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Master’s degree · Climate and oceanography

Master's in Green Ship Certifications

This master's programme prepares you to lead the transformation towards a sustainable maritime industry by implementing and auditing certifications. You will learn to introduce environmental certifications, keep records and prepare audits, along with indicators, reporting and communication with certification bodies.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's degree prepares you to lead the transformation of the maritime industry towards sustainability, with a focus on implementing and auditing environmental certifications (ISO 14001, Green Award, EEDI, SEEMP), reducing emissions and understanding recent international regulation (IMO 2020, the MRV Regulation). It also trains you in life-cycle assessment (LCA) and waste management on board.

What makes it different: a practical approach with real cases and audit simulations, and the use of specialised environmental management software.

Programme highlights

  • Specialisation in assessing and certifying the sustainability of ships.
  • Advanced regulation on energy efficiency, emissions and marine environmental management.
  • Calculation tools and software to assess environmental impact and optimise performance.
  • Practical cases based on real certification projects.
  • A career boost focused on sustainability and green certifications.

Study plan

01International Regulatory Framework, Climate Governance and IMO Regulation136 h
IMO decarbonisation targets, MARPOL Annex VI, Fit for 55, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, ballast water management, ship recycling, anti-fouling systems, emission control areas and CSRD reporting.
02Energy Efficiency Indices, Carbon Intensity and Emissions Monitoring136 h
EEDI, EEXI, CII, SEEMP, IMO DCS, EU MRV, measurement instrumentation, data normalisation, verification by classification societies and digital tools.
03Sustainable Propulsion Technologies and Hull Energy Efficiency136 h
Hydrodynamic optimisation, wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication, anti-fouling coatings, hull cleaning, waste heat recovery, propeller optimisation, speed management and electrification.
04Alternative Fuels, Energy Carriers and Carbon Capture136 h
LNG and biomethane, LPG and methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels, on-board CO2 capture, scrubbers, SCR/EGR, safety of low-flashpoint fuels and well-to-wake analysis.
05Green Port Infrastructure, OPS and Bunker Logistics136 h
Onshore power supply, bunkering operations, risk assessment, green ports and incentives, port waste management, terminal decarbonisation, ship-port digitalisation, hydrogen and battery charging, and climate adaptation.
06Maritime Eco-Labels, Green Class Notations and Voluntary Standards136 h
Classification society notations, ESI, Green Award, CSI, the Poseidon Principles, the Sea Cargo Charter, radiated noise, Fuel Ready notations, green passports and green audits.
07Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials136 h
LCA under ISO 14040/14044, environmental product declarations, the carbon footprint of shipbuilding, bio-based materials, design for recycling, circular economy on board, toxicity of inputs, remanufacturing, effluent treatment and water footprint.
08Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 50001) and the Green ISM Code136 h
Implementation of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, integration into the ISM Code, audits, environmental risk management, a green crew culture, green supply chain, ESG reporting (GRI/SASB), electronic documentation and continuous improvement.
09Green Finance, the EU Taxonomy and Business Models for the Energy Transition136 h
The EU taxonomy, green and sustainability-linked bonds, stranded assets, financing of decarbonisation, green charters, total cost of ownership, carbon pricing, fuel hedging, advanced ship insurance and green entrepreneurship.
10Integrating Project: Master Plan for Decarbonisation, Energy Transition and Green Certification of a Fleet136 h
Fleet characterisation, energy and compliance audit, technology selection, alternative fuels study, SEEMP III, notation roadmap, financial plan, integrated management system, contractual clauses and defence before a panel.
11Final Master's Project in Green Ship Certifications136 h
Choice of topic, objectives, state of the art, regulatory framework, methodology, data, development, conclusions, writing of the report and public defence.

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

  • Assess and select eco-efficient technologies.
  • Manage and audit environmental management systems.
  • Apply strategies to reduce polluting emissions.
  • Supervise compliance with maritime environmental regulations.
  • Design and implement waste management plans on board.
  • Optimise energy consumption and ship efficiency.

Career outcomes

  • Maritime sustainability consultant.
  • Green certification auditor.
  • Maritime eco-innovation project manager.
  • Marine renewable energy specialist.
  • Environmental compliance officer in shipping companies.
  • Researcher in clean technologies for maritime transport.
  • On-board waste management technician.
  • Expert in maritime environmental regulation.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in naval engineering, environmental science, naval architecture or a field related to the maritime sector, or demonstrable professional experience in shipbuilding, ship operation or environmental consultancy.
  • Specific knowledge: basic notions of the maritime sector, IMO environmental regulation, energy management and sustainability principles.
  • Documentation: up-to-date CV, qualification or proof of experience, identity document or passport, and a motivation letter on your interest in green certifications.
  • Skills: technical analysis, communication, teamwork and, ideally, familiarity with IT tools and environmental modelling software.

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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