• Identify the main factors that determine the capacity and performance of ships
• Compare key performance indicators for different ship types
• Analyse and calculate modifications to an existing design or make the first of basic calculations for a completely new design
• Explain the terminology of naval architecture sufficiently to be able to communicate and discuss design issues with both specialists and non-specialists
• Explain the basic legal implications of operating vessels
• Identify the legal risks involved in trading goods to be carried by sea
• Analyse a number of legal issues and tackle them in an orderly and well reasoned manner
• Communicate with lawyers on technical aspects of maritime liabilities and casualty scenarios.

This module consists of two main parts.

The first part aims at elucidating the role of ship design as a response to perceived or estimated market needs. New ship designs are typical responses to expressed needs from customers with specific transport requirements, new technologies, changes in world politics, new strategies or lessons learnt from previous ship designs. The appropriateness of ships for transport needs, their economy and operability are vital factors of competitiveness within global markets. Competitiveness and hence commercial success depend on the optimum balance between investment and operational costs, position within the target markets and technical and operational innovations. 

The second part of this module gives a brief introduction to maritime law, with particular emphasis on issues relevant for a shipping manager such as charter parties, liabilities, tax issues, joint ventures, etc. It aims to give participants sufficient insight into legal issues to be able to carry out fruitful discussions with maritime lawyers. The module also discusses the regulatory regime in shipping and international political lobbying mechanisms, including discussions on EU Competition Laws.