ICM126-International Maritime Trade

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: ICM108 Fixed Income and Equity Investments
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: g.alexandridis@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is the building block of the programme's maritime component in Term 1. The focus is on the global patterns in international trade, the characteristics of the main commodities carried by sea, and the geography of maritime trade (including main producers, exporting/importing countries and flows, shipping routes, ports and choke-points). The module provides an in depth understanding of basic resources, agricultural and energy commodities such as oil and petroleum products, gas, iron ore, coal and grains (dry and liquid bulk) as well as container trade. Participants also explore transportation mechanisms along with vessel types employed for different commodities and shipping routes. IMT is delivered by the Director of the shipping programme along with senior select practitioners from the dry bulk, tanker and container sectors.

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

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  Develop an understanding of the economic characteristics of the commodities carried by sea

  
  


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  Point out the key commodity producing and consuming countries

  
  


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  Critically discuss the history of the geography of maritime trade and commodity flows

  
  


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  Evaluate the importance of new advances in commodity markets and their impact on maritime trade

  
  


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  Distinguish the different vessel types typically used to carry each commodity and their characteristics

  
  


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  Critically discuss current trends and developments in global shipping markets

  
  

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage teamwork and communication skills working in groups and interacting/networking with a number of senior industry professionals. Students will build market awareness through exposure to real information and analyse industry trends through utilising a number of databases including the Clarksons Shipping Intelligence Network.

Outline content:

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  Lecture 1: An Introduction to International Trade and Transport

  
  
  
  
  
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    International Trade: Scope, Modern History, Theories, Key Facts

    
    
  
  
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    Trends: Who Trades and What is Traded?

    
    
  
  
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    Geography of Maritime Trade: Trends, Regions, Routes and Strategic Locations/Choke Points

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Lectures 2-3

  
  
  
  
  
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    Dry Bulk Commodity Trade: Production, Consumption, Flows, Prices, Routes

    
    
    
    
    
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      Metals: Iron Ore

      
      
    
    
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      Energy: Coal

      
      
    
    
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      Agricultural/Soft (Grains,Agri-bulk)

      
      
    
    
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      Minerals: Bauxite, Phosphate (and other fertilisers)

      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Lectures 4-6

  
  
  
  
  
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    Liquid Bulk Commodity Trade

    
    
    
    
    
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      Energy: Oil and Products, Gas (LNG/LPG)

      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Lecture 7: Liner Trade

  
  
  
  
  
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    Container Trade: What is carried, container handling, growth and main trade-lines/routes, container terminals and vessels, major players

    
    
  
  
  
  

Global context:

Given the international nature of the shipping industry the module is naturally focused on global commodity and shipping markets.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be 6 3-hour sessions. The techniques used to achieve the stated module objectives will consist of a combination of active teaching, question-answer sessions, class discussions, master-classes delivered by industry practitioners and examination.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An individual project: 100% of the total final assessment mark

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum total mark of 50% for the module

Reassessment arrangements:

Through individual project to be submitted in August of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019