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

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.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the programme

What is the Master's in Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, Methanol and Hydrogen on Board?

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 typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

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.
Syllabus

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

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Energy Transition and the Regulatory Context of Shipping

  • 1.1. Shipping emissions and IMO climate targets
  • 1.2. The IMO greenhouse gas strategy and its revisions
  • 1.3. Technical and operational measures: EEXI, CII and SEEMP
  • 1.4. FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
  • 1.5. Well-to-wake analysis and life-cycle emission factors
  • 1.6. Grey, blue and green fuels: definitions and certification
  • 1.7. Map of alternative fuels and their technological maturity
  • 1.8. Orderbook of alternative-fuel ships
  • 1.9. Key players: shipping companies, shipyards, engine manufacturers and suppliers
  • 1.10. Stranded asset risk and investment decisions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Chemistry, Production and Supply Chain of the New Fuels

  • 2.1. Comparative physicochemical properties of marine fuels
  • 2.2. Green hydrogen: alkaline, PEM and solid oxide electrolysis
  • 2.3. Ammonia synthesis: the Haber-Bosch process and green pathways
  • 2.4. Methanol production: bio-methanol and e-methanol
  • 2.5. Synthetic fuels (e-fuels) and CO2 capture as a feedstock
  • 2.6. Advanced biofuels: HVO, FAME and bio-LNG
  • 2.7. Volumetric and gravimetric energy density: impact on design
  • 2.8. Global logistics: producing ports and supply corridors
  • 2.9. Levelised production costs and price forecasts
  • 2.10. Certification of origin and sustainability guarantees
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Methanol as a Marine Fuel

  • 3.1. Properties, toxicity and behaviour of methanol
  • 3.2. Methanol-ready ships and conversions of the existing fleet
  • 3.3. Two-stroke dual-fuel engines for methanol
  • 3.4. Four-stroke engines and auxiliary generators
  • 3.5. Structural tanks, coatings and material compatibility
  • 3.6. Fuel supply systems and double-walled piping
  • 3.7. Leak detection and invisible flames: protective measures
  • 3.8. IMO interim guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol
  • 3.9. Operational experience of the first methanol-fuelled container ships
  • 3.10. Economic analysis of the methanol option
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Ammonia as a Marine Fuel

  • 4.1. Properties, toxicity and exposure limits of ammonia
  • 4.2. Refrigerated and pressurised storage on board
  • 4.3. Ammonia combustion engines: state of development
  • 4.4. Pilot fuel, N2O emissions and ammonia slip
  • 4.5. Exhaust gas treatment systems for ammonia
  • 4.6. Design of spaces, ventilation and hazardous areas
  • 4.7. Detection, alarm and emergency systems
  • 4.8. Crew protection and personal protective equipment
  • 4.9. Pilot projects and the first ammonia-fuelled ships
  • 4.10. IMO guidelines and classification society rules
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells on Board

  • 5.1. Properties of hydrogen and flammability risks
  • 5.2. Compressed, liquefied and chemical-carrier (LOHC) storage
  • 5.3. PEM and solid oxide fuel cells for marine use
  • 5.4. Hydrogen internal combustion engines
  • 5.5. Material embrittlement and steel selection
  • 5.6. Hybrid systems with batteries and energy management
  • 5.7. Applications in ferries, service vessels and short-sea shipping
  • 5.8. Safety in enclosed spaces and ventilation
  • 5.9. Demonstration projects in Europe and Asia
  • 5.10. Range limitations and viable use cases
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Ship and Fuel System Design under the IGF Code

  • 6.1. Structure and scope of application of the IGF Code
  • 6.2. Alternative design approach and risk assessment
  • 6.3. Tank location and protection against collision
  • 6.4. Double-walled piping and ventilated ducts
  • 6.5. Fuel preparation rooms and gas-safe machinery spaces
  • 6.6. Hazardous area classification and certified equipment
  • 6.7. Nitrogen purging and inerting systems
  • 6.8. Fuel-specific fire protection
  • 6.9. Class notations for alternative fuels
  • 6.10. Plan review and approval by the classification society
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Bunkering, Ports and Supply Infrastructure

  • 7.1. Bunkering models: truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship and terminal
  • 7.2. Design of alternative-fuel bunker vessels
  • 7.3. Safety zones and gas dispersion studies
  • 7.4. Operating procedures and checklists
  • 7.5. Ship-shore interface and emergency release systems
  • 7.6. Measurement of the quantity and quality of fuel delivered
  • 7.7. Port storage of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen
  • 7.8. Coordination with port authorities and emergency services
  • 7.9. ISO standards and industry guidelines for bunkering
  • 7.10. Green corridors and bunkering hubs under development
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Safety, Risk Management and the Human Factor

  • 8.1. HAZID and HAZOP methodologies and quantitative risk analysis
  • 8.2. Leak, fire and toxic exposure scenarios
  • 8.3. On-board emergency response plans
  • 8.4. Mandatory crew training under STCW
  • 8.5. Enclosed space entry procedures and permits to work
  • 8.6. Personal and respiratory protective equipment
  • 8.7. Safety culture during the technological transition
  • 8.8. Lessons learned from the chemical and LNG industries
  • 8.9. Fuel-specific drills and exercises
  • 8.10. Safety audits and indicators
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Economics, Financing and Fleet Strategy

  • 9.1. Total cost of ownership (TCO) by fuel type
  • 9.2. Comparison of CAPEX and OPEX for newbuilds and conversions
  • 9.3. Economic impact of the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime
  • 9.4. Pooling mechanisms and compliance credits
  • 9.5. Long-term supply and offtake contracts
  • 9.6. Green finance, the Poseidon Principles and the EU taxonomy
  • 9.7. Flexible design options: ready and multi-fuel ships
  • 9.8. Scenario analysis and price sensitivity
  • 9.9. Residual value and obsolescence risk
  • 9.10. Communicating the strategy to customers and investors
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Operation, Maintenance and Emissions Monitoring

  • 10.1. Start-up, fuel changeover and dual-fuel operation
  • 10.2. Maintenance plans for engines and fuel systems
  • 10.3. Fuel quality management and sampling
  • 10.4. Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS)
  • 10.5. EU MRV and IMO DCS systems
  • 10.6. Data management and emissions verification
  • 10.7. Complementary energy optimisation: speed, hull and routing
  • 10.8. Management of incidents and breakdowns in new systems
  • 10.9. Fleet environmental performance indicators
  • 10.10. Continuous improvement and lessons from early adopters
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Master's Final Project: Alternative Fuel Strategy for a Real Ship

  • 11.1. Selection of the ship or fleet to be studied
  • 11.2. Analysis of the operating profile and routes
  • 11.3. Technical and economic comparison of candidate fuels
  • 11.4. Justified selection of the fuel and propulsion technology
  • 11.5. Conceptual design of the fuel system and tanks
  • 11.6. HAZID risk assessment of the proposed design
  • 11.7. Bunkering and supply plan at the ports of call
  • 11.8. Well-to-wake emissions calculation and regulatory compliance
  • 11.9. Implementation plan, costs and schedule
  • 11.10. Writing of the report and defence before a panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, Methanol and Hydrogen on Board

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

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
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 AlcoverDra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesIng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)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 FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsIng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaIng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraIng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

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

01Compare alternative fuels.
02Design on-board fuel systems.
03Select the propulsion technology.
04Manage safety.
05Plan bunkering.
06Develop a fleet strategy.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, Methanol and Hydrogen on Board

01Alternative fuels engineering in shipyards and design offices
02Superintendent for new technologies in shipping companies
03Fleet decarbonisation manager
04Bunkering specialist in ports
05Consultant in the maritime energy transition
06Surveyor or engineer in classification societies
Frequently asked questions

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

Ammonia, methanol and hydrogen in depth, as well as advanced biofuels, LNG and e-fuels as a comparative reference.

It is not essential. The programme includes a technical foundation, although a background in engineering, nautical studies or marine engineering is recommended.

Yes. We work with the IGF Code, the IMO interim guidelines, FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, and we update the content whenever the regulations change.

You design the alternative fuel strategy for a real ship or fleet, with technical, economic, risk and emissions analysis.

Shipping companies, shipyards, classification societies, ports, energy suppliers and energy transition consultancies.

100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The programme has a workload of 1500 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.

Each programme has its own start date, which is shown on this page and confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.

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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
  • 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.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrolment
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