Role of ports in international trade and transport - Economic impact of ports on the regional economy - Multiplier effect - Location characteristics of ports - Different types of ports (natural, manmade, river, estuary).

Design features of facilities in ports for handling various cargoes - Organization structure in Ports -Delivery of port services and the relationship between various departments - Marine Department –Traffic Department – other departments

Marketing of Port services - Pricing of Port services - Components of port tariff - Concept of hinterland – Identifying the needs of ship owners and operators, ship agents, forwarders, truckers, rail and barge operators - Concept of Total Logistics cost

Measurement of port performance - vessel turn round time, cargo volume, speed of cargo handling - Information flow requirements of the port, statutory bodies and port users - Port community computer systems and EDI applications.

Environmental issues connected with Ports & Terminals - Health and safety issues - Port security issues - International Ships and Port facility security (ISPS) code - Role of national, regional and local governments in owning / operating / managing ports.