Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
Advanced training in marine propulsion plants and gas and steam turbines: thermodynamics, design, simulation and predictive maintenance. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
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 Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering?
This programme gives you a comprehensive understanding of modern propulsion systems and turbines, from theoretical foundations to practical applications. You will master the design, analysis and maintenance of gas and steam turbines, as well as the propulsion systems used across different industries, and gain the skills to optimise energy efficiency, reduce costs and ensure the reliability of these critical systems.
What sets it apart is its blend of thermodynamic and fluid-dynamic analysis, specialised simulation software and predictive maintenance strategies, all applied to naval propulsion plants and closed with a final project in which you size and design a complete propulsion plant. It is aimed at mechanical, naval and aeronautical engineers who want to specialise in advanced propulsion systems.
Programme highlights
- Advanced analysis: learn to carry out thermodynamic and fluid-dynamic analyses of turbines and propulsion systems.
- Design and optimisation: develop the skills to design and optimise turbine components and propulsion systems.
- Predictive maintenance: implement predictive maintenance strategies to extend equipment service life and ensure safe, efficient operation.
- Energy efficiency: identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce polluting emissions.
- Simulation and modelling: use specialised software to design, analyse and optimise turbines and propulsion systems.
- Final project: apply the tools and concepts you have learned to a real practical case.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Applied Thermodynamics and Naval Power Cycles
- 1.1. Principles of technical thermodynamics applied to marine propulsion: first and second law
- 1.2. Ideal and real Brayton cycle for gas turbines: regeneration, intercooling and reheating
- 1.3. Rankine cycle for marinised steam turbines: superheating, reheating and combined cycles (COGAS / COGES)
- 1.4. Diesel and dual (Sabathe) cycles in two-stroke and four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engines
- 1.5. Heat balance and volumetric, thermal and overall efficiency of the propulsion plant
- 1.6. Exergy analysis and exergy destruction in power plant components
- 1.7. Assessment of specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC) and optimisation of the ship's operating profile
- 1.8. Combined Brayton and Rankine cycles
Marine Gas Turbines (MGT) and Turbocharging Systems
- 2.1. Architecture and components of marinised aeroderivative gas turbines (compressors, combustion chambers, turbines)
- 2.2. Axial and centrifugal compressors: performance maps, surge margin and stall
- 2.3. Low-emission combustors (DLE / Low NOx DLE) and compatibility with alternative fuels (methanol, H2)
- 2.4. Turbocharging machinery: variable geometry turbochargers (VGT) and two-stage turbochargers in marine engines
- 2.5. Gas turbine auxiliary systems: salt-laden intake air filtration, compressor washing, lubrication and cooling
- 2.6. Acceleration control, part-load operation and overspeed or overtemperature protection
- 2.7. Advanced blade materials: nickel-based superalloys, thermal barrier coatings (TBC) and single crystals
- 2.8. Turbochargers and their maintenance
Steam Turbines and Onboard Steam Generation Plants
- 3.1. Steam turbine principles: impulse vs. reaction, pressure and velocity compounding (Curtis, Rateau)
- 3.2. Configuration of marine high-pressure and low-pressure (HP and LP) turbines and associated reduction gears
- 3.3. High-pressure marine boilers: watertube boilers, superheaters, economisers and air preheaters
- 3.4. Main marine condensers, vacuum systems, ejectors and feed water deaeration
- 3.5. Chemical boiler water treatment and corrosion and scale control in the steam circuit
- 3.6. Automatic control of combustion, boiler level and steam pressure
- 3.7. Steam turbines for auxiliary services and turbo-generators (TG) on large vessels and LNG carriers (LNGC)
- 3.8. Marine boilers and water treatment
Diesel Propulsion Plants and Dual-Fuel (DF) Engines
- 4.1. Slow-speed two-stroke (crosshead) and medium-speed four-stroke (trunk piston) marine engines
- 4.2. High-pressure electronic fuel injection (Common Rail) and variable valve timing management
- 4.3. Dual-fuel engines (natural gas/CNG/LNG and pilot diesel): Otto/Diesel combustion principles
- 4.4. High-pressure direct injection of methanol and ammonia in main propulsion engines
- 4.5. Exhaust gas treatment: selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for IMO Tier III compliance
- 4.6. Cylinder and crankcase lubrication: oil analysis, TBN (Total Base Number) and compatibility with low-sulphur fuels (VLSFO/ULSFO)
- 4.7. Combustion diagnostics through in-cylinder indicated pressure and real-time emissions monitoring
- 4.8. Gas systems in dual-fuel engines
Marine Propulsion Configuration and Mechanical Transmission
- 5.1. Integrated propulsion topologies: CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas), CODOG, CODLAG, CONAG and COGAS
- 5.2. Marine reduction gearboxes: planetary and parallel-shaft trains, hydraulic clutches and power take-offs (PTO/PTI)
- 5.3. Power transmission shafts: shaft line alignment, support bearings, stern tubes and marine seals
- 5.4. Mechanical vibration isolation, flexible couplings and torsional and axial vibration dampers
- 5.5. Controllable pitch propeller (CPP) systems and their hydraulic blade control mechanism
- 5.6. Acceleration, astern and braking dynamics of the ship and response times of the power plant
- 5.7. Structural redundancy and propulsion plants with multiple shafts or azimuth thrusters
- 5.8. Reduction gears and couplings
High-Power Electric and Hybrid Propulsion
- 6.1. Concept of the Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) ship
- 6.2. Main medium- and high-voltage electrical generation (3.3 kV, 6.6 kV, 11 kV) for propulsion systems
- 6.3. Power variable frequency drives (VFD): Voltage Source Inverters (VSI), multilevel and PWM for heavy tonnage
- 6.4. High-power permanent magnet (PMSM), synchronous and induction electric propulsion motors
- 6.5. POD (Azipod) thrusters and rim-driven submerged motors: hydrodynamics, cooling and sealing
- 6.6. Integration of energy storage (BESS) for peak shaving and silent navigation
- 6.7. Overall efficiency of the electric propulsion chain vs. direct mechanical transmission
- 6.8. Electric propulsion motors
Maintenance, Condition Monitoring and Energy Efficiency
- 7.1. Maintenance strategies for turbomachinery and main engines: RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance)
- 7.2. Vibration analysis of turbines and reduction gearboxes: frequency spectra, orbit analysis and ISO alarm limits
- 7.3. Borescope inspection of gas turbines and steam boilers: detection of cracks, erosion and deposits
- 7.4. Wear monitoring of hydrodynamic and thrust bearings using inductive position sensors and temperature sensors (PT100)
- 7.5. Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (SEEMP) and thermal performance optimisation
- 7.6. Reconditioning of critical components: crankshaft grinding, turbine re-blading and dynamic rotor balancing
- 7.7. Spare parts management, emergency trip protocols and engine room safety
- 7.8. Performance monitoring
Project Engineering, Simulation and Capstone Project
- 8.1. Methodology for selecting the propulsion system according to operating profile, design speed and ship length
- 8.2. Dynamic simulation of propulsion plants in specialised software (Modelica, Simulink, GT-SUITE)
- 8.3. Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and calculation of total cost of ownership (TCO) for different technology alternatives
- 8.4. Factory acceptance tests (FAT) for main engines and turbines under classification society supervision
- 8.5. Mooring trials and sea trials: measurement of speed, brake horsepower (BHP) and consumption
- 8.6. Integration of decarbonised propulsion systems: zero-emission concepts and retrofit of existing plants
- 8.7. Presentation of the final project
- 8.8. Final project: sizing, selection, thermal and mechanical calculation and conceptual design of the complete propulsion plant for a commercial or naval vessel
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
It is 800 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 Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Propulsion and Turbine Engineering
It covers marine propulsion plants as a whole: gas turbines, steam turbines and boilers, diesel and dual-fuel engines, mechanical transmission, and electric and hybrid propulsion, together with maintenance, energy efficiency and project engineering.
The final module introduces dynamic simulation of propulsion plants in specialised software such as Modelica, Simulink and GT-SUITE.
Online with live sessions; a hybrid option is available for stays or practical work through partnership agreements.
Both. It covers diesel and dual-fuel engines as well as marinised gas turbines and steam turbines.
Among others, IMO Tier III emission requirements, SEEMP, ISO vibration alarm limits, and factory acceptance and sea trials under classification society supervision.
No. It is aimed at engineers (mechanical, naval, aeronautical, energy or related) or professionals with proven experience in propulsion and turbines. The admission interview will confirm the fit.
No. The programme is studied entirely online and does not include work placements; Navalis Institute does not arrange internships or jobs.
Through micro-tests, practical calculation and simulation exercises, and a final project in which you design a complete propulsion plant.
More programmes in Machinery and electrics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: a degree in engineering (aeronautical, mechanical, energy, etc.) or a related qualification, or proven professional experience in the propulsion and turbine sector. Recommended prior knowledge: fundamentals of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and basic materials.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the course; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software to view technical documents (PDF, etc.).
- 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.
- 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.