Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Maritime University, Bangladesh

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU) is the only Public Maritime university in Bangladesh. Since its inception in 2013, the university has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of industry needs, leading to the introduction of Port and Shipping Management post-graduate degree program.

The Department of Port and Shipping Management commenced its journey with the establishment of BSMRMU, under the Faculty of Shipping Administration. The department is dedicated in providing an excellent teaching and learning environment, adhering to global standards in its curriculum to ensure the delivery of high-quality education by highly qualified and experienced faculty members. The department also incorporates industry experts into its teaching framework, allowing students to benefit from the practical insights and experience of professionals actively engaged in the maritime sector. Since 2018, the department has collaborated with international institutions such as the Dutch organization Nuffic and STC International for curriculum review based on Outcome Based Education (OBE) and other academic activities. The department remains committed to further expanding its academic offerings in fields relevant to the commercial management and operation of ports and shipping. The University maintains close liaison with the maritime industries and upholds the course curriculum to meet industrial needs and job opportunities.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this department have unique opportunities to advance their careers in various sectors including domestic and international ports, terminals and inland ports, academia and research, shipping companies, commercial organizations, and freight forwarding companies.

Programs Offered:

The Department of Port and Shipping Management initially began its formal journey with the introduction of a Master's program in Port and Shipping Management. On successful completion of the postgraduate program, the department initiated its undergraduate program in 2018. Currently admitting 40 students per batch, with the sixth batch currently in progress.  Expanding on its successes, the Master's program now boasts 30 students in its ninth batch. Additionally, the department launched an online Master's program in 2023, accommodating 40 students and have future expansion plan.

Currently, the offered programs are listed below: -

1. BBA in Port Management and Logistics (PML)

2. Masters in Port and Shipping Management (MPSM)

3. Masters in Port and Shipping Management (Online)

1. BBA in Port Management and Logistics (PML): BBA in Port Management and Logistics program is a 4-year full-time regular undergraduate program. The program is divided into 8 semesters of six months each (2 semesters in each year). Total credit hours of this program are 127 including 3 credit hours for internship. Besides regular courses, workshops, seminars, guest lectures and certificate courses on contemporary issues are arranged frequently for the students.

Admission Requirements:

1. Applicants who have passed HSC or equivalent examination in the current or previous year are eligible to apply.
2. Applicants must have passed HSC/equivalent examination and SSC/equivalent examination from any group (HSC and SSC) but not less than 3.5 in any examination and every subject must have minimum ‘B’ grade.
3. Applicants with GCE must have passed a minimum five subjects in O-Level including Mathematics and minimum two subjects in A-Level. However, an applicant having more than two grades in O Level and/or more than one C ‘grade in A-Level will be ineligible for admission.

2. Masters in Port and Shipping Management (MPSM):

Master in Port and Shipping Management (MPSM) is an 18-month industry attractive post-graduate program under the Department of Port and Shipping Management. The program is designed with theoretical courses, case studies, and a dissertation/thesis. In addition to academic coursework, the student is required to partake in a field trip or study tour during the initial two semesters of their academic program. There are sixty credits in the curriculum total, divided into three (26-week) semesters.

Admission Requirements:

1. A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in any field including Maritime, Science, Business, Engineering and Agriculture.
2. Applicant with general education must have at least a second division or CGPA of 2.25 in all public examinations.
3. Applicants with GCE must have passed at least five subjects in O level (including mathematics) and at least two subjects in A level.  However, applicants having more than two ‘D’ grades in the O level and/or more than one ‘D’ grade in the A level shall not be eligible for admission.
4. Applicants having at least two years’ job experience shall be given preference.
5. Foreign applicants shall apply through their respective embassy.

3. Masters in Port and Shipping Management (Online): is an 18 months’ industry attractive post-graduate program conducted through distance learning under the Department of Port and Shipping Management. The program is designed with 16 theoretical courses and a dissertation/thesis. Besides, the student has to perform a seminar in maritime domain in the first semester. Total credit for the program is 52.

Admission Requirements:

Every applicant must fulfil the admission requirements as prescribed by BSMRMU. The minimum requirements for admission into the program are:

1. The applicant must be a citizen of Bangladesh
2. The applicant must be working in the maritime sector
3. Applicants must have a bachelor degree
4. Applicants must obtain at least 2nd class or CGPA 2.50 in all public examinations.
5. Applicants with GCE must have passed at least five subjects in O and at least two subjects in A level.  However, applicant having more than two ‘D’ grades in O level and/or more than one ‘D’ grades in A level shall not be eligible for admission.
6. Naval officer (in service/retired) with a bachelor degree can apply

Awards and Scholarships:

1. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship awarded by the honorable vice-chancellor to students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher.
2. BSMRMU Stipend:  Merit-based scholarship is given to the students if their parent's annual income is not sufficient and if the students achieve a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher. In such cases, documentary evidence of parents' annual income in support of the claim needs to be submitted.

Internship Opportunities:

Students are required to undertake internships for a duration of 3 months in maritime related industries/companies. University authorities may assist the student with internship programs.   Presently students are doing internship in the following companies:

• Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)
• Akij Shipping Lines Ltd.
• Tyser Risk Management (Bangladesh) Limited – TRMBL
• QNS Global Bangladesh
• Saif Powertec Port Operation
• DSV
• Kuehne+Nagel
• Interport Group
• DHL
• Aquamarine Bangladesh Ltd

Certificate Course:

Alongside the undergraduate and master's programs, the university offers short certificate courses in various disciplines within the port and shipping domain, including:

• Supply Chain Management
• Ship Management
• Port and Shipping Studies
• Dangerous Goods Handling
• Import and Export
• Freight Forwarding
• Ship Chartering Practices
• Port Safety and Security

Research, Publication and Projects

This department is engaged in research activities, with dedicated faculty and researchers focusing on a wide range of areas to contribute to the advancements in the maritime industry. The areas are:

• Port Sustainability;
• Green solutions for port and shipping;
• Port Digitalization;
• Energy management and energy efficiency in Port and Shipping;
• Marine Pollution;
• Ship Management;
• Maritime Supply Chain Management;
• Ship Registration;
• Seafarer Management;
• Big data applications in transport and logistics;
• Maritime decision analytics and forecasting;
• Transport Modeling;
• Optimization in maritime transport and logistics etc.

Full-time faculty members: