MSc in Maritime Operations Management (MOM)

Empowering Future Maritime Leaders
Develop advanced expertise in maritime operations, port management, logistics, and digital transformation, aligned with the UAE’s vision for a globally competitive maritime sector.
Learn more

Overview

The MSc in Maritime Operations Management develops graduates with strong strategic leadership capabilities to drive growth and innovation in alignment with the UAE’s maritime vision.

The program equips students with expertise in:

  • Integrated maritime operations (ports, terminals, logistics)
  • Operational efficiency, safety, and quality standards
  • Digital technologies and smart port initiatives
  • Sustainable and responsible maritime practices

Through experiential learning, students gain the ability to translate academic knowledge into real-world maritime industry practice.

Program Highlights
Accreditation
Recognised by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
Duration
2 years
Credits
30 credit hours

Why Choose This Program?

This program prepares you to:

  • Lead and innovate in maritime operations
  • Apply data-driven and digital solutions
  • Support smart port transformation initiatives
  • Implement sustainable and responsible practices

 

Career Opportunities in Maritime Operations

Graduates are positioned for leadership and specialist roles across:

  • Ports and terminals
  • Shipping lines
  • Logistics and supply chain organisations
  • Government authorities
  • Maritime service companies

Example roles include:

  • Port Operations Manager
  • Marine Terminal Superintendent
  • Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Manager
  • Shipping Operations Manager
  • Maritime Logistics Director
  • Business Development Manager (Maritime)
  • Maritime Safety & Compliance Manager
  • Port Facility Security Officer
  • Marine Environmental Manager
  • Maritime Strategic Planner
  • Maritime Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Maritime Digital Solutions Manager
  • Supply Chain Analytics Manager

Graduates are prepared for progression into senior management and strategic leadership roles.

Program Learning Outcomes

Integrate advanced knowledge of maritime operations, logistics, and regulatory frameworks
Plan, manage, and evaluate maritime and port operations effectively
Analyse complex operational challenges using advanced analytical approaches
Conduct applied maritime research using qualitative and quantitative methods
Demonstrate leadership, accountability, and professional responsibility
Communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist stakeholders
Evaluate international maritime regulations and sustainability frameworks
Design innovative, technology-driven solutions for maritime operations

Program Structure

MOM 501 Advanced Maritime Operations Management
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
MOM 504 Research Methods for Maritime Professionals
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
MOM 503 Maritime Economics and Commercial Management
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
MOM 506 Maritime Safety and Risk Management Systems
Chevron arrow down

Credit Hours: 3
MOM 507 Maritime Law, Regulation and Compliance
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
Elective 1
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
Elective 2
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
Elective 3
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
MOM 520 Applied Practice in Maritime Operations Management
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 2
MOM 550 Applied Research I
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 1
Applied Research II
Chevron arrow down
Credit Hours: 3
Program Structure
Chevron arrow down

Total Credits: 30

  • Core courses: 15 Credit Hours
  • Electives: 9 Credit Hours
  • Practical Experience & Research Projects: 6 Credit Hours

Courses Include

  • Advanced Maritime Operations Management
  • Maritime Economics and Commercial Management
  • Maritime Safety and Risk Management Systems
  • Maritime Law, Regulation and Compliance
  • Research Methods for Maritime Professionals
  • Applied Practice in Maritime Operations
  • Applied Research I & II
  • Electives

Entry Requirements

Admission Requirements
Chevron arrow down

Academic Qualifications

    A recognised Bachelor’s degree (BSc / BEng / BA) is mandatory
  • The degree should be in a maritime-related field, such as:
    • Nautical Science / Maritime Studies
    • Marine Engineering / Naval Architecture
    • Maritime Business / Logistics
    • Port Management
  • Bachelor’s degrees in broader fields (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Environmental Science) are accepted only if combined with relevant maritime experience
  •  

Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 1–2 years of documented maritime experience (sea or shore-based)

Proof may include:

  • Sea service documents (Discharge Book, Certificates)
  • Employment contracts or employer letters

Minimum Academic & Language Requirements

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent
  • English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

Conditional Admission

Applicants may be considered for conditional admission in special circumstances under the following conditions:

Academic Condition

  • Applicants with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) may be admitted conditionally
  • The student must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 within the first 9 credit hours of taught courses
  • Failure to meet this requirement will result in termination of registration

 

English Language Condition

  • Applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent) may be admitted conditionally
  • The student must:
    • Pass an advanced English course, or
    • Achieve IELTS 6.0
      by the end of the first semester
  • Failure to meet this requirement will result in with drawal from the program

Who Should Apply?

  • Maritime professionals seeking leadership roles
  • Port and logistics specialists
  • Engineers transitioning into maritime operations
  • Government and regulatory professionals

 

Future-Ready Skills

  • Digital transformation in maritime operations
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Smart port systems
  • Sustainable maritime practices
Fee Structure
Chevron arrow down

Fee Component

Amount (AED)

Notes

Application Fee
500
One-time (non-refundable)
Registration Fee
1,000
Upon admission
Tuition Fee
75000
2500 AED per credit hour
Graduation Fee
1,500
One-time
Total Estimated Cost
AED 78,000

Faculty

Neil James Thambi
Marine Chief Engineer (Unlimited)
Maters's, Technical Ship Mangement / Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, UK
Dr. Hossam M. Eldessouky
Assistant Professor
PhD, Advanced Manufacturing Systems, University of Bath, UK
Akram Zeid
Assistant Professor
PhD, Mechanical and Marine Engineering, University of Nottingham, UK
Ahmed Hamdy Moursy
Head of Maritime Transport Department
PhD, Advanced Manufacturing Systems, University of Bath, UK
Georgios Katsoulis
Dean
PhD, Electronics Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece    
Ahmed Ismail
Captain/Master Mariner
master's Science in Maritime Affairs, Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration, World Maritime University, Sweden
Tarek Ali Hassan Abou Elela
Assistant Professor
PhD, Marine and Commercial Law- International Transport Law & Multimodal Transport. - Marine Communications. - Seaman ship. - Maritime arbitration. - Marine insurance., Alexandria University, Egypt
Mohamed Abdelfattah Mohamed
Captain Master Mariner
Masters Operation of ship and Maritime Safety, Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection, AASTMT, Egypt    
Dr. C. Elavarasi Sasikumar
Assistant Professor
PhD, Electronics Engineering- Communication system Communication System, Antenna, Microwave and Millimeter wave Antenna, Microwave Electronics, Electromagnetic Transmission Line, Pondicherry University, India    
Ahmed Salem
Associate Professor
PhD, Ship Design, Construction and Stability, University of Strathclyde, UK  
Donald Macleod Paterson,
Assistant Professor
PhD, Ship Stability & Risk-based Design, University of Strathclyde, UK    
Mauro Francesco
Assistant Professor
PhD Ocean Engineering, Research in hydrodynamics and marine propulsion, University of Rijeka, Croatia
More Information
program chair
Dr. Ferdoush Saleheen
Assistant Professor, College of International Transport and Logistics
Ferdoush.Saleheen@sma.ac.ae
Key information
Intakes:
January, September
Duration:
2 Years
Mode:
Full-time, On campus
Download Brochure