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 Wassim Dbouk

Research Fellow

Research interests

  • I am currently involved in a multi-disciplinary research project as part of the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/idricuk/), where I am researching the legal and regulatory aspects of the transport of CO2 to support the implementation of the UK Government's Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) plans.
  • My wider research interests include the policy aspects influencing the governance and sustainable management of our oceans and the simultaneous implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their respective targets.
Connect with Wassim

Professor William Powrie

Professor of Geotechnical Engineering

Research interests

  • Railway track and trackbed behaviour and performance
  • Geotechnical transportation infrastructure (earthworks, retaining walls, tunnels)
  • Groundwater and groundwater control

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with William

Professor Xize Niu

Professor of Biosensing&Microengineering

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Xize

Professor Yannis Ieropoulos PhD, MIET

Head of Department

Research interests

  • Environmental Engineering;
  • Bioelectrochemistry;
  • Autonomous Bio-Robotics;

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yannis

Dr Yao Zhang

Lecturer in Maritime Engineering

Research interests

  • Learning-based Control and optimization
  • Renewable energy
  • Control applications to marine systems (wave energy converters, launch and recovery systems, underwaters)

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yao

Mr Yi Wang

Connect with Yi

Dr Yongqiang Liu

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment 
  • Biofilm 
  • Anaerobic digestion 

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yongqiang

Dr Yu (Jack) Gong

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Sustainable supply chain management
  • Supply chain innovation
  • Blockchain technology

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yu (Jack)

Dr Yue Wu

Reader

Research interests

  • Global supply chain and logistics
  • Maritime logistics
  • Container terminal operations

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yue

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Connect with us

Enquiries

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