Overview of Marine Transportation

Marine Transportation is the study and practice of the operation of ships, navigation, and communication. Marine transportation involves both movement of people and cargo by sea. It also involves management of supply chains and operations, logistics, trade, navigation, and associated knowledge. In addition, it encompasses the legal and regulatory perspective pertaining to the shipping, transportation of goods, and maritime safety. Specialized fields and activities such as marine surveying, shipbuilding and design, and marine engineering are also included.

Career Opportunities Associated with Marine Transportation

Marine transportation graduates may pursue many careers in the shipping industry, with positions in ship operations, ship repairs and maintenance, vessel safety, cargo operations, and maritime administration. Some specific roles include marine navigators, cargo and port operators, marine surveyors, and marine engineers. There are also opportunities in transport management, shipbuilding, bridge operations, maritime law, and insurance.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Marine Transportation

Many students choose to gain real-world experience through internships and co-op programs related to marine transportation. Such programs and placements can be found with various employers including shipping companies, ports, government agencies, marine maintenance and repair firms. Specific roles may include research in areas such as shipbuilding and design, bridge and nautical operations, maritime law and insurance, among others.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Marine Transportation

Students pursuing a degree in Marine Transportation often choose to specialize in a particular track or concentration which may include marine surveying, shipbuilding and design, marine engineering, and bridge operations. Each of these concentrations will provide students with an in-depth look into the associated area of study.

How Marine Transportation Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Graduate school applicants wishing to pursue higher education in the field of Marine Transportation can benefit from familiarizing themselves with the concepts and skills associated with the process. Further education can involve advanced studies of shipbuilding and design, navigation, safety, and logistics. Additionally, knowledge of maritime law, international trade, global shipping processes, and financing will be an asset as well.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Marine Transportation?

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the automation of ships is having an increasing impact on marine transportation. AI-driven technologies are being developed to navigate vessels without the need of human intervention and automate supply chain operations and processes. Additionally, AI can be used to predict and detect anomalies in ship movements. All of these advances are helping make marine transportation more efficient and cost-effective.

The Career Outlook for Marine Transportation?

The demand for those educated in the field of Marine Transportation is increasing as the industry continues to grow. With increasing globalization and an expanding need for the safe transport of goods and services, the field offers a range of job opportunities with an attractive compensation. Some potential pay scales include maritime and port management professionals, transportation and logistic specialists, navigators, and marine engineers, whose wages can range from $50,000 to $150,000.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Marine Transportation:

Northwestern Michigan College, Salary: $90,576

Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salary: $75,919

California State University Maritime Academy, Salary: $75,128

Maine Maritime Academy, Salary: $73,797

SUNY Maritime College, Salary: $69,800

Texas A & M University-College Station, Salary: $69,754

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation.