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

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.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
StartDecember 1
Modules11
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About the programme

What is the Master's in Green Ship Certifications?

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 typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
StartDecember 1

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.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Green Ship Certifications

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

International Regulatory Framework, Climate Governance and IMO Regulations

  • 1.1. IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions: decarbonisation targets for 2030, 2040 and net-zero emissions by around 2050
  • 1.2. MARPOL Convention – Annex VI: regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships and ECA/SECA zones
  • 1.3. The European Union's "Fit for 55" package: impact of EU legislation on global shipping
  • 1.4. Inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS): calculation of allowances, purchase of emission allowances and cost allocation
  • 1.5. FuelEU Maritime Regulation: limits on the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board and penalties for non-compliance
  • 1.6. Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention): D-1 and D-2 standards, approval of treatment systems (BWTS) and compliance sampling
  • 1.7. Hong Kong Convention and EU Ship Recycling Regulation: Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and green ship recycling in authorised yards
  • 1.8. Regulations on anti-fouling systems (AFS Convention): restrictions on biocides, organotins, cybutryne and new control amendments
  • 1.9. Regional governance and Emission Control Areas (NECA/SOx ECA): operations in the North Sea, Baltic, Mediterranean and North American coasts
  • 1.10. Due diligence and sustainability reporting directives (CSRD) applied to shipowners: impact of the EU green taxonomy on the world fleet
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Energy Efficiency Indices, Carbon Intensity and Emissions Monitoring

  • 2.1. Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships (EEDI): calculation, implementation phases and reduction requirements by ship type
  • 2.2. Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI): calculation methodologies, technical approval and compliance options (EPL/JPL)
  • 2.3. Operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII): determination of the reference value, annual reduction factor and A–E ratings
  • 2.4. Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP): development of Parts I, II and III, internal audits and corrective action plans for CII D/E ratings
  • 2.5. IMO Fuel Oil Consumption Data Collection System (IMO DCS): reporting obligations, verification by recognised organisations and Statement of Compliance
  • 2.6. EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification mechanism (EU MRV): monitoring plan, per-voyage emissions report and annual data aggregation
  • 2.7. Instrumentation and telemetry for direct emissions measurement: mass flow meters, continuous exhaust gas analysers (CEMS) and shaft torque monitoring
  • 2.8. Normalisation of operational data: correction for sea state, wind, hull fouling and draught in energy performance calculations
  • 2.9. Technical verification by Classification Societies and PSC inspections: Port State Control criteria regarding EEXI, CII and Record Books
  • 2.10. Digital tools and emissions management software: integration of onboard IoT platforms with shore-based fleet control centres
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Sustainable Propulsion Technologies and Hull Energy Efficiency

  • 3.1. Hydrodynamic hull optimisation: advanced waterlines, CFD-optimised bulbous bows and high-efficiency steering appendages
  • 3.2. Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WASP): Flettner rotors, rigid sails, traction kites and their impact on fuel consumption
  • 3.3. Air Lubrication Systems (ALS): micro-bubble injection under the flat bottom of the hull and reduction of frictional resistance
  • 3.4. High-performance anti-fouling coatings: low-surface-energy silicone paints, fluoropolymers and foul-release nanotechnology
  • 3.5. Underwater hull maintenance and cleaning: in-situ cleaning robots (ROVs), effluent capture and biofouling management to reduce drag
  • 3.6. Waste heat recovery systems (WHRS): exhaust gas turbines, Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) and heat recovery for auxiliary services
  • 3.7. Propeller optimisation and flow-improving devices: ESD ducts, pre-swirl fins, rudder bulbs with fins and blade cuts to mitigate cavitation
  • 3.8. Speed management and optimised navigation (Eco-Speed & Just-In-Time): speed reduction (slow steaming), acceleration profiles and efficient mooring
  • 3.9. Electrification of auxiliary services and engine hybridisation: permanent-magnet motors, variable frequency drives (VFD) and reduction of electrical loads in port
  • 3.10. Retrofitting vs. newly designed ships: technical feasibility analysis, spatial integration of equipment and payback period of green modifications
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Alternative Fuels, Energy Carriers and Carbon Capture Technologies

  • 4.1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Biomethane (LBG): supply chain, dual-fuel engines, methane slip and SOx/NOx reduction
  • 4.2. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and green methanol: adaptation of two-stroke engines, low-flashpoint storage and tank design
  • 4.3. Green ammonia (NH3) as a marine fuel: toxicity, leak mitigation systems, material corrosion and development of dedicated/dual-fuel marine engines
  • 4.4. Green hydrogen (H2) in gaseous and liquid form: cryogenics, high-pressure storage, fuel cells (PEMFC, SOFC) and explosion safety
  • 4.5. Marine biofuels (FAME, HVO): drop-in blends (B20–B100), storage stability, elastomer compatibility and impact on NOx emissions
  • 4.6. Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage technologies (OCCS): chemical absorption with amines, CO2 liquefaction, storage tanks and port discharge
  • 4.7. Exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers): open-loop, closed-loop and hybrid scrubbers; effluent management and regional discharge restrictions
  • 4.8. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems: compliance with MARPOL Tier III for NOx emissions
  • 4.9. Safety in handling low-flashpoint fuels: IGF Code, ATEX zoning, forced ventilation and dedicated fire-fighting installations
  • 4.10. Well-to-Wake (WtW) analysis: life-cycle emissions calculation for fossil, synthetic e-fuels and renewable fuels
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Green Port Infrastructure, Onshore Power Supply (OPS) and Bunker Logistics

  • 5.1. Onshore Power Supply systems (OPS / Cold Ironing): ISO/IEC/IEEE 80005 standardisation and shutdown of auxiliary engines in port
  • 5.2. Power quality and synchronisation in OPS: isolation transformers, 50Hz/60Hz frequency converters and connection automation
  • 5.3. Alternative fuel supply infrastructure (bunkering): Ship-to-Ship (STS), Truck-to-Ship (TTS) and Terminal-to-Ship bunkering operations
  • 5.4. Risk assessment in green bunkering operations: HAZID/HAZOP methodologies, exclusion zones and dispersion modelling of gas or ammonia leaks
  • 5.5. Green ports and port-dues incentive schemes: Green Award, World Ports Climate Initiative Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and low-emission discounts
  • 5.6. Port waste management and reception facilities (MARPOL): delivery of waste under MARPOL Annexes I to VI, digitalisation of the waste delivery receipt and port circular economy
  • 5.7. Decarbonisation of port terminal equipment: electrification of STS/RTG cranes, eco-friendly autonomous vehicles and thermal/electric battery storage
  • 5.8. Digitalisation of the ship–port interface: Port Call Optimisation systems, electronic data interchange (IMO FAL) and reduction of waiting times at anchorage
  • 5.9. Hydrogen refuelling logistics and battery stations for inland waterway and short-sea vessels: battery container swapping systems
  • 5.10. Climate change adaptation plans for port infrastructure: coastal protection, resilience to sea-level rise and extreme weather events
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Maritime Eco-Labels, Green Class Notations and Voluntary Standards

  • 6.1. Green class notations of Classification Societies: certifications from DNV (CLEAN/SILENT), Bureau Veritas (CLEANSHIP), Lloyd's Register and ABS
  • 6.2. The Environmental Ship Index (ESI): scoring methodology for SOx, NOx, CO2 and OPS shore connection
  • 6.3. Green Award certification for ships and shipowners: office and ship audit requirements, environmental safety criteria and commercial benefits
  • 6.4. Clean Shipping Index (CSI) certification programmes: comprehensive impact assessment (emissions, chemicals, ballast water and waste)
  • 6.5. Poseidon Principles: framework for assessing bank loan portfolios in line with the IMO climate targets
  • 6.6. Sea Cargo Charter initiative: assessment and reporting of climate alignment in charter contracts by global cargo owners
  • 6.7. Class notations for acoustic signature and underwater radiated noise (URN): impact of underwater noise on marine fauna and mitigation techniques for propellers and machinery
  • 6.8. Alternative fuel readiness notations (Fuel Ready): Ammonia-Ready, LNG-Ready and Methanol-Ready certifications for newbuildings
  • 6.9. Ship green passports and Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): maintenance of IHM Part I throughout the ship's operational life
  • 6.10. Green certification audits: preparation of onboard documentation, technical inspection and periodic renewal of accreditations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials

  • 7.1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology according to ISO 14040/14044: application to ship construction, operation and recycling
  • 7.2. Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for marine components: impact assessment of engines, paints, steel and auxiliary systems
  • 7.3. Carbon footprint of shipbuilding: shipyard energy consumption, steel origin (green/hydrogen-based steel) and low-energy welding processes
  • 7.4. Bio-based materials and advanced composites in naval architecture: use of natural fibres, recyclable resins and structural weight reduction
  • 7.5. Design for recycling (Design for Decommissioning): selection of traceable materials, minimisation of toxic substances and ease of disassembly
  • 7.6. Circular economy management on board: minimisation of single-use plastics, waste compaction, shredding and management of used oils
  • 7.7. Environmental toxicity assessment of operational consumables: biodegradability analysis of stern tube lubricants, deck greases and detergents
  • 7.8. Reuse and remanufacturing of large mechanical components: reconditioning of pistons, liners and turbochargers and their certification by class
  • 7.9. Advanced treatment of effluents and grey/black water: membrane bioreactors (MBR), advanced oxidation and compliance with MARPOL Annex IV in special areas
  • 7.10. Quantification of the water footprint in fleet operations: optimisation of seawater desalination plants (evaporators/reverse osmosis)
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001, ISO 50001) and the Green ISM Code

  • 8.1. Implementation of ISO 14001:2015 in shipping companies and ships: identification of significant environmental aspects and operational control
  • 8.2. ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems: energy review, consumption baselines (EnB) and energy performance indicators (EnPI)
  • 8.3. Integration of environmental objectives into the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code): the Safety and Environmental Protection Management System (SMS)
  • 8.4. Internal and external environmental audits: audit techniques at the company and on board, management of non-conformities and corrective action plans
  • 8.5. Management of environmental risks and pollution incidents: shipboard oil pollution emergency plans (SOPEP/SMPEP) and spill simulation
  • 8.6. Leadership, green culture and crew training: eco-driving training, environmental awareness and the human factor in decarbonisation
  • 8.7. Supplier monitoring and integration of the green supply chain: sustainable procurement criteria for stores, spare parts and maintenance services
  • 8.8. Maritime sustainability reporting according to GRI and SASB standards: environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics for maritime companies
  • 8.9. Digitalisation of onboard environmental documentation: paperless operation, electronic record books (ORB, GRB, Cargo Record Book) approved by the Administration
  • 8.10. Management review and continual improvement of environmental performance: evaluation of compliance with emission reduction targets and adjustment of the SMS
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Green Finance, EU Taxonomy and Business Models for the Energy Transition

  • 9.1. EU Sustainability Taxonomy: technical screening criteria for maritime freight and passenger transport
  • 9.2. Green Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) in the maritime sector: structuring debt issuances to finance zero-emission ships
  • 9.3. Asset valuation and technological obsolescence risk (stranded assets): impact of CII/EEXI ratings on the market value of ships
  • 9.4. Financing models for decarbonisation projects (Green Ship Finance): structured leasing, export credit (ECA) and public grants (EU Innovation Fund)
  • 9.5. Green charter parties: BIMCO clauses for EEXI, CII and EU ETS, and sharing of efficiency costs between charterer and shipowner
  • 9.6. Total cost of ownership (TCO) calculation for zero-emission ships: comparative CAPEX and OPEX analysis taking into account the price of new e-fuels and carbon penalties
  • 9.7. Carbon pricing mechanisms and impact on freight rates: modelling of carbon surcharges (ETS surcharges) and impact on global supply chains
  • 9.8. Risk hedging strategies in the procurement of alternative fuels: long-term contracts (offtake agreements), options and swap markets
  • 9.9. Insurance of advanced-technology ships: P&I and Hull underwriting for ships powered by ammonia, hydrogen, batteries or rigid sails
  • 9.10. Entrepreneurship and innovation in the green maritime ecosystem: start-up accelerators, impact technologies and new As-a-Service business models (e.g. Power-by-the-Hour for WASP)
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Capstone Project: Master Plan for the Decarbonisation, Energy Transition and Green Certification of a Fleet

  • 10.1. Selection and characterisation of the study fleet: definition of ship types (e.g. container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, Ro-Ro), operating trade routes and fuel consumption history
  • 10.2. Initial energy audit and fleet compliance diagnosis: calculation of the EEDI/EEXI baseline, estimation of the CII trajectory for the next 5 years and EU ETS / FuelEU Maritime balance
  • 10.3. Selection of the efficiency and retrofit technology mix: technical assessment by CFD/simulation of the implementation of WASP, ALS, silicone coatings and WHRS
  • 10.4. Feasibility study for conversion to or use of alternative fuels: selection of the energy carrier (methanol, ammonia, LNG/LBG, HVO) according to bunker availability on the chosen routes and safety design (IGF Code)
  • 10.5. Formulation of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP III): detailed drafting of operational measures, annual carbon intensity targets and deviation correction plan
  • 10.6. Selection and application process for Green Class Notations and certifications: definition of the roadmap for obtaining specific class notations (DNV Clean / BV Cleanship / Green Award)
  • 10.7. Design of the Investment Plan and Financial Modelling (CAPEX/OPEX): budget for the technical conversion, estimation of fuel savings, TCO calculation, payback and return on investment analysis
  • 10.8. Development of the Integrated Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 / ISO 50001): design of onboard operating procedures, crew training and preparation of the environmental contingency plan
  • 10.9. Assessment of the impact on charter parties and EU ETS compliance: drafting of customised BIMCO clauses, emission allowance purchase plan and allocation of commercial surcharges
  • 10.10. Presentation and technical defence of the master's project before a panel: oral presentation of the comprehensive decarbonisation and green certification plan before a jury of experts from Classification Societies, shipowners and environmental consultants
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Master's Thesis in Green Ship Certifications

  • 11.1. Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
  • 11.2. Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of the work
  • 11.3. Review of the state of the art and specialised literature
  • 11.4. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
  • 11.5. Design of the methodology and work plan
  • 11.6. Data collection, processing and validation
  • 11.7. Technical development and analysis of results
  • 11.8. Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
  • 11.9. Writing of the thesis in accordance with academic standards
  • 11.10. Presentation and public defence before the examination panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Green Ship Certifications

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 Green Ship Certifications

01Assess and select eco-efficient technologies.
02Manage and audit environmental management systems.
03Apply strategies to reduce polluting emissions.
04Supervise compliance with maritime environmental regulations.
05Design and implement waste management plans on board.
06Optimise energy consumption and ship efficiency.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Green Ship Certifications

01Maritime sustainability consultant
02Green certification auditor
03Maritime eco-innovation project manager
04Marine renewable energy specialist
05Environmental compliance officer in shipping companies
06Researcher in clean technologies for maritime transport
07On-board waste management technician
08Expert in maritime environmental regulation
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Green Ship Certifications

The maritime or shipping industry.

Yes. The programme includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.

Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator placements/internships through partnership agreements.

The maritime sector or the shipbuilding industry.

Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.

Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm your suitability.

Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.

Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.

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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
  • 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.
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