Assessment Brief: MSc Maritime Decarbonisation and Sustainable Shipping – Individual Research Essay (2025/2026)
Module Code: MAR505 – Sustainable Maritime Operations and Green Shipping Technologies
Assessment Type: Assessment 1 – Individual Research Essay
Academic Year: 2025/2026
Weighting: 100% of module grade
Word Count: 3,500 words (excluding references, appendices, and tables)
Submission Deadline: 15 December 2025 (via Turnitin on the VLE)
This assessment requires students to produce a critically analytical research essay on a selected topic related to maritime decarbonisation, alternative fuels, energy efficiency technologies, and regulatory frameworks for sustainable shipping. The essay must demonstrate in-depth understanding of global challenges in achieving IMO 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets, supported by recent peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, and case studies from UK/European shipping operations.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Critically appraise the environmental impact of shipping emissions and pathways to net-zero operations.
- Evaluate emerging green technologies, fuels, and operational measures for maritime decarbonisation.
- Analyse the role of international regulations (IMO, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime) in driving sustainable practices.
- Synthesise scholarly and industry sources to propose viable solutions for the maritime sector.
Task Instructions
Select one of the following essay titles and write a 3,500-word research essay. The work must include: a clear introduction with research question/objectives, literature review, critical analysis supported by data/evidence, discussion of implications for the shipping industry, and reasoned conclusions/recommendations. Use Harvard referencing with a minimum of 20 sources, including at least 10 post-2020 publications.
- The viability of alternative marine fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, methanol) in achieving IMO 2050 GHG targets: Challenges and opportunities
- Impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime Regulation on UK and European shipping operators post-2025
- Energy Efficiency Technologies for Existing Ships (EEXI, EEDI, CII): Effectiveness and limitations in fleet decarbonisation
- Role of wind-assisted propulsion and air lubrication systems in reducing emissions from bulk carriers and tankers
- Decarbonisation strategies for offshore support vessels: A case study approach using North Sea operations
- The integration of digital twins and AI in optimising voyage efficiency and emissions reduction
- Barriers to adopting shore power (cold ironing) in UK ports and pathways to widespread implementation
- Sustainable ship recycling under the Hong Kong Convention: Progress and challenges in 2025
Marking Criteria
- Depth of research and use of current sources (30%)
- Critical analysis and originality of argument (30%)
- Structure, coherence, and academic writing style (20%)
- Practical implications and recommendations (10%)
- Referencing and presentation (10%)
IMO decarbonisation 2025 updates and alternative marine fuels like green ammonia dominate searches as the shipping industry races toward net-zero by 2050. UK university assignments on sustainable maritime operations, EU ETS shipping inclusion, and wind-assisted propulsion technologies provide critical insights for MSc students in green shipping and nautical science programmes.
References (Harvard Format)
- Benchendal, M. et al. (2023) ‘The role of ammonia as a marine fuel: Safety and environmental considerations’, Marine Policy, 148, p. 105012. doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105012.
- Balcombe, P. et al. (2021) ‘The decarbonisation of shipping: A lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from alternative marine fuels’, Sustainable Production and Consumption, 28, pp. 1017-1033. doi:10.1016/j.spc.2021.07.009.
- DNV (2024) Maritime Forecast to 2050. Oslo: DNV GL.
- IMO (2023) 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. London: International Maritime Organization.
- Xing, H., Stuart, C. and Spence, S. (2022) ‘Fuel cells for maritime applications: Modelling and simulation review’, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 168, p. 112783. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2022.112783.
