Program Overview

Course Overview

The Maritime Procurement and Supplier Relations course is an intermediate-level course, level II, offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The course is worth 7.5 credits and is taught in English.

Course Details

• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Location: Ålesund
• Examination Arrangement: Aggregate score

Course Content

The course covers the following topics:

• Procurement framework conditions in the maritime sector
• Procurement function in the maritime company
• Introduction to maritime supply chain
• Theoretical perspectives on sourcing, make/buy, and in/outsourcing
• Management and development of supplier relationships
• Sourcing strategy and category management
• Contract negotiations in the maritime sector
• Segmentation and portfolio models
• Forecasting demand in the maritime industry
• Offers/criteria for evaluation of suppliers in the maritime sector
• Quality and measurements in the maritime procurement work
• Incoterms / NL09 - Delivery terms

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the procurement function's role within the maritime value chain.
• Exhibit understanding of industrial procurement behavior, supplier analysis, and negotiation techniques in the maritime context.
• Utilize scientific methodology and methods to develop well-structured written reports on procurement-related topics.
• Independently update knowledge in maritime procurement through literature reviews, engagement with academic and industry networks, and reflective practice.

Skills

• Actively support the company's value objectives across the maritime supply chain by contributing to the development and implementation of effective procurement strategies.
• Articulate the importance of robust supplier approval procedures within the maritime industry and evaluate suppliers using relevant criteria.
• Conduct structured written and oral presentations on procurement and sourcing topics relevant to the maritime sector.

Competence

• Recognize the critical role of quality and ethical considerations in all aspects of maritime procurement work.
• Effectively convey specialized procurement information, both in written and oral formats, tailored to academic and industry audiences.
• Engage actively in professional discussions, sharing knowledge and insights to support best practices within maritime procurement and supply chain management.

Learning Methods and Activities

Educational methods include lectures and individual exercises.

Evaluation

The evaluation consists of a folder (40%) and a written exam (60%). Students will prepare 2 group work collected in a folder, and both parts must be passed. A postponed exam is possible as a written 3-hour school exam.

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required, including:

• Nautical Studies (353MN)
• Nautical Studies (353YV)
• Shipping management (432SM)

Course Materials

Course materials will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Subject Areas

• Nautic

Examination

Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025

• School Exam: Weighting 60/100, Examination aids Code D, Date and Time 09:00, Duration 3 hours, Exam system Inspera Assessment.
• Portfolio: Weighting 40/100, Date, Release, and Submission Time 12:00, Exam system Inspera Assessment.

Re-sit Examination - Spring 2026

• School Exam: Weighting 60/100, Examination aids Code D, Date and Time 09:00, Duration 3 hours, Exam system Inspera Assessment.
• Portfolio: Weighting 40/100, Exam system Inspera Assessment.