Lisbon will host two specialised maritime training courses in April as the Institute of International Container Lessors prepares to deliver Dry Van and Refrigerated Container Inspection and Repair programmes in Portugal’s capital. The sessions are scheduled for 15 and 16 April 2026 and are aimed at professionals involved in container operations, inspection, maintenance, and logistics.
The Dry Van Container course will take place on Wednesday, 15 April, followed the Refrigerated Container course on Thursday, 16 April. Both sessions will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The venue in Lisbon is expected to be confirmed closer to the event date. Organisers have advised early registration due to limited seating capacity.
The courses will be conducted primarily in Portuguese, with selected instructional materials presented in English. Participants will receive a certificate of completion issued the IICL, a credential recognised across the global container leasing and maritime logistics industry.
Lisbon’s selection as host city reflects Portugal’s growing role in Atlantic shipping routes and containerised trade. With major ports such as Lisbon, Sines, and Leixões handling increasing cargo volumes, demand for technical expertise in container inspection and maintenance has become more pronounced. Proper inspection standards are critical for safety, regulatory compliance, and asset longevity in global freight operations.
The Dry Van Container course will provide participants with access to digital versions of key industry manuals, including the Guide for Container Equipment Inspection, 6th edition, the Repair Manual for Steel Freight Containers, 5th edition, and the Supplement on Inspection and Repair covering complex or grey areas in assessment practices. These manuals form the backbone of global inspection protocols used leasing companies and shipping operators.
The Refrigerated Container course will include the General Guide for Refrigerated Container Inspection and Repair, 4th edition. Refrigerated units, commonly known as reefers, require specialised knowledge due to their integrated cooling systems and electrical components. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure temperature control integrity, particularly for food, pharmaceutical, and perishable goods transport.
All course materials will be distributed in digital format and are protected copyright restrictions. Manuals cannot be printed or copied and will be accessible on a single registered device per participant. This approach aligns with the organisation’s efforts to safeguard intellectual property while maintaining standardised global training references.
Portugal’s maritime and logistics sectors have expanded in recent years, supported infrastructure upgrades and strategic positioning between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. As container traffic grows, technical training initiatives such as these play a key role in maintaining international inspection standards and operational efficiency.
Registrations for both courses are currently open through the IICL platform. With international trade flows increasingly dependent on container reliability and regulatory compliance, industry professionals in Portugal and across Southern Europe are expected to show strong interest in the upcoming Lisbon sessions.
