Marine Emissions Reduction Course
This course gives you the essential tools and knowledge to face the environmental challenges of the maritime sector. You will work with MARPOL, exhaust gas treatment, fuel choice and efficiency measures, with worked examples showing what each measure really saves.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme 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 programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Marine Emissions Reduction Course?
This short course gives you the essential tools and knowledge to face the environmental challenges of the maritime sector. You will learn to apply strategies that reduce the carbon footprint of an operation, optimise fuel consumption and comply with the most demanding international regulations. The programme also explores alternative propulsion technologies, onboard energy management and good practices for reducing air pollutants, with the aim of making your business more sustainable.
What sets this course apart: practical strategies, with viable solutions for cutting emissions on both existing ships and newbuildings; regulatory compliance, with detailed knowledge of IMO, EU and other key environmental rules; real case studies of decarbonisation projects and conversions to low-carbon fuels; and flexibility, with an online format that combines multimedia resources and discussion forums so you can study at your own pace.
Programme highlights
- Decarbonisation strategies: current techniques for reducing the carbon footprint, from energy efficiency to alternative fuels.
- Regulatory compliance: guidance on IMO and EU regulations to avoid penalties and secure long-term sustainability.
- Innovative technologies: emerging solutions in propulsion, digitalisation and carbon capture that improve performance and reduce environmental impact.
- Life-cycle analysis: assessment of the environmental impact of different options so you can make informed decisions.
- Competitive advantage: position your company as a sustainability leader, attractive to committed customers and investors.
- Drive a cleaner, more profitable maritime future.
Syllabus of the Marine Emissions Reduction Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of Marine Emissions, Sources of Air Pollution and the Technical Framework for Decarbonising Maritime Transport
- 1.1. Main types of marine emissions: CO2, NOx, SOx, particulate matter, methane and black carbon in navigation and port operations
- 1.2. Emission sources on board: main engines, auxiliary engines, boilers, incinerators and hotel or service loads
- 1.3. Relationship between the ship's operating profile and its environmental footprint: speed, load, route, manoeuvring, waiting and time at berth
- 1.4. Environmental and health impact of maritime emissions: air quality, climate change, acidification and effects on coastal communities
- 1.5. Key concepts of carbon intensity, energy efficiency and environmental performance applied to vessels and fleets
Clean Propulsion Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Performance Improvement of Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems
- 2.1. Optimisation of conventional marine engines: combustion, load adjustment, injection, turbocharging and specific consumption control
- 2.2. Exhaust gas after-treatment technologies: scrubbers, SCR, EGR, particulate filters and application criteria according to operating profile
- 2.3. Hybrid systems and partial or full electrification: batteries, generators, power management and low-emission operating modes
- 2.4. Efficiency in auxiliary systems: HVAC, pumping, power generation, lighting and automation of non-propulsion loads
- 2.5. Hydrodynamic improvement and resistance reduction: hull cleaning, advanced coatings, appendages and propeller optimisation
Alternative Fuels, Energy Transition and Technical Evaluation of Low-Carbon Options for Shipping
- 3.1. Overview of alternative marine fuels: LNG, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic fuels
- 3.2. Physico-chemical properties and operational requirements of transition fuels and zero- or low-emission fuels
- 3.3. Storage, bunkering and safety infrastructure for new fuels on board and in port
- 3.4. Compatibility of engines, tanks, piping and auxiliary systems with alternative fuels and blends
- 3.5. Well-to-wake and life-cycle assessment of marine fuels: carbon intensity, fugitive emissions and real environmental balance
Efficient Operation, Voyage Management and Emission Reduction Strategies Based on Mission Profile and Operational Data
- 4.1. Slow steaming, speed management and the relationship between power demand, consumption and emissions per mile and per tonne carried
- 4.2. Route optimisation and weather routing: wind, waves, currents, traffic and operational windows to minimise consumption and emissions
- 4.3. Energy management during manoeuvring, at anchor and in port: reduction of idling, operational coordination and efficient use of auxiliaries
- 4.4. Emission-oriented maintenance planning: condition of hull, propeller, engines and systems affecting overall efficiency
- 4.5. Environmental performance monitoring and analysis: telemetry, KPIs, benchmarking and detection of consumption and emission deviations
Capstone Project: Diagnosis, Reduction Plan and Management of Marine Emissions for a Vessel or Fleet
- 5.1. Selection and characterisation of the case study: type of ship or fleet, operating profile, consumption, emissions and applicable regulatory context
- 5.2. Technical and operational diagnosis of the emissions baseline: main sources, inefficiencies and prioritised improvement opportunities
- 5.3. Design of the emission reduction plan: technological, operational, energy and fuel transition measures
- 5.4. Definition of indicators, monitoring system and criteria for verifying the expected environmental performance
- 5.5. Techno-economic and risk assessment of the proposed strategy: investment, savings, return, complexity and feasibility of implementation
Duration and format of the Marine Emissions Reduction 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 instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. 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
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Marine Emissions Reduction Course
Career opportunities after the Marine Emissions Reduction Course
Questions about the Marine Emissions Reduction Course
To reduce air pollution from ships, thereby mitigating climate change and its negative effects.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/placement periods through partnership agreements.
It reduces air pollution from marine sources such as ships, improving coastal and global air quality and reducing respiratory problems.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Climate and oceanography
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Academic or professional profile: a qualification in engineering, environmental sciences or nautical studies/maritime transport, or demonstrable experience in the maritime or energy sector.
- Desirable prior knowledge of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics or environmental legislation.
- Technical English for reading documentation and regulations.
- Documentation: CV, copy of your qualification where applicable, national ID or passport, and an optional motivation letter.
- Technical requirements: an internet connection and an up-to-date browser.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose 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 enrol
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.