employability.
- Get an internship with a freight forwarder, shipping line, or port authority to understand how theoretical processes work in the real world.
Career paths
- Freight forwarder
- Supply chain manager
- Port operations manager
- Customs broker
- Shipping line agent
Where you can study this
| Name | Latest cutoff | Tuition (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Maritime UniversityMSc | — | — |
FAQs
What is the difference between shipping and logistics?+
Shipping specifically refers to the physical movement of goods, primarily by sea. Logistics is the broader management of the entire flow of goods, including storage, inventory, transportation, and distribution.
Do I need to travel a lot for this career?+
Not necessarily. While some roles involve visiting ports or clients, many shipping and logistics jobs are based in corporate offices managing operations remotely via software and communication tools.
Is strong math required?+
You do not need advanced calculus, but you must be comfortable with basic arithmetic, percentages, and data analysis to calculate freight costs, volumes, and profit margins accurately.
What are Incoterms?+
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of globally recognized rules that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade, specifically regarding who pays for what and where the risk transfers.
Can I work in this field without a university degree?+
Yes, many people start in entry-level operational roles (like documentation clerk or warehouse coordinator) with a diploma or HND and work their way up through experience and industry certifications.
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