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 Dina Lupin BA, LLB, LLM, PhD

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Environmental and human rights law
  • Silencing
  • Epistemic injustice

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Dominic Hudson

Shell Professor in Ship Efficiency

Research interests

  • All aspects of hydrodynamics, 
  • particularly as related to ship design,
  • operation for energy efficiency. 

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Dominic Taunton

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • My research interests lie in improving the design and operation of ships and other maritime artefacts, in particular high speed craft such as semi-displacement catamarans and hard chine planning craft, through the development of accurate but efficient tools for predicting and evaluating their performance.
  • Experimental Hydrodynamics | This research focuses on the efficient use of experiments at both model and full-scale to measure the hydrodynamic performance of various ship types and maritime artefacts from wave energy devices to aircraft ditching on water. Recent research has looked at methods for quiescent period prediction for safe launch and recovery
  • Human Element | This research developed from a project to integrate human performance into the design of high speed planning craft. This integration of the human element into the design process has resulted in collaborations with human element experts in order to improve ship design and operation. This approach has led to the development of human like autonomy behaviours to improve the seakeeping and fuel consumption of autonomous surface vehicles.
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Professor Donna Davies

Research interests

  • Mechanisms of lung diseases
  • Viral-induced exacerbations of lung disease
  • Asthma

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Eileen Yu

Professor of Chemical Engineering

Research interests

  • Electrochemical, bioelectrochemical systems for Energy and Environmental applications
  • Biosensor and Bioelectronics for Biomedical Applications
  • Materials for Electro and Bioelectrochemical systems

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Eli Lazarus

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • coastal and fluvial dynamics
  • geomorphology
  • human-environmental coupled systems

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Emily Reid

Professor of Intl Economic Law & Sus Dev

Research interests

  • International Economic Law
  • Trade and Sustainability

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Emma Roe

Professor of More-Than-Human Geographies

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Emma Tompkins

Prof of Geog, Environment & Development

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Enrico Gerding

Professor

Research interests

  • artificial intelligence
  • autonomous agents and multi-agent systems
  • algorithmics game theory

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.