Port Operations Manager
Runs operations at a port terminal — ship arrivals and departures, cargo loading and unloading, warehousing and customs clearance.
Overview
A Port Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of operations on a port terminal. He or she oversees activities varying from managing the arrival and departure of ships and the loading and unloading of numerous types of goods and cargo, to storing them in warehouses until their customs clearance.
Where they work
- Import and export firms
- Public and private shipping companies
- Government departments like the Railway and Defence etc.
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You will handle a team of officials. Local travel is not a part of the job profile. You are likely to work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You would like to work as a manager of a company
- You are a careful and organized person
- You have teamwork orientation
- You love to lead
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Commerce or Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's in Science/Technology/Engineering/Management or any related subject.
Alternative route 2
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Science/Technology/Engineering/Management or any related subject.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Port and Shipping Management.
Alternative route 4
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and pursue an MBA in Shipping and Port Management.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Management. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC and AICTE before applying.
Government institutes
- Indian Maritime University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Maritime University, Kochi, Kerala
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- International Maritime Academy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Academy of Maritime Education and Training, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Logistics, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Mahakaushal University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- MIT College of Management, Pune, Maharashtra
- Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Seacom Marine College, Howrah, West Bengal
- Smt. H. B. Palan College of Arts & Commerce, Kutch, Gujarat
- Srinivas University, Mangaluru, Karnataka
- Subharti Institute of Management and Commerce, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Merchant Officer
- 2Port Manager
- 3Shipping Manager
- 4Port Director
Expected income
₹35,000 – ₹97,000 per month or more
These figures are indicative and subject to change. The card gives this as the salary of a shipping and port manager, taken from a Glassdoor page for shipping managers.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Merchant Navy
Officer on commercial ships responsible for navigation, cargo handling and safe operation of the vessel.
Logistics Manager
Coordinates the storage, transportation and delivery of finished goods so that stock is maintained and moves efficiently.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to leading.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Vettath Raghunandan — A seasoned professional in the ports and logistics sector with over four decades of experience spanning port operations, logistics, supply chain management, project development and business development. The source describes him as CEO of Karaikal Port; he previously worked with Adani Ports and SEZ, Dhamra Port, JM Baxi & Company and Indian Potash Ltd. He has a Commercial Shipping & Ship Management degree from Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping, a training and certification course in Project Management from IIT Bombay (printed as 'IIT Mumbai'), and a Diploma from the Bureau of Business Management, Mumbai.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 739 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/shipping-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card lists International Maritime Academy, Chennai under government institutes; it is a private institute, so it is shown under private institutes here. The card places Subharti Institute of Management and Commerce, Meerut in Gujarat and Srinivas University in Bengaluru; Meerut is in Uttar Pradesh and Srinivas University is in Mangaluru, corrected here — verify on the official website.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.