Decarbonising Maritime Transport

Assignment Title: Sustainable Propulsion Systems for Future Maritime Transport

Module: Advanced Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture
Level: Postgraduate (MSc)
Assessment Type: Research Report (Assessment 2)
Weighting: 50%
Word Count: 3,500 – 4,000 words
Submission Deadline: Week 10 of Semester 2

Assessment Brief:
Students are required to critically evaluate emerging propulsion technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in international shipping. The report must analyse the technical feasibility, environmental impact, economic viability, and implementation challenges of selected propulsion systems such as hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia-based engines, wind-assisted propulsion, or hybrid electric systems.

Assessment Objectives:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of marine propulsion principles and sustainability targets under IMO 2030/2050 frameworks.

2. Critically assess the technological readiness levels (TRLs) and integration barriers of alternative propulsion systems.

3. Develop a comparative analysis framework addressing efficiency, lifecycle cost, and regulatory compliance.

4. Formulate evidence-based recommendations for adoption in specific vessel types or operational contexts.

Structure:

• Abstract (150 words)

• Introduction: Contextual overview and research question

• Literature Review: Critical synthesis of current propulsion technologies

• Methodology: Comparative framework and analytical approach

• Discussion: Evaluation of findings against performance and regulatory benchmarks

• Conclusion: Recommendations and future research implications

• References: Harvard format

Assessment Criteria:

• Depth and accuracy of technical understanding (25%)

• Analytical quality and use of evidence (25%)

• Originality and critical engagement with sources (20%)

• Structure, clarity, and academic style (15%)

• Correct referencing and data presentation (15%)

References 

1. Balcombe, P., Brierley, J., Lewis, C., Skatvedt, L., Speirs, J., Hawkes, A., & Staffell, I. (2019). How to decarbonise international shipping: Options for fuels, technologies and policies. Energy Conversion and Management, 182, 72–88. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.12.080]

2. Bouman, E. A., Lindstad, E., Rialland, A. I., & Strømman, A. H. (2020). State-of-the-art technologies, measures, and potential for reducing GHG emissions from shipping – A review. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 86, 102447. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102447]

3. Lloyd’s Register & UMAS. (2022). Zero-Emission Vessels Transition Pathways: Towards 2030 and 2050. London: Lloyd’s Register.

4. DNV. (2023). Maritime Forecast to 2050: Energy Transition Outlook. Høvik: DNV GL.

5. Nguyen, Q. T., Do, T., & Park, S. H. (2024). Hydrogen and Ammonia as Marine Fuels: Safety, Efficiency, and Environmental Impacts. Ocean Engineering, 298, 117493. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.117493]