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 Rand Ismaeel

Senior Research Fellow
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Dr Ranga Dinesh Kahanda Koralage BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Zero-Carbon Energy Systems: Hydrogen and altrenative zero-carbon energy systems 
  • Clean Combustion Technology of Hydrogen, Ammonia, Biofuels and Synthetic fuels: internal combustion engines, gas turbines, thermal boilers
  • Green Hydrogen Production Using Renewable Energy: Process systems engineering, Scalability and energy management

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Rebecca Hoyle

Assoc Vice-President Interdisc Research

Research interests

  • Multimorbidity across the lifecourse
  • Cooperation in social networks and evolution of cooperation
  • Quantitative genetics of transgenerational effects

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Richard Knighton MChem DPhil MRSC

Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry

Research interests

  • upconversion luminescence
  • d-metals and lanthanides
  • supramolecular chemistry

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Richard Stockey BA MSci PhD

Lecturer in Palaeobiology

Research interests

  • Treating the geologic record as a historical laboratory for studying the responses of marine ecosystems to environmental change
  • Earth system, ecological and biogeochemical modelling to better understand relationships between changes observed in the fossil and geochemical record
  • The importance of Earth system evolution for ecological and oceanographic responses to ancient climate change

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Robert Marsh

Professor of Oceanography and Climate

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Robert Raja

Prof of Materials Chemistry & Catalysis

Research interests

  • Heterogeneous Catalysis
  • Sustainable Chemistry
  • Carbon Capture Storage and Utilisation

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Rodolfo Olvera PhD

Experimental Officer (Towing Tank)

Research interests

  • Experimental tests
  • Tidal energy
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Dr Rodrigo Ortiz Vazquez

Senior Research Fellow

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.