Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Maritime Operations

Feb 25
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a fully research-based academic pathway designed for senior maritime professionals, researchers, and strategic decision-makers seeking to advance operational excellence and innovation across global maritime systems. Positioned at a study level equal to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the 3rd European cycle, the program is dedicated to producing original, high-impact research that contributes to the evolution of maritime operations, safety frameworks, and international logistics performance.

With a minimum duration of 18 months and flexible extension options, the program accommodates experienced candidates who wish to integrate advanced research with professional leadership responsibilities in shipping, port management, offshore services, and maritime governance.

The academic structure consists of seven comprehensive modules, including:

Four advanced research modules focused on doctoral-level research design, advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies, maritime operational analytics, performance modeling, risk assessment, and academic publication strategies.
Two general modules addressing global maritime regulations, sustainability and environmental compliance, strategic leadership, safety management systems, crisis coordination, and international supply chain governance.
One specialized module in Maritime Operations, covering advanced fleet operations management, port and terminal optimization, offshore and marine project coordination, maritime safety and compliance systems, vessel performance monitoring, digital navigation technologies, automation in shipping, and operational resilience strategies.

The program culminates in rigorous thesis and research activities, enabling candidates to investigate contemporary challenges such as port congestion mitigation, maritime cybersecurity, decarbonization of shipping fleets, integration of AI-driven vessel monitoring systems, global supply chain disruption management, and emergency response systems in complex maritime environments.

This doctorate study program prepares graduates to serve as maritime operations strategists, senior policy advisors, academic researchers, port system analysts, offshore operations leaders, and executive consultants within shipping corporations, port authorities, regulatory agencies, and international maritime organizations. Through its research-intensive structure, the program empowers candidates to generate innovative, evidence-based solutions that shape the future of global maritime operations.