Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

This master's programme equips you to lead the sustainable transformation of the maritime industry with circular economy strategies. You will work with hazardous materials inventories, recycling processes and material loops, including the legal framework and the economics involved.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the programme

What is the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling?

This master's degree prepares you to lead the sustainable transformation of the maritime industry. You will learn to apply circular economy strategies, optimise waste management and master ship recycling techniques while complying with the most demanding environmental regulations. The aim is for you to design innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and increase the value of maritime resources.

The programme stands out for its end-to-end approach, from eco-efficient design to responsible dismantling; its real case studies, analysing projects and solutions already implemented in the industry; its coverage of innovative technologies and recent trends in recycling and materials management; and its command of the national and international environmental regulatory framework.

Programme typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Programme highlights

Command of the circular economy: strategies to optimise resources and reduce waste in the maritime sector.
Expertise in ship recycling: advanced recycling techniques and their application to vessel dismantling.
Sustainability and regulation: in-depth study of environmental regulation and good practice.
Innovation and development: research and new technologies for circularity.
Sector leadership: preparation to lead the transition to a circular model in maritime companies.
Career boost: advance your career and contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

International Legal Framework, Environmental Conventions and Ship Recycling Regulation

1.1. Historical evolution and environmental issues of shipbreaking: from breaking on vulnerable beaches to the modern ship recycling industry
1.2. The Hong Kong International Convention (HKC): entry into force, scope, requirements for ships, recycling yards and recycling certificates
1.3. Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 on Ship Recycling (EU SRR): EU requirements, European List of Ship Recycling Facilities and penalty regime
1.4. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes: the Ban Amendment and its application to end-of-life ships
1.5. MARPOL Convention and pollution prevention in the decommissioning phase: management of accumulated hazardous waste, bilges, slops and refrigerant gases
1.6. IMO Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water (BWM) on the final voyage: protocols for the last voyage to the recycling facility
1.7. EU Environmental Liability Directive and Due Diligence Directive: legal implications for shipowners, charterers and financiers
1.8. Regional governance and international regulatory differences: comparative analysis of legislation in Europe, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey
1.9. International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on safety and health: protection of workers in recycling yards
1.10. EU Sustainable Taxonomy and ESG indicators: impact of the dismantling process on the shipping company's reputation and corporate reporting

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): Development, Verification and Maintenance

2.1. Concept and structure of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): Parts I (materials contained in ship structure and equipment), II (operationally generated wastes) and III (stores)
2.2. Prohibited and restricted substances under the HKC and the EU SRR: asbestos, PCBs, organotin compounds (TBT), BFRs, PFOS, cybutryne and ozone-depleting substances
2.3. Inspection methodology and on-board sampling plan (VSRP): visual identification, destructive/non-destructive sampling and inspector safety
2.4. Laboratory analytical techniques for detecting contaminants: gas chromatography, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy and microscopy
2.5. Preparation of Material Declarations (MD) and Supplier's Declarations of Conformity (SDoC): integrating the supply chain in newbuilding
2.6. Maintenance and dynamic updating of IHM Part I: management of changes during repairs, conversions and maintenance of ships in service
2.7. IHM verification audits and certification by Classification Societies: obtaining the Statement/Certificate of Compliance and flag compliance
2.8. Digitalisation of the IHM: software platforms, component marking using QR/RFID codes and traceability of spare parts
2.9. Preparation of IHM Parts II and III for the final voyage: quantification of oils, sludge, chemicals, paints and unused stores
2.10. Pre-recycling inspection (Final Survey) and issue of the International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC): validation prior to demolition

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Naval Ecodesign, Sustainable Architecture and Design for Disassembly

3.1. Ecodesign principles applied to Naval Architecture: integrating life cycle analysis from the ship's concept phase
3.2. Design for Disassembly methodology (Design for Decommissioning / Disassembly): modularity, mechanical joints vs. permanent welded joints
3.3. Selection of low-impact, highly recyclable materials: green steel, aluminium alloys, bio-based resins and recyclable thermoplastic composites
3.4. Substitution of hazardous materials at the design stage: eco-friendly alternatives for thermal insulation, gaskets, paints and pipe coatings
3.5. Optimisation of the general arrangement to facilitate dismantling: accessibility to large equipment, main piping and separation of thixotropic zones
3.6. Digital Vessel Passport: integrating material data into BIM models and the ship's Digital Twin
3.7. Standardisation of marine components: harmonising parts and systems to promote their reuse in the secondary industrial market
3.8. Analysis of ease of decontamination (Design for Decontamination): tank drainage provisions, line purging and waste extraction
3.9. Assessment of the carbon footprint of construction vs. recycling: balance of emissions avoided through the use of secondary steel
3.10. Innovation in zero-emission ship projects and its impact on circularity: recyclability of lithium batteries, hydrogen tanks and rigid sails

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Impact Assessment in the Maritime Sector

4.1. Fundamentals of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044: definition of goal, scope and system boundaries
4.2. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) analysis in shipyards: inputs of raw materials, energy and water, and outputs of emissions, discharges and waste
4.3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) in maritime transport: acidification, eutrophication, resource depletion and global warming potential
4.4. Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for maritime components: calculation methodologies, Product Category Rules (PCR) and certification
4.5. Software tools for LCA in naval engineering: use of advanced platforms (SimaPro, GaBi/OpenLCA) applied to structure and machinery
4.6. Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint of the dismantling process: emission metrics per tonne of ship scrapped
4.7. Assessment of ecotoxic impact on marine and coastal environments: modelling the dispersion of heavy metals, hydrocarbons and microplastics
4.8. Comparative LCA: Repair and Life Extension vs. Recycling and Newbuilding: strategic fleet decision-making
4.9. Environmental cost-benefit analysis of adopting clean cutting technologies: plasma cutting, ultra-high-pressure water jetting (hydro-blasting) and oxy-fuel cutting
4.10. Integration of sustainability indicators into the corporate social responsibility report: reporting LCA results to investors and stakeholders

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Ship Recycling Plan (SRP) and Sustainable Dismantling Operations

5.1. Preparation of the Ship Recycling Plan (SRP): structure, cutting sequence, weight management and approval by the competent authority
5.2. Pre-dismantling operational risk assessment: identification of hazards of structural collapse, falling loads, explosions and falls from height
5.3. Ship delivery techniques and methodologies: beaching, alongside mooring, dry dock and floating slipways
5.4. Prior decontamination and cleaning of critical areas (Cold Move & Cleaning): inerting of fuel tanks, gas-freeing and safe atmosphere testing
5.5. Removal and containment of hazardous materials: specific protocols for the safe removal of asbestos, PCBs, mercury and flame retardants
5.6. Structural cutting and section shredding techniques: manual oxy-fuel cutting, hydraulic guillotines, excavator-mounted shears and diamond wire cutting
5.7. Control of stability, watertightness and structural strength during demolition: prevention of heeling, catastrophic failure and sinking during the process
5.8. Handling of heavy machinery and lifting operations: floating cranes, crawler cranes and calculation of pulling operations in dismantling
5.9. Liquid waste management and spill prevention in the cutting area: impermeable floors, drainage networks with oil separators and containment barriers
5.10. Issue of the Statement of Completion of Ship Recycling: formal closure of the recycling file before the Flag Administration and the shipowner

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Safety, Occupational Health and Environmental Management in Ship Recycling Facilities (SRF)

6.1. Design and fitting-out of a Ship Recycling Facility (SRF) in accordance with international standards: infrastructure, containment areas and equipment
6.2. Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001 / ILO Conventions): assessment of occupational risks specific to ship recycling
6.3. Safe work permits in confined spaces and hot work: Gas-Free certification of spaces and continuous atmospheric monitoring
6.4. Respiratory protection and advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): selection against asbestos fibres, welding fumes and toxic vapours
6.5. Emergency response and evacuation plans in recycling yards: fires, explosions, man overboard, structural collapses and major spills
6.6. Environmental monitoring of air, soil and water at the yard: periodic control of suspended particles, metals in sediments and quality of adjacent waters
6.7. Occupational health management of workers: specific medical examinations, control of lead/asbestos exposure and epidemiological records
6.8. Ergonomics and injury prevention in cutting and manual lifting work: minimising overexertion and work-related fatigue
6.9. Ongoing training and capacity building for recycling operatives: competence certification programmes, safety culture and working language
6.10. Compliance audits for inclusion in the European List of ship recycling yards: inspection process by European Commission auditors

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Circular Economy, Material Recovery and Secondary Maritime Markets

7.1. Circular Economy principles applied to the maritime industry: from the linear "make-use-dispose" economy to the restoration and regeneration of components
7.2. Recovery, sorting and recycling of ferrous ship scrap: segregation of structural steel and alloy steels, and remelting in electric arc furnaces (EAF)
7.3. Recovery of non-ferrous metals: extraction and purification of copper, brass, bronze, aluminium and titanium from piping, valves and condensers
7.4. Secondary market for marine machinery and navigation equipment: refurbishment, recertification and sale of auxiliary engines, generators and radars
7.5. Remanufacturing of large mechanical components: reconditioning of crankshafts, turbochargers and pistons and their reintroduction to the market with a warranty
7.6. Circular management of on-board plastics, rubbers and elastomers: mechanical and chemical recycling of fenders, flexible hoses and deck coverings
7.7. Recovery of furniture, stores and accommodation fittings: auctions, community donations and reuse of wood/textile materials
7.8. Traceability and certification systems for recycled materials: guaranteeing the origin and carbon footprint of secondary ship steel
7.9. New circular business models in the maritime industry: servitisation (engine hire by the hour), component leasing and exchange platforms
7.10. Analysis of supply and demand for ship scrap in the global steel industry: impact of steel prices on the profitability of demolition

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Integrated Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 30000, ISO 9001) and Auditing

8.1. The ISO 30000:2009 standard: Specifications for management systems for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling facilities
8.2. Integration of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 9001 (Quality) in recycling yards: common policies, procedures and controls
8.3. Planning the Integrated Management System: identification of significant environmental aspects and applicable legal requirements
8.4. Operational control of waste under ISO 30000: temporary storage, labelling, authorised transport and final waste handlers
8.5. Internal and external audit techniques for integrated management systems: preparing checklists, interviews and gathering evidence
8.6. Management of non-conformities and corrective and preventive actions: root cause analysis (Ishikawa, 5 Whys) of operational and environmental deviations
8.7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in ship recycling: recyclability rate (% of weight recycled/reused), energy consumption and accident rate
8.8. Management Review and Continual Improvement: assessing achievement of environmental objectives and adjusting the management system
8.9. Transparency and preparation of the sustainability report under GRI and SASB standards: communicating the facility's performance to stakeholders
8.10. Accredited certification process for the recycling facility: selection of the certification body and periodic maintenance of the certificate

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Green Finance, Reputational Risk and End-of-Life Ship Valuation Models

9.1. Economic valuation of the ship for demolition (Light Displacement Tonnage - LDT): calculation of the scrap price, cleaning deductions and profit margin
9.2. Ship finance and Green Recycling Clauses: inclusion of environmental requirements in maritime loan agreements
9.3. Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI): voluntary disclosure of shipowners' recycling policies to investors
9.4. Sustainable Finance and the Impact of the Poseidon Principles: assessment of the ship's environmental performance throughout its life cycle, including demolition
9.5. Contracts for the sale of ships for recycling (BIMCO SALEFORM / DEMOLISHCON): contractual clauses, buyer's guarantees and delivery conditions
9.6. The role of intermediaries (Cash Buyers): cash sales, flags of convenience for the final voyage and mitigation of legal risks
9.7. Insurance and indemnity mechanisms in recycling operations: P&I cover for the final voyage, Hull and Machinery insurance and environmental liability insurance
9.8. Management of reputational risk and environmental NGO campaigns: public scrutiny, "naming and shaming" and its financial cost
9.9. Creation of sustainable Ship Recycling Funds: proposals for per-ship port levies to finance green recycling
9.10. Financial modelling of the ship's life cycle incorporating the cost/benefit of retirement: optimising the financial timing of demolition

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Capstone Project: Master Plan for Green Recycling, Ecodesign and Circular Management of a Fleet

10.1. Selection and characterisation of the fleet or ship under study: definition of ship type (e.g. Container Ship, Bulker, Tanker, Passenger Ship), LDT tonnage and operating profile
10.2. Development of the complete Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): preparation of the sampling plan, assignment of hazardous substance codes and preparation of Part I
10.3. Ecodesign analysis and circular retrofitting proposals: assessment of the ship's architecture and identification of improvements for its future disassembly and component reuse
10.4. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the retirement process: quantification of emissions, energy use and carbon footprint reduction associated with recycling the structure
10.5. Preparation of a detailed Ship Recycling Plan (SRP): cutting sequence, weight management, stability when beached and fire and fall protection plan
10.6. Design of the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Plan: extraction protocols for asbestos, fluids and batteries, and traceability with authorised final waste handlers
10.7. Assessment of the Ship Recycling Facility (SRF) and Occupational Safety Plan: yard selection, verification of compliance with ISO 30000/EU SRR and PPE and hot work permit plan
10.8. Financial Model, DEMOLISHCON Contract and Scrap Valuation Strategy: calculation of LDT revenue, analysis of decontamination costs and drafting of green contractual clauses
10.9. Communication, Transparency and ESG Reporting Strategy: disclosure plan under the SRTI platform, investor report and mitigation of reputational risk
10.10. Presentation and technical defence of the master's project before a panel: oral presentation of the circularity and ship recycling master plan to a jury of experts from Classification Societies, shipowners, recycling yards and environmental consultants

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Master's Thesis in Ship Circularity and Recycling

11.1. Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
11.2. Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of the work
11.3. Review of the state of the art and specialised literature
11.4. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
11.5. Design of the methodology and work plan
11.6. Data collection, processing and validation
11.7. Technical development and analysis of results
11.8. Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
11.9. Writing the dissertation in accordance with academic standards
11.10. Presentation and public defence before the examination panel

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 weeks

weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.

Faculty

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 Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

01Design and manage ship recycling projects.

02Optimise waste management in the maritime industry.

03Implement circular economy strategies in shipyards.

04Develop and implement technologies for recovering value from maritime materials.

05Assess the life cycle of vessels for redesign and reuse.

06Lead the transition to sustainable, circular maritime models.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

01Maritime circularity project managerdesigning and implementing strategies to reduce waste and optimise resources.

02Maritime circular economy consultantadvising on circular business models and regulatory compliance.

03Ship materials recycling specialistprocesses to recover and reuse materials from decommissioned vessels.

04Environmental auditor in the maritime industryassessing environmental impact and proposing mitigation measures.

05Sustainability manager in shipyards and shipping companiespolicies to reduce the carbon footprint.

06Researcher in ship recycling technologiesnew technologies for treating and recovering value from maritime waste.

07Hazardous waste management technician on shipssupervising the management and disposal of hazardous waste on board.

08Maritime environmental regulation expertadvising on national and international marine environmental protection legislation.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Circularity and Ship Recycling

The sustainable and circular management of materials and waste in the maritime industry, including the demolition, recycling and reuse of ships.

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/work placement stays through partnership agreements.

The maritime sector and industries related to recycling and the circular economy.

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 your 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.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.

Entry requirements

Academic or professional profile: a degree in engineering (industrial, chemical, environmental, naval or other), environmental sciences, circular economy or a related qualification. Accredited professional experience in the maritime sector or in waste management is also accepted.
Specific knowledge: basic notions of the maritime industry, materials, waste management and environmental legislation are recommended.
Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your qualification or certificate of experience, identity document or passport, and a motivation letter on your interest in circularity and ship recycling.
Skills: analytical ability, problem solving and an interest in sustainability and innovation. Enrolment is open all year round; admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation.

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