Research group

Maritime Decarbonisation

A cargo ship leaving a harbour

The Maritime Decarbonisation SIG drives eco-friendly shipping through collaboration and innovation, addressing environmental impact, regulations, and economic opportunities, in response to global challenges.

About

The Maritime Decarbonisation SIG is at the forefront of tackling the critical issue of maritime decarbonisation. This SIG recognises the profound importance of its mission for several reasons:

  • it strives to address the substantial environmental impact of the maritime industry. As one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, the industry's carbon footprint poses a severe threat to our planet. 
  • it is a proactive response to this environmental challenge, aiming to reduce emissions and promote a more sustainable future, including amid initiatives to develop global sectoral targets.
  • it will also contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, the SIG is committed to ensuring that the maritime sector meets its regulatory commitments, especially in the context of emerging technologies such as autonomous vessels. Stringent regulations are necessary to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of maritime transportation. By focusing on these commitments, the SIG plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible industry practices.

While some may perceive maritime decarbonisation initiatives as costly, the SIG sees them as economic opportunities. Transitioning to greener shipping practices can lead to cost savings and new business prospects. By driving innovation and fostering sustainable solutions, the SIG helps industry players prosper in a changing global market.

International collaboration is another pillar of the SIG's efforts. The maritime sector operates on a global scale, and it is essential for stakeholders to work together to achieve meaningful results. International collaboration facilitates the sharing of best practices, technological innovations, and policy frameworks that can accelerate the industry's transformation in response to global challenges.

Through a multi-faceted approach that encompasses environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, economic benefits, international collaboration, and alignment with national commitments, this SIG is driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. 

To find out more about the Maritime Decarbonisation Special Interest Group and what we do, get in touch with group champion Seyedvahid Vakili, Panos Manias and Damon Teagle.

Join the SMMI Community to sign up to this group, and any others of interest to you.

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Nic Bury

Associate Professor in Natural Sciences

Research interests

  • Nic Bury's research integrates molecular, physiological and toxicological techniques with computational methods to understand and predict how aquatic organisms respond to, and are affected by, natural and man-induced stressors.
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Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Nicholas Harmon

Associate Professor
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Dr Nicholas Townsend

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Experimental Hydrodynamics
  • Marine Renewable Energy
  • Maritime Robotics and Autonomous systems

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Nicky Marsh

PROFESSOR

Research interests

  • Intersections between culture and economics
  • Cultural representations of risk, money, finance, markets
  • Gender, feminism and the economy 
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Dr Nikolaos Skliris

Lecturer B

Research interests

  • Water cycle change inferred from ocean salinity
  • Mediterranean Sea climate variability & change   (Overturning Circulation, Sea Level, Water Cycle, …)
  • Impacts of ocean physics on marine ecosystems 

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Nisreen A Alwan MBE, MBChB, MRCP, FFPH, MPH, MSc, PhD, FHEA, PGCAP

Professor of Public Health

Research interests

  • Public Health
  • Lifecourse Epidemiology
  • Long Covid

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Pamela Varley BSocSc, MSc, PhD

Head of Strategic Research Initiatives
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Dr Patrick Beullens

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Ocean shipping - decisions under risk, environmental performance
  • Retail supply chains - perishable products, food waste management
  • Logistics and reverse logistics

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Related research institutes, centres and groups

Related research institutes, centres and groups

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Enquiries

If you're interested in joining us or collaborating, get in touch with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.