Master of Maritime Business Administration and Management

Lead the future of maritime business

The maritime industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation driven by digitalisation, sustainability, global trade dynamics, artificial intelligence, and evolving operational challenges. Tomorrow's maritime leaders must possess more than technical expertise—they need strategic vision, commercial acumen, and the ability to lead organisations through change.

The Master in Maritime Business Administration and Management has been designed specifically for maritime professionals seeking to accelerate their careers into senior management, executive leadership, and strategic decision-making roles.

Overview

The Master in Maritime Business Administration and Management is a specialist postgraduate programme created to develop the next generation of maritime executives and business leaders.

The programme uniquely combines core MBA disciplines with industry-specific maritime knowledge, enabling students to understand both the commercial and operational dimensions of the maritime sector. Through a blend of business strategy, leadership development, financial management, operational excellence, digital transformation, and innovation, learners will develop the capabilities required to lead organisations in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with GFI. 

Graduates will emerge with:

  • Advanced leadership and management capabilities
  • Strategic decision-making skills
  • Maritime business expertise
  • Digital transformation and innovation knowledge
  • Financial and commercial understanding
  • Risk and operational management competencies
  • Professional recognition through a programme supported by The Nautical Institute

This MBA creates a pathway for career progression into senior management, executive leadership, consultancy, entrepreneurship, and strategic maritime roles across shipping companies, ports, logistics organisations, maritime authorities, offshore operations, and global supply chain businesses.

Modules
Module no. Module title  Description Credits
One

Strategic Management and Business Leadership

Develop strategic thinking, competitive advantage, organisational leadership, and executive decision-making capabilities.

 15
Two 

Maritime Economics and Global Trade

Examine international shipping markets, trade flows, economic influences, and maritime business environments.

 15
Three

Financial Management for Maritime Organisations

Explore corporate finance, budgeting, investment appraisal, financial performance, and maritime business economics.

 15
Four

Maritime Operations and Supply Chain Management

Analyse vessel operations, logistics systems, ports, terminals, supply chain integration, and operational efficiency.

 15
Five

Leadership, Human Capital and Organisational Behaviour

Develop effective leadership approaches, team management skills, workforce development, and organisational culture strategies.

 15
Six

Risk Management, Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Understand maritime risk frameworks, safety culture, governance, compliance obligations, and international regulations.

 15
Seven

Sustainability, ESG and Maritime Decarbonisation

Evaluate environmental responsibility, ESG frameworks, sustainability strategies, and shipping decarbonisation initiatives.

 15
Eight

Marketing, Commercial Strategy and Business Development

Explore customer engagement, stakeholder management, business growth strategies, and commercial competitiveness.

 15
Nine

Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in the Maritime Industry

Examine emerging technologies, AI applications, automation, digital shipping, smart ports, data analytics, and future maritime innovation. Specialist module delivered by The Nautical Institute Academy.

 15
Ten

Innovation, Change Management and Future Maritime Trends

Develop the ability to lead organisational transformation, innovation programmes, and future-focused business initiatives.

 15
Eleven

Research Methods for Business and Maritime Studies

Build academic research, data analysis, critical evaluation, and dissertation planning skills.

 15
Twelve

MBA Capstone Project and Dissertation

Independent research project addressing a real-world maritime business, operational, leadership, or strategic challenge.

 30

 

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants should normally possess one of the following:

  • A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent recognised qualification) in any discipline; or
  • A maritime, business, engineering, logistics, management, or related professional qualification deemed equivalent to a bachelor's degree; or
  • Extensive relevant professional experience with evidence of managerial responsibility, subject to an admissions review process.

Professional Experience

As an executive-level MBA, applicants are expected to have:

  • A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience; and/or
  • Experience within maritime, shipping, logistics, offshore, ports, transportation, supply chain, or related industrial sectors.

Applicants from non-maritime sectors with significant management or leadership experience may also be considered.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should demonstrate an appropriate level of English proficiency through:

  • Previous study conducted in English; or
  • An approved English language qualification; or
  • Evidence of professional competence in English suitable for postgraduate study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants with substantial industry experience but without traditional academic qualifications may be considered through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, subject to interview and review of professional achievements.

Who should attend

This MBA has been specifically designed for ambitious professionals seeking to advance into senior management and leadership roles within the maritime sector.

Shipping and Fleet Professionals

  • Fleet Managers
  • Marine Superintendents
  • Operations Managers
  • Technical Managers
  • Ship Managers

Maritime Leaders and Executives

  • Department Heads
  • Senior Managers
  • Directors
  • Business Unit Leaders
  • Future Executive Leaders

Port and Logistics Professionals

  • Port Managers
  • Terminal Managers
  • Logistics Directors
  • Supply Chain Managers
  • Commercial Managers

Offshore and Energy Professionals

  • Offshore Operations Managers
  • Project Managers
  • Energy Sector Leaders
  • Marine Project Specialists

Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

  • Maritime Start-up Founders
  • Shipping Agency Owners
  • Maritime Consultants
  • Business Development Professionals

Public Sector and Maritime Administration Personnel

  • Maritime Authority Officials
  • Port Authority Personnel
  • Regulatory Professionals
  • Policy and Governance Specialists

Award and Certification

MBA Award and Certification

Upon successful completion of the programme and achievement of all required academic credits, learners will be awarded the:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Maritime Administration and Management. 

The MBA is designed to recognise advanced achievement in maritime business leadership, strategic management, operational excellence, and organisational development within the global maritime sector.

Upon completion, graduates will receive:

  • An official MBA Certificate
  • An Academic Transcript detailing modules completed
  • Final grade/classification information
  • Unique certificate reference number for verification purposes