Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
This propulsion systems and efficiency course gives you an in-depth look at the technologies and strategies that optimize the energy performance of vessels. You will master the operating principles of marine diesel engines, hybrid systems and electric propulsion, and learn to put in place solutions that reduce emissions and fuel consumption, preparing you to help lead the transition towards more sustainable and efficient shipping.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course?
This short course prepares you to understand, assess and improve marine propulsion systems from the engine to the propeller. You will study the physics of thrust, power transmission and resistance; the main types of propulsion, from mechanical, electric and hybrid drives to azimuth thrusters, waterjets and special configurations; the components of the drive train and the link between installed power and mission profile; combustion engines, electric traction machines, turbines and generators and how operating regime affects their efficiency; fixed and controllable-pitch propellers, pods, cavitation, shaft lines and the hull-propeller interaction; and the control, monitoring and digital tools that optimize performance in service.
What sets this course apart: a performance-analysis approach for evaluating and improving existing propulsion systems; an overview of emerging technologies such as wind assistance and hydrogen; thorough coverage of environmental regulations, including MARPOL, and energy efficiency indicators; the use of data, dashboards and trend analysis to support predictive maintenance aimed at efficiency; case studies of energy efficiency measures applied in the maritime industry; and an integrating project in which you characterize a propulsion system, compare alternatives and design and cost an optimization proposal.
Program highlights
- Propulsion fundamentals: thrust, power transmission, resistance and the energy balance of the system.
- Prime movers: combustion engines, electric traction machines, turbines and generators.
- Propulsors and shaft lines: fixed and controllable pitch, waterjets, pods, cavitation and alignment.
- Hydrodynamic efficiency: hull-propeller interaction, wake, ducts, fins and hull coatings.
- Control and monitoring: load sharing, critical variables, optimal speed and predictive maintenance.
- Integrating project: analysis, comparison and techno-economic optimization of a propulsion system.
Syllabus of the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of propulsion systems, energy conversion and the functional architecture of the drive train in marine platforms and technical vehicles
- 1.1. Physical principles of propulsion: generation of thrust, power transmission, resistance to motion and the energy balance of the system
- 1.2. Types of propulsion system: mechanical, electric, hybrid, azimuth, waterjet and special configurations according to the mission
- 1.3. Components of the drive train: prime mover, reduction gear, couplings, shaft line, propulsor and associated auxiliary systems
- 1.4. The relationship between installed power, mission profile and operational performance: speed, load, maneuvering, range and continuity of service
- 1.5. Key propulsive efficiency parameters: thermal efficiency, mechanical efficiency, overall propulsive efficiency and specific fuel consumption
Engines, power machinery and primary energy generation systems for efficient propulsion
- 2.1. Internal combustion engines for propulsion: operating cycles, load curves, efficiency and transient behavior
- 2.2. Electric traction machines: synchronous, asynchronous and permanent-magnet motors in modern propulsion applications
- 2.3. Turbines, generators and advanced power solutions: applications, advantages, limitations and compatibility with different mission profiles
- 2.4. The influence of operating regime on efficiency: idling, part load, rated load, demand peaks and continuous operation
- 2.5. Specific consumption, emissions and environmental performance of the propulsion system: technical and operational reference indicators
Propulsors, shaft lines, maneuvering devices and the hydrodynamic efficiency of the thrust system
- 3.1. Types of propulsor: fixed-pitch and controllable-pitch propellers, waterjets, pods and tunnel thrusters according to application and maneuvering needs
- 3.2. Propeller geometry, cavitation and performance: how design influences thrust, vibration, noise and energy consumption
- 3.3. Shaft line and mechanical transmission: alignment, bearings, seals, couplings and losses due to friction or imbalance
- 3.4. Hull-propeller-environment interaction: resistance, wake, loading conditions and the effects of sea state on efficiency
- 3.5. Hydrodynamic improvement devices: ducts, fins, coatings, hull optimization and reduction of parasitic resistance
Automation, control, monitoring and energy management of propulsion systems with a focus on operational optimization
- 4.1. Control architecture of the propulsion system: sensors, actuators, controllers, alarms and centralized performance supervision
- 4.2. Automatic power and load management: energy distribution, load sharing, mode control and response to operational variations
- 4.3. Continuous monitoring of critical variables: rpm, torque, temperature, pressure, vibration, consumption and instantaneous efficiency
- 4.4. Integration of propulsion, navigation and mission profile: dynamic adjustment of set points, optimal speed and operational decision support
- 4.5. Digital tools for performance optimization: dashboards, data analytics, trends and efficiency-oriented predictive maintenance
Integrating project: analysis, selection and optimization of a propulsion system for a real or simulated application
- 5.1. Definition of the case study: type of platform, mission profile, power requirements, operational constraints and efficiency objectives
- 5.2. Characterization of the baseline propulsion system: architecture, components, operating curves, consumption and critical points of energy loss
- 5.3. Comparative evaluation of propulsion alternatives: criteria of performance, reliability, technical integration and compatibility with the mission
- 5.4. Design of an optimization proposal: mechanical, operational, digital or energy improvements with an impact on overall performance
- 5.5. Techno-economic and risk analysis of the proposed solution: expected savings, total cost, implementation complexity and operational benefits
Duration and format of the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
Career opportunities after the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
Questions about the Propulsion Systems and Efficiency Course
To generate the thrust that moves the vessel, converting the energy of the fuel or the electrical supply into useful work as efficiently as possible.
Mechanical, electric and hybrid drives, azimuth thrusters, waterjets and pods, together with fixed and controllable-pitch propellers and special configurations.
Through better matching of engine and propeller, optimal speed and routing, reduced hull resistance, hydrodynamic devices such as ducts and fins, good maintenance and data-driven monitoring, all of which the course analyses.
Yes. It covers emissions and environmental performance indicators and the application of MARPOL and local legislation to propulsion operations.
No. It is also aimed at ship operators, fleet managers, technicians and consultants; a technical background helps, and the admission interview confirms the fit.
You define a platform and mission, characterize its propulsion system, compare alternatives and design an optimization proposal with its expected savings, costs and risks.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. It is taught fully online, so you can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Machinery and electrics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at mechanical and naval engineers exploring the latest propulsion and energy-optimization technologies, ship operators and fleet managers seeking to cut operating costs, maritime professionals implementing environmental regulations and alternative fuels, engineering students specializing in propulsion, and consultants and technicians who assess existing systems; a degree in mechanical, energy or naval engineering, or professional experience in the design, operation or maintenance of propulsion systems, and a grounding in physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer are helpful.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software to view technical documents (PDF and CAD).
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.