Green Ports and Blue Economy Training Course

Duration 10 days 20 modules · 65 contact hours
Level Intermediate Certificate on completion
Who attends Port Environmental Manager, Port Operations Manager and others
Fee from USD 2,200 KSh 190,000 for Kenyan organisations
Where 52 cities + online See dates by city
Next start 9 Nov 2026 Course code SD-MP-006

Before you join: Participants should have working familiarity with port, terminal, shipping, coastal, environmental or infrastructure operations.

Dates & prices

Two start dates a month in every city, and live online on weekdays or weekends. Fees are per participant; classroom fees include tuition, materials, lunch and refreshments, and the certificate.

Suggest a date or city

Showing the next six months. Later dates, other cities and private deliveries for your team are available on request.

Course overview

Ports face pressure to reduce vessel, terminal and landside emissions while maintaining reliable cargo flows, safety and commercial performance. At the same time, port authorities and operators are expected to support offshore renewable energy, circular material flows, sustainable fisheries, waterfront regeneration and other blue economy activities. Decisions on shore power, alternative fuels, dredging, waste reception, climate adaptation and environmental monitoring require sound baselines, credible business cases and coordination with shipping lines, tenants, regulators and communities.

This course equips participants to plan and manage green port programmes linked to practical blue economy opportunities. It covers port environmental management, greenhouse-gas inventories, air-quality monitoring, energy efficiency, shore power, alternative marine fuels, waste and circularity, water stewardship, biodiversity, dredging, climate risk and stakeholder engagement. Participants use recognised approaches including ISO 14001, the GHG Protocol, IMO MARPOL requirements and the ESPO EcoPorts Self-Diagnosis Method. They learn how to translate environmental data into investment priorities, operating controls, procurement requirements and measurable performance targets.

Teaching combines focused briefings with port cases, group analysis, scenario work and structured application planning. Cases reflect container terminals, bulk ports, ferry operations, cruise facilities, fishing harbours and offshore wind support bases. Participants progressively develop a green port and blue economy action plan for a selected port or terminal context, then test its assumptions against operational, financial and regulatory constraints.

The course suits professionals responsible for port operations, environmental performance, infrastructure, planning, commercial development or public policy. It is particularly relevant where a port must balance decarbonisation commitments with tenant needs, cargo growth, coastal protection and community expectations.

What you will be able to do

  • Develop a port environmental baseline using materiality, operational data and stakeholder evidence
  • Calculate a port greenhouse-gas inventory using GHG Protocol emission categories
  • Prepare an ISO 14001-aligned environmental management programme for port operations
  • Assess shore power and alternative fuel options through technical and commercial screening
  • Design air, water and biodiversity monitoring plans with defined indicators
  • Prioritise green port investments using lifecycle costing and multicriteria analysis
  • Formulate blue economy project concepts linked to port assets and marine users
  • Present a costed green port and blue economy action plan

Benefits of attending

For you

  • Ability to frame decarbonisation proposals in port operational and financial terms
  • Practical confidence discussing shore power, fuel transition and terminal emissions
  • Working templates for environmental baselines, action plans and investment screening
  • Clearer credibility with regulators, tenants, shipping lines and community representatives
  • Capability to lead cross-functional green port project teams

For your organisation

  • More defensible environmental investment priorities based on evidence and lifecycle costs
  • Improved readiness for emissions reporting, environmental permits and customer requirements
  • Reduced energy, fuel, waste and resource costs through targeted operational controls
  • Stronger pipeline of commercially grounded blue economy projects
  • Better coordination between port authority, terminal, tenant and public-sector stakeholders

Course modules

20 modules over 10 days

Participants can explain how port environmental performance and blue economy development interact.

  • Green port functions across vessel, terminal, tenant and landside activities
  • Blue economy sectors: offshore wind, fisheries, tourism, aquaculture and marine services
  • Port authority, landlord, operator and concessionaire environmental responsibilities
  • Materiality assessment identifies significant impacts, risks, opportunities and stakeholder expectations
  • Sustainable Development Goals relevant to ports and coastal economic development
  • Port value-chain mapping from vessel arrival through hinterland cargo movement

Participants can construct a baseline of material environmental impacts for a port.

  • Baseline boundaries covering harbour waters, terminals, access roads and tenants
  • Source inventories for emissions, discharges, waste, noise and habitat disturbance
  • Operational data collection from vessel calls, equipment hours and utility meters
  • GIS mapping of sensitive receptors, protected areas and affected communities
  • Significance matrices rank impacts by scale, likelihood, duration and reversibility
  • Baseline reports distinguish controlled operations from tenant and vessel impacts

Participants can structure an ISO 14001-aligned environmental management system for port operations.

  • ISO 14001 context, leadership, planning, support, operation and evaluation requirements
  • Environmental aspects registers linked to port activities and lifecycle stages
  • Legal registers covering permits, licences, MARPOL obligations and local requirements
  • Objectives, targets and programmes translated into accountable operational actions
  • Internal audit plans test controls, records, competence and corrective actions
  • Management review agendas connect performance trends with investment decisions

Participants can prepare a decision-useful greenhouse-gas inventory for a port.

  • GHG Protocol organisational boundaries using operational and financial control approaches
  • Scope 1 emissions from fleet fuel, generators and stationary combustion
  • Scope 2 calculations from purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling
  • Scope 3 screening for vessels, tenants, trucking, rail and construction
  • Emission factors, activity data, estimation methods and data-quality ratings
  • Inventory assurance trails document assumptions, sources, calculations and exclusions

Participants can identify and manage major air-emission sources within port influence.

  • Criteria pollutants: nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulates and volatile compounds
  • Vessel emissions estimated from engine loads, berth time and fuel type
  • Dispersion modelling inputs include meteorology, terrain, stacks and receptor locations
  • Air-quality monitoring networks select pollutants, locations, frequency and instruments
  • MARPOL Annex VI controls for fuel sulphur and ship emission standards
  • Emission-reduction hierarchies combine avoidance, efficiency, fuel switching and control technology

Participants can identify energy-saving measures and establish port energy performance indicators.

  • Energy reviews separate baseload demand from operational peak demand
  • Submetering plans track cranes, reefer racks, workshops, buildings and lighting
  • ISO 50001 principles applied to port energy performance management
  • Equipment duty cycles reveal idling, oversizing and maintenance-related consumption
  • LED lighting, smart controls and variable-speed drives assessed systematically
  • Energy intensity indicators relate kilowatt-hours to throughput, calls and operating hours

Participants can screen shore power projects for technical, operational and commercial feasibility.

  • Shore power configurations for container, cruise, ferry and ro-ro berths
  • IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005 standards govern high-voltage shore connection interfaces
  • Berth demand profiles match vessel loads, call patterns and connection duration
  • Grid capacity assessments identify reinforcement, tariffs and resilience constraints
  • Business cases compare vessel fuel savings, emissions benefits and capital costs
  • Operating procedures address connection safety, compatibility, billing and availability

Participants can assess alternative fuel pathways and bunkering readiness for port users.

  • Fuel pathways compare methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels and liquefied natural gas
  • Well-to-wake emissions distinguish feedstock, production, transport and onboard use
  • Bunkering risk assessments identify release scenarios, ignition sources and exclusion zones
  • IGF Code implications for gas and low-flashpoint fuel operations
  • Port fuel transition roadmaps align vessel demand, infrastructure and permitting
  • Emergency response plans define command roles, equipment and mutual aid

Participants can develop emissions-reduction measures for terminal equipment and hinterland movements.

  • Terminal equipment inventories classify cranes, tractors, forklifts and generators
  • Total cost of ownership compares diesel, battery-electric and hybrid equipment
  • Charging strategies address power demand, dwell time and equipment availability
  • Truck appointment systems reduce gate queues, idling and local emissions
  • Rail and barge modal shift analysis links capacity with carbon intensity
  • Procurement specifications set emission limits, reporting duties and maintenance requirements

Participants can design waste management controls that meet vessel and terminal needs.

  • MARPOL Annex V waste streams and port reception facility obligations
  • Waste flow mapping traces ship, terminal, tenant and construction materials
  • Segregation systems separate hazardous, recyclable, organic and residual materials
  • Circular procurement criteria address reuse, recycled content and end-of-life recovery
  • Waste contractor controls cover manifests, licences, weighing and treatment routes
  • Port waste plans establish capacity, notification, charging and inspection arrangements

Participants can establish water-quality controls for port operations and incidents.

  • Water balance mapping identifies abstraction, consumption, discharge and reuse opportunities
  • Stormwater controls manage runoff from yards, workshops, fuel areas and warehouses
  • Spill prevention plans specify secondary containment, inspection and transfer controls
  • Water-quality parameters include turbidity, hydrocarbons, nutrients, metals and bacteria
  • Sampling plans define locations, chain of custody and laboratory methods
  • Oil spill response tiers align equipment, notification and incident command

Participants can assess ecological impacts and select practical biodiversity measures.

  • Ecological baseline surveys identify habitats, species, seasons and sensitive receptors
  • Dredging impact assessments address sediment plumes, disposal and contaminant mobilisation
  • Sediment sampling plans use representative locations, depths and laboratory analysis
  • Mitigation hierarchy applies avoidance, minimisation, restoration and offsetting measures
  • Nature-based solutions include living shorelines, wetlands and habitat enhancement
  • Biodiversity action plans assign monitoring indicators, owners and review dates

Participants can assess climate hazards and define resilience actions for port assets.

  • Climate hazard registers cover sea-level rise, storm surge, heat and rainfall
  • Asset vulnerability assessments evaluate elevation, exposure, condition and criticality
  • Scenario analysis tests operations under defined climate and disruption assumptions
  • Adaptation pathways sequence no-regret, trigger-based and major capital measures
  • Business continuity plans prioritise critical utilities, communications and recovery roles
  • Resilience indicators track downtime, service restoration and asset protection performance

Participants can identify and screen blue economy opportunities compatible with port strategy.

  • Port asset mapping identifies quays, land, workshops, storage and marine access
  • Opportunity screening assesses market demand, spatial fit and environmental effects
  • Offshore wind port requirements include marshalling, assembly, berthing and heavy lifts
  • Sustainable fisheries infrastructure considers cold chain, traceability and waste controls
  • Aquaculture support services evaluate logistics, biosecurity, feed and vessel needs
  • Waterfront projects balance public access, heritage, commercial use and security

Participants can plan stakeholder engagement for contested green port projects.

  • Stakeholder mapping identifies influence, interests, impacts and engagement priorities
  • Community impact assessments address traffic, noise, jobs, access and visual effects
  • Consultation plans set audiences, messages, channels, timing and feedback records
  • Grievance mechanisms define intake, investigation, response and escalation procedures
  • Tenant engagement agreements establish data sharing, targets and improvement commitments
  • Transparent reporting communicates trade-offs, progress, incidents and corrective actions

Participants can prioritise environmental projects using financial and non-financial criteria.

  • Project charters define problem statements, scope, sponsors and success measures
  • Lifecycle costing includes capital, operating, maintenance, replacement and disposal costs
  • Net present value tests project returns under stated discount assumptions
  • Marginal abatement cost curves compare emissions reductions and investment requirements
  • Multicriteria decision analysis weights environmental, operational, financial and social criteria
  • Sensitivity analysis tests electricity prices, utilisation, grant funding and carbon values

Participants can embed environmental requirements into procurement and concession arrangements.

  • Sustainable procurement policies define environmental criteria, thresholds and supplier evidence
  • Technical specifications require energy performance, emissions data and material declarations
  • Bid evaluation matrices score price, lifecycle cost and environmental performance
  • Concession agreements assign tenant targets, reporting duties and improvement milestones
  • Contract management dashboards monitor compliance, incidents, audits and corrective actions
  • Supplier due diligence examines permits, waste routes, labour and environmental records

Participants can create a practical performance dashboard and reporting cycle for a port.

  • KPI hierarchies connect strategic targets with operational control indicators
  • Indicator definitions specify formulae, units, boundaries, owners and frequencies
  • Data governance assigns collection, validation, approval and retention responsibilities
  • ESPO EcoPorts Self-Diagnosis Method benchmarks port environmental management maturity
  • Dashboard design distinguishes leading indicators from outcome and compliance measures
  • Annual sustainability reports explain methods, boundaries, performance and material changes

Participants can organise implementation governance for a multi-year green port programme.

  • Programme roadmaps sequence quick wins, enabling projects and capital investments
  • RACI matrices clarify accountable, responsible, consulted and informed parties
  • Risk registers capture technical, financial, regulatory, supply-chain and acceptance risks
  • Change plans address operating procedures, competence, incentives and communications
  • Portfolio reviews reallocate resources using performance evidence and delivery status
  • Funding strategies combine tariffs, grants, green finance and private investment

Participants can build, review and present a complete costed green port and blue economy action plan.

  • Baseline findings synthesised into priority environmental and commercial problem statements
  • Material actions selected using emissions, risk, feasibility and value criteria
  • Project fiches define scope, milestones, ownership, costs and expected benefits
  • Implementation roadmap sequences controls, pilots, infrastructure and blue economy initiatives
  • KPI dashboard establishes baselines, targets, data owners and review frequency
  • Peer review challenges assumptions, trade-offs, funding logic and stakeholder responses

Exercises and examples are adapted to each cohort's sectors and roles.

What you take back to work

  1. Port environmental baseline template
  2. GHG inventory calculation workbook
  3. Green port investment appraisal model
  4. Shore power feasibility checklist
  5. Blue economy opportunity screening matrix
  6. Costed green port action plan

Who should attend

  • Port Environmental Manager — responsible for environmental controls, reporting and improvement programmes
  • Port Operations Manager — needs to reduce operational impacts without disrupting vessel and cargo movements
  • Terminal Manager — must translate sustainability commitments into terminal equipment and tenant actions
  • Port Planner — evaluates infrastructure, land-use and climate resilience decisions
  • Maritime Authority Officer — develops port policy, compliance requirements and investment priorities
  • Blue Economy Programme Manager — connects port assets with sustainable marine business opportunities

Skills and tools covered

Port decarbonisation planningEnvironmental management systemsBlue economy developmentClimate risk assessmentGreen infrastructure appraisalStakeholder engagement

Tools and standards

ISO 14001, GHG Protocol, IMO MARPOL, ESPO EcoPorts Self-Diagnosis Method

How the course runs

Training methodology

The programme uses short instructor briefings to establish methods, standards and current port applications. Participants examine port cases, interpret operational and environmental datasets, and work in groups on choices involving vessel emissions, terminal equipment, waste, water and coastal assets. Scenario simulations test trade-offs between cost, service reliability, compliance and environmental outcomes. Each participant applies course tools to a selected port, terminal or development context, receiving structured peer and instructor review. The final sessions are dedicated to refining and presenting a practical action plan.

Requirements and prerequisites

Participants should have working familiarity with port, terminal, shipping, coastal, environmental or infrastructure operations. They should understand basic port functions such as vessel calls, cargo handling, utilities, tenants and regulatory oversight. Experience reading operational reports, budgets or environmental data is useful. The course does not require engineering qualifications, carbon-accounting certification, specialist marine science knowledge or prior ISO 14001 audit experience. Participants will gain more from the course if they bring a current port issue, planned project or environmental performance concern for application during the programme.

A typical training day

08:30 – 10:30First session
10:30 – 10:45Refreshment break
10:45 – 12:30Second session
12:30 – 13:30Lunch and networking
13:30 – 15:00Third session
15:00 – 15:15Refreshment break
15:15 – 16:30Workshop and daily review

Live online deliveries follow the same structure in East Africa Time, with shorter screen blocks and longer breaks.

What the fee includes

  • Instruction by a practitioner facilitator
  • Full course workbook and materials
  • Exercise files, templates and case studies
  • Refreshments and lunch on classroom deliveries
  • Certificate of completion
  • Post-course application plan

Frequently asked questions

You should understand basic port, terminal, shipping, environmental or infrastructure operations. Specialist engineering, carbon accounting and environmental audit qualifications are not required.

Bring a laptop and, if permitted, non-confidential information about a port, terminal or project you want to examine. Useful material includes energy data, vessel-call records, environmental reports, site plans or planned investment proposals.

It suits port authority, terminal, maritime agency, infrastructure and coastal development professionals with responsibility for operations, planning, environment or investment. It also fits blue economy managers working with port-based marine industries.

This course focuses on port-specific sources of impact and decisions, including vessels at berth, cargo-handling equipment, shore power, bunkering, dredging and concession management. It uses port operating data and infrastructure choices rather than general corporate reporting examples.

You will leave with an action-plan structure, baseline tools, project screening methods and reporting indicators that can be adapted to your port or terminal. The capstone plan can form the starting point for an internal proposal or programme review.

The first week establishes baselines, management systems, emissions, energy and operational controls. The second week addresses climate resilience, blue economy projects, investment, governance, reporting and development of the final action plan.

Questions about this course?

Ask about dates, fees, group bookings or running it for your team. Our training team replies by email.

Ask on WhatsApp info@skillsetdevelopment.com

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