Danish Shipping Education

Danish Shipping Education is a two-year private training programme offered by the Danish Shipping Academy (DSA) in collaboration with Danish shipping companies. The programme is designed for shipping trainees employed by shipping companies, bunker companies, or other types of maritime enterprises. As part of the programme, trainees participate in five in-person training modules, each lasting approximately one week, held either in Denmark or abroad. These modules provide trainees with the opportunity to build strong international networks across the global shipping community.

About Danish Shipping Education (DSE)

DSE targets trainees employed within the shipping, bunkering, and maritime sectors and combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. All trainees are employed in a trainee position prior to and during their enrolment in DSE. This dual structure ensures that practical experience complements the theoretical components of the programme and contributes to a holistic understanding of the shipping industry.

DSE is officially classified as Level 5 on the Danish Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning, as assessed by the Danish Accreditation Institution. In 2025, DSE will undergo a re-evaluation of its qualification level, and the programme will be expanded from four to five modules, supplemented by webinars between modules. Upon graduation, participants receive an official diploma certifying their qualifications, which can be used for further education both nationally and in­ter­na­tio­nal­ly. Several graduates have used their diplomas to apply for work visas abroad.

Practical Learning in the Traineeship

Throughout the two-year academic programme, trainees are simultaneously employed in their respective companies, where they engage in ‘practical learning through traineeship.’ The day-to-day work in the company constitutes the practical dimension of the education, equipping trainees with hands-on knowledge and industry experience.

Modules

DSE comprises five physical modules that integrate theoretical teaching with practical applications.

Tentative Module Dates for the 2025–2027 Cohort:

Module 1: 15–20 September 2025
Module 2: 19–24 January 2026
Module 3: 20–25 April 2026
Module 4: 9–14 November 2026
Module 5: 13–18 June 2027
Graduation Day is scheduled for 18 June 2027, unless otherwise stated.

Curriculum Content

The five modules cover six core subject areas:

Maritime Law: Legal Aspects of Shipping
This course examines the framework of international maritime law and its relevance to global trade and shipping operations. Trainees gain insight into legal concepts and fundamental principles of maritime and commercial law, enabling them to engage confidently with legal matters in the shipping context.

Maritime Economics: The Global Impact on Maritime and Business Economics
This course explores the relationship between shipping, the global economy, and seaborne trade routes. Trainees are introduced to market dynamics, economic modelling, and sources of maritime revenue, fostering a broad understanding of supply and demand in shipping markets.

Ship Design: Construction, Operations and Future Vessels
Covering topics from ship operations and business administration to technical design, this course provides essential knowledge of ship types, technology, and the regulatory landscape. It prepares trainees to engage with technological and environmental developments in maritime operations.

Energy and Green Transition: Adapting Shipping to Climate and Environmental Changes
This course focuses on the role of shipping in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. Emphasis is placed on sustainable operations, alternative fuels, and international environmental regulation, enabling trainees to evaluate and promote green solutions in the industry.

Geopolitics & Maritime Transport: Grasping Geopolitical Influences and Changes
Trainees develop analytical skills to assess the impact of geopolitical issues—such as regional conflicts, sanctions, and trade wars—on maritime transport. The course fosters strategic thinking on the intersection between global politics, maritime trade, and economic security.

Connecting Shipping Relations: Navigating in Multi-Cultural Shipping Settings
This course provides tools for effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration in international shipping. Emphasis is placed on negotiation, knowledge sharing, and overcoming intercultural mis­un­der­stan­dings in daily business interactions.

Professional Networking

Throughout the five in-person modules and accompanying webinars, trainees have unique opportunities to establish valuable connections with peers from across the globe. These networks help foster professional development and lay a strong foundation for future careers in the maritime industry.

Admission and Practical Information

Trainees must be enrolled in DSE by the shipping company, bunker company, or maritime organisation with which they have an employment contract. Employment and a signed contract are prerequisites for admission.

DSE is a private, fee-based programme funded in full by the employing company.

Tuition Fees (as of February 2024):

These fees cover enrolment in the two-year programme and exclude the cost of module participation and course literature. Literature is purchased at the start of the programme, and module-related expenses are invoiced separately throughout the duration of the course.

DKK 79,000 for members of Danish Shipping or Danish Ferry Association
DKK 99,000 for non-members

Enrolment for the 2025–2027 Cohort

Registration opens on 24 February 2025. The deadline for enrolment is 30 May 2025. Registrations received before the deadline are subject to the above-mentioned prices. Pricing beyond the deadline cannot be guaranteed.

For HR Re­p­re­sen­ta­ti­ves in Shipping and Maritime Companies

Once or twice per year, DSE hosts open visitor days during active modules. These events are ideal for companies considering enrolling trainees in the programme or seeking further insights into the curriculum.
Visitor days in 2025 will take place in March and November. For more information, please contact a DSA education advisor at: dse@danishshipping.dk

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring career opportunities within the maritime sector, Danish Shipping’s career campaign office, World Careers (WOCA), organises an annual Trade Event. This event offers potential trainees the opportunity to meet re­p­re­sen­ta­ti­ves from shipping companies, bunker firms, and other maritime organisations. The day features the Trade Game, giving participants hands-on insight into contract negotiation and other industry practices, as well as interaction with current DSE trainees. Registration is required. Further details can be found [here].

Please note: The English brochures linked below contain additional information about DSE but are currently undergoing updates in light of the upcoming 2025 reac­cre­di­ta­tion process.