The thesis is the so-called ‘Master piece’ of the Master Shipping and Transport program. During the thesis period, every course participant is required to conduct research and write a thesis, preferably within the context of a relevant management problem inside a company. Students are responsible for defining their own projects and determine and negotiate a ‘sponsor’ company for the thesis.

The thesis can never be solely a practical or theoretical piece of work. The thesis must have two elements: knowledge (theory) and practice (application). Participants are stimulated to find a thesis project in their home country and/or with the company they are working for. The final report forms the basis of the thesis defence and final evaluation.