Commodity Shipping, London, 18-19th May 2027

Gain a Practical Understanding of Commodity Shipping

The Commodity Shipping course is the third stage of the Gafta Professional Development (GPD) Programme and provides participants with a practical understanding of the shipping and logistics processes that underpin international agricultural commodity trade.

The course explores the journey of a commodity from shipment through to delivery, examining the operational, contractual and legal considerations involved at each stage. Participants will gain insight into vessel chartering, shipping documentation, cargo quality control and the interaction between shipping obligations and commodity contracts.

Successful completion of the course allows participants to continue their progression through the Gafta Professional Development Programme, supporting future development towards the Trade Diploma and Arbitrator Diploma.

The course is delivered in English.

Course at a Glance

Format: In-person training
Duration: 2 days
Location: London
Prerequisite: Trade Foundation Course or Trade Basics Online
Assessment: Two examinations
Certificate: Awarded upon successful completion
Registration deadline: One month before the course start date

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

Trade professionals who have completed the Trade Foundation Course or Trade Basics Online.
Professionals involved in the international shipment of agricultural commodities.
Individuals seeking a greater understanding of shipping obligations and documentation.
Trade, operations and logistics professionals looking to broaden their knowledge of the commodity supply chain.
Individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of shipping-related contractual and operational risks.

What You'll Gain

By completing this course, you will:

Understand the shipping process within international commodity trade.
Identify and interpret key shipping documents and their function.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in vessel chartering.
Recognise the importance of cargo inspection, sampling and quality control procedures.
Understand the relationship between shipping operations and contractual performance.
Apply shipping knowledge to practical commodity trading scenarios.

98% delegates would recommend this course

"As a professional involved in shipping, I would recommend this course to everyone who wants to have a profound theoretical basis."

"An excellent introduction to shipping and trading, providing me with knowledge I was able to apply directly to challenges encountered in my day-to-day work."

Important Booking Information

Registration closes one month before the course start date.

Places are limited and registrations cannot be accepted after the booking deadline. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

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The Commodity Shipping Course provides an in-depth understanding of the shipping processes that underpin international agricultural commodity trade, helping participants develop the knowledge needed to manage shipping obligations, understand key documentation and support the effective execution of commodity transactions. Delegates will explore:

Essential shipping documents, including bills of lading, charterparties and certificates
Vessel types and their key characteristics
How to select the most suitable vessel for a particular cargo
Cargo sampling, inspection and quality control procedures
The role of analysis and certification in commodity trade
Shipping obligations and contractual performance
The relationship between shipping operations and commodity contracts
Key logistical and legal considerations throughout the shipping process
Common shipping risks and how they can affect trade execution
Practical shipping scenarios and industry best practices

How You'll Learn

Topics are brought to life through a combination of:

Expert-led presentations
Interactive discussions
Practical exercises
Real-world case studies
Shipping scenarios and industry examples

The Commodity Shipping course includes two examinations, designed to assess participants' understanding of the key concepts covered throughout the programme.

To successfully complete the course and receive a Gafta certificate, participants must achieve a minimum pass mark of 65%.

Examination Information

Assessment: Two examinations
Pass Mark: 65% per exam
Results issued: Approximately two weeks after the course concludes
Resit policy: One resit opportunity will be offered within a specified timeframe if the required pass mark is not achieved

Academic Integrity

All examinations must be completed independently and in accordance with Gafta's examination regulations.

Any candidate found conferring with another participant during the examination, or submitting work that is identified as copied from another candidate, will receive an automatic failing grade.

Results & Certification

Participants who successfully pass both examinations will be awarded a certificate of completion for the Commodity Shipping course.