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Short course · Climate and oceanography

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.

100% online300 hours5 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

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.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Marine Emissions, Sources of Air Pollution and the Technical Framework for Decarbonising Shipping60 h
Types of emissions: CO2, NOx, SOx, particulate matter, methane and black carbon, both under way and during port operations. Onboard sources: main and auxiliary engines, boilers, incinerators and hotel and service loads. Operating profile and environmental footprint: the influence of speed, cargo, route, manoeuvring, waiting times and time alongside. Environmental and health impact: air quality, climate change, acidification and effects on coastal communities. Key concepts: carbon intensity, energy efficiency and environmental performance applied to ships and fleets.
02Clean Propulsion Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Performance Improvement of Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems60 h
Optimisation of conventional marine engines: combustion, load adjustment, injection, turbocharging and control of specific fuel consumption. Exhaust gas after-treatment: scrubbers, SCR, EGR and particulate filters, with application criteria based on the operating profile. Hybrid systems and partial or full electrification: batteries, generators, power management and low-emission operating modes. Efficiency of auxiliary systems: HVAC, pumping, power generation, lighting and automation of non-propulsive loads. Hydrodynamic improvement: hull cleaning, advanced coatings, appendages and propeller optimisation.
03Alternative Fuels, Energy Transition and Technical Assessment of Low-Carbon Options for Shipping60 h
Overview of alternative fuels: LNG, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Properties and operating requirements: physical and chemical characteristics of transition fuels and zero- or low-emission fuels. Infrastructure: storage, bunkering and safety of new fuels, both on board and in port. Compatibility: engines, tanks, piping and auxiliary systems with alternative fuels and blends. Well-to-wake and life-cycle assessment: carbon intensity, fugitive emissions and the real environmental balance.
04Efficient Operation, Voyage Management and Emission Reduction Strategies Based on Mission Profile and Operational Data60 h
Speed management (slow steaming): the relationship between power, consumption and emissions per mile and per tonne carried. Route optimisation (weather routing): wind, waves, currents, traffic and operating windows. Energy management during manoeuvring, at anchor and in port: reducing idling, operational coordination and efficient use of auxiliaries. Emissions-oriented maintenance: condition of the hull, propeller, engines and the systems that affect overall efficiency. Monitoring and analysis: telemetry, key performance indicators, benchmarking and detection of deviations in consumption and emissions.
05Integrated Project: Diagnosis, Reduction Plan and Management of Marine Emissions for a Vessel or Fleet60 h
Case study: selection and characterisation of the vessel or fleet, its operating profile, consumption, emissions and applicable regulatory framework. Baseline diagnosis: identification of the main sources, inefficiencies and prioritised improvement opportunities. Reduction plan: technological, operational, energy and fuel-transition measures. Indicators and verification: definition of indicators, a monitoring system and criteria for verifying the expected environmental performance. Techno-economic and risk assessment: investment, savings, payback, complexity and feasibility of implementation.

Duration and format

300hours in total
5modules of 60 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

  • Optimise the energy efficiency of ships.
  • Implement alternative propulsion technologies.
  • Promote the use of cleaner fuels.
  • Manage and treat ballast water properly.
  • Comply with current maritime environmental regulations.
  • Monitor and reduce underwater noise pollution.

Career outcomes

  • Maritime sustainability consultant.
  • Marine energy auditor.
  • Offshore renewable energy project manager.
  • Naval engineer specialising in clean technologies.
  • Researcher at marine research centres.
  • Environmental compliance manager at shipping companies.
  • Specialist in marine carbon capture and storage (CCS).
  • Ballast water treatment systems technician.
  • Deck officer specialising in energy efficiency.

Entry requirements

  • 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.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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