Certification Overview
The American Certified Port & Terminal Operations Manager (AC-PTOM)® is an advanced international professional certification developed for experienced professionals responsible for leading, managing, and transforming modern port and terminal operations.
The certification prepares professionals to oversee complex maritime operations by integrating strategic leadership, terminal performance optimization, maritime logistics, international trade facilitation, financial management, digital transformation, sustainability, enterprise risk management, and operational excellence. As global ports continue to evolve into highly automated, technology-enabled logistics hubs, managers must possess competencies that extend beyond traditional cargo handling. Today’s port leaders must understand artificial intelligence (AI), automation, smart port technologies, data analytics, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, and global supply chain resilience.
The AC-PTOM® certification develops the strategic leadership capabilities required to manage container terminals, multipurpose terminals, bulk cargo operations, marine logistics facilities, and integrated port ecosystems while improving operational efficiency, customer service, profitability, resilience, and long-term organizational performance.
Why Get Certified?
Global seaports handle more than 80% of international merchandise trade by volume, making ports one of the most critical components of the global economy. Rapid technological advancement, increasing environmental regulations, digital trade, supply chain disruptions, and growing customer expectations have transformed the role of port and terminal managers. Organizations now seek professionals who can successfully lead operational transformation while balancing productivity, sustainability, safety, security, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.
The AC-PTOM® certification enables professionals to:
- Develop executive-level competencies in strategic port and terminal management.
- Lead digital transformation and Smart Port initiatives.
- Improve terminal productivity, vessel turnaround, and operational performance.
- Optimize financial, operational, and infrastructure resources.
- Apply international maritime regulations and global best practices.
- Strengthen enterprise risk management and operational resilience.
- Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and predictive analytics into terminal operations.
- Drive sustainability, ESG, and Green Port initiatives.
- Build high-performing operational teams.
- Advance into senior management and executive leadership positions across the global maritime industry.
Whether managing a container terminal, port authority, logistics hub, marine services organization, or international shipping operation, the AC-PTOM® certification provides the strategic competencies needed to lead tomorrow’s ports.
Course Description
The American Certified Port & Terminal Operations Manager (AC-PTOM)® certification provides comprehensive executive-level education in strategic port management, terminal operations, maritime logistics, operational excellence, digital transformation, and organizational leadership. The curriculum explores the planning, coordination, optimization, and governance of modern port ecosystems while integrating operational management with financial performance, enterprise risk, sustainability, customer service, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies.
Participants develop expertise in
- Strategic Port Management
- Container Terminal Management
- Maritime Logistics
- Vessel and Berth Planning
- Yard Optimization
- Cargo Operations
- Financial Management
- Port Performance Analytics
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Business Continuity
- Smart Ports
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automation
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Digital Twin Technologies
- Sustainability and ESG
- Organizational Leadership
The program combines international best practices, applied case studies, operational simulations, performance dashboards, and strategic decision-making models to prepare professionals for leadership responsibilities within increasingly complex maritime environments.
Certification Objectives
The American Certified Port & Terminal Operations Manager (AC-PTOM)® certification is designed to develop the strategic leadership, managerial expertise, and operational competencies required to lead world-class port and terminal operations.
Upon successful completion of this certification, participants will be able to:
- Lead strategic port and terminal operations aligned with organizational objectives and global maritime best practices.
- Optimize vessel scheduling, berth allocation, cargo handling, yard operations, terminal capacity, and equipment utilization.
- Improve operational performance through analytics, benchmarking, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Manage financial resources, infrastructure, terminal assets, and operational investments to maximize organizational performance.
- Apply international maritime regulations, customs requirements, environmental standards, and port governance frameworks.
- Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation through AI, automation, IoT, predictive analytics, and Smart Port technologies.
- Strengthen operational resilience through enterprise risk management, business continuity, safety, and security management.
- Promote sustainability through ESG integration, Green Port initiatives, emissions reduction, and environmental stewardship.
- Develop high-performing teams through leadership, workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and organizational excellence.
- Formulate strategic recommendations supporting future-ready, digitally enabled, resilient, and globally competitive port organizations.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the AC-PTOM® certification, participants will be able to:
LO1. Evaluate Strategic Port Operations
Evaluate governance models, infrastructure planning, terminal operating models, and strategic management practices supporting modern ports.
LO2. Analyze Terminal Performance
Assess operational efficiency using KPIs, benchmarking, financial indicators, productivity analytics, and performance dashboards.
LO3. Optimize Maritime Operations
Develop strategies to improve vessel scheduling, berth utilization, yard management, cargo flow, equipment deployment, and terminal capacity.
LO4. Apply Smart Port Technologies
Evaluate and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), Port Community Systems (PCS), Digital Twins, IoT, robotics, and predictive analytics.
LO5. Strengthen Enterprise Risk Management
Apply integrated approaches to operational risk, maritime security, occupational safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity planning.
LO6. Manage Financial and Infrastructure Resources
Develop financial strategies supporting infrastructure investments, asset utilization, capital planning, operational budgeting, and cost optimization.
LO7. Promote Sustainable Port Development
Integrate ESG principles, environmental compliance, Green Port initiatives, emissions reduction, and sustainable operational practices.
LO8. Lead Organizational Performance
Apply leadership, workforce development, stakeholder engagement, organizational change, and continuous improvement strategies.
LO9. Strengthen Global Maritime Collaboration
Manage relationships with shipping lines, logistics providers, customs authorities, government agencies, and international trade partners.
LO10. Develop Future Port Strategies
Develop strategic recommendations supporting innovation, digital transformation, Smart Ports, resilience, and long-term organizational competitiveness.
AC-PTOM® Virtual/Online Instructor-led 4-day Training
Select an instructor tab to view session details and full trainer profile.
Gleb Mikulich – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer | Supply Chain Strategist | Digital Transformation Leader
Gleb Mikulich is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in supply chain, procurement, logistics, and digital transformation. He has collaborated with globally recognized organizations, including Accenture, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Pfizer, CNH Industrial, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering impactful solutions across diverse industries.
- Industry-leading experience in Global Supply Chain Operations – Gleb has collaborated with top-tier industry leaders such as Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, CNH, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering measurable results in supply chain integration, procurement modernization, and performance optimization.
- Certified Supply Chain & Project Management Expert – Gleb holds industry-recognized credentials, including SCPro Certified (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), and additional certifications in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP, and PMI-ACP, showcasing his multidisciplinary expertise in process improvement, agile project leadership, and operational efficiency.
- Advanced Academic Credentials in Strategy & Digital Technologies – Gleb earned an MBA from IE Business School, with a concentration in strategy, operations, and digital technologies, and pursued advanced supply chain management training through MITx, equipping him with cutting-edge insights into global logistics, data-driven decision-making, and tech-enabled supply chains.
- Recognized Leader & Emerging Talent in the Field – Gleb is the recipient of the Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a recognition of academic excellence and leadership in business education.
Dr. Jason Matyus – Advisory Board Executive Director, Training, Course Development, and Examination
Dr. Matyus is the Advisory Board Director for Course Development, Training, and Examination. Dr. Jason Matyus’s career spans many disciplines. Dr. Matyus started as a public school teacher. After leaving teaching he worked for 20 years as a business professional working for two Fortune 500 Companies. Within those 20 years, he had varying roles that touched Project Management, logistics and Supply Chain, Procurement, Corporate Trainer, and Leadership. After receiving his MBA in Leadership and Doctorate in Business Management, he spent the last 5 years in higher education. In addition to his work in business, he is also on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Care and the Carmichaels Area School District Board of Education and currently serves on the Farmville Urban Development Board.
Séverine Boulard – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer
Séverine Boulard is an international HR consultant, trainer, and founder of HR Graff Consulting GmbH, Switzerland. With over 20 years of experience in global HR leadership roles across banking, finance, consulting, fintech, and high-growth international environments, she specializes in HR transformation, compliance, talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She has led HR functions across multiple jurisdictions and is recognised for combining strategic expertise with practical, business-focused execution. Séverine delivers engaging training programs designed to translate complex HR topics into real-world leadership capability. She holds a European Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and completed executive studies in HR Transformation through Cornell University. She trains in English, French, German, and Russian.
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