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Master’s degree · Machinery and electrics

Master's in Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, Methanol and Hydrogen on Board

This master's programme prepares you to design, operate and manage ships powered by the fuels of the future. You will work on the storage, handling and combustion of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen, with safety concepts and regulations running through every module.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This online master's degree of 1,500 hours prepares you to design, operate and manage ships powered by the fuels of the future: ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and e-fuels. It covers their production, storage on board, the engines and fuel cells that use them, bunkering and the international regulatory framework.

It prepares you for a technological change comparable to the transition from sail to steam.

Programme highlights

  • In-depth knowledge of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as marine fuels.
  • Design of safe systems: tanks, piping, ventilation and gas detection.
  • Planning of ship-to-ship, truck-to-ship and terminal bunkering.
  • Application of the IGF Code and the emissions requirements of the IMO and the EU.
  • Career orientation towards shipping companies, shipyards and ports.

Study plan

01Energy Transition and Regulatory Context of Maritime Transport136 h
Emissions, IMO targets, FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS and life-cycle analysis.
02Chemistry, Production and Supply Chain of the New Fuels136 h
Properties, production of hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, e-fuels and biofuels.
03Methanol as a Marine Fuel136 h
Methanol-ready ships, engines, tanks, safety and IMO guidelines.
04Ammonia as a Marine Fuel136 h
Toxicity, storage, engines, N2O emissions, ventilation and crew protection.
05Hydrogen and Fuel Cells on Board136 h
Storage, PEM and solid oxide fuel cells, material embrittlement and applications on ferries.
06Ship and Fuel System Design under the IGF Code136 h
Tank location, double-walled piping, hazardous zones and approval by classification societies.
07Bunkering, Ports and Supply Infrastructure136 h
Supply models, safety zones, procedures and port coordination.
08Safety, Risk Management and the Human Factor136 h
HAZID, HAZOP, emergency plans, STCW training and drills.
09Economics, Financing and Fleet Strategy136 h
Total cost of ownership, CAPEX and OPEX, green financing and obsolescence risk.
10Operation, Maintenance and Emissions Monitoring136 h
Dual-fuel operation, continuous monitoring, MRV and DCS systems.
11Final Master's Project136 h
An alternative fuel strategy for a real ship or fleet, with technical, economic and risk analysis.

Duration and format

1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.

What you will learn

  • Compare alternative fuels.
  • Design on-board fuel systems.
  • Select the propulsion technology.
  • Manage safety.
  • Plan bunkering.
  • Develop a fleet strategy.

Career outcomes

  • Alternative fuels engineering in shipyards and design offices.
  • Superintendent for new technologies in shipping companies.
  • Fleet decarbonisation manager.
  • Bunkering specialist in ports.
  • Consultant in the maritime energy transition.
  • Surveyor or engineer in classification societies.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: a degree in naval, marine, industrial, chemical or energy engineering, nautical science or marine engineering, or accredited professional experience in the maritime or energy sector.
  • Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes; basic technical English recommended.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team.

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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