Decarbonization Strategies in Ship Design for Maritime Engineering

Module: Maritime Engineering and Ship Design (Level 6)

Assessment Title: Design Proposal for Low-Emission Vessel

Assessment Type: Design Report Weighting: 40% of module grade Word Count: 2,500 words (±10%, excluding references, appendices, and title page) Submission Deadline: 20 February 2026, via the college’s online portal (Turnitin-enabled for originality checks) Release Date: 10 December 2025

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

1. Apply engineering principles to ship design, focusing on structural integrity, propulsion systems, and environmental impact.
2. Evaluate innovative technologies for reducing emissions in maritime vessels, integrating regulatory requirements.
3. Develop a conceptual design proposal, including calculations, models, and feasibility analysis.
4. Demonstrate research skills and professional communication in engineering contexts.

Task Description: Select a vessel type (e.g., container ship, tanker, or ferry) and propose a redesign incorporating decarbonization technologies such as alternative fuels (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia), hybrid propulsion, or wind-assisted systems. Base the proposal on a real-world scenario from the past five years, like IMO’s 2023 GHG strategy updates.

The report must:

• Introduce the vessel type and baseline design, including key specifications (e.g., tonnage, speed, route).
• Analyze engineering challenges: Assess hull form optimization, propulsion efficiency, and emission calculations using tools like stability software or CFD simulations.
• Evaluate technologies: Discuss integration of low-carbon solutions, their impact on performance, cost, and compliance with regulations (e.g., IMO MEPC resolutions, EU ETS).
• Present the design: Include diagrams (e.g., general arrangement plans, power system schematics) and quantitative data (e.g., fuel savings estimates, CO2 reduction projections).
• Recommend implementation: Outline risks, mitigation strategies, and a phased rollout plan.

Use at least two visuals (e.g., CAD sketches or performance graphs). Appendices may include detailed calculations or data tables. Support claims with peer-reviewed sources and industry standards.

Assessment Criteria (Rubric):

• Knowledge and Application (30%): Accuracy in engineering concepts and decarbonization technologies.
• Analysis and Innovation (30%): Depth of evaluation and originality in design solutions.
• Design Quality and Feasibility (20%): Clarity of proposals, supported by data and visuals.
• Research and Referencing (10%): Range of sources; correct Harvard style.
• Structure and Presentation (10%): Logical organization, technical precision, word count adherence.

• McKenney, T.A. (2024) ‘The impact of maritime decarbonization on ship design: State-of-the-Art Report’, in Proceedings of the International Marine Design Conference. Delft: TU Delft Open. Available at: https://proceedings.open.tudelft.nl/imdc24/article/view/907 (Accessed: 17 October 2025).
• Taşdemir, A. and Akman, M. (2025) ‘The role of innovative ship design in decarbonization’, in Maritime transportation and energy systems. Cham: Springer, pp. 129-146. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-68497-5_8.
• Laskar, S., Bullock, S., Hermansen, E.A. and Rehmatulla, N. (2025) ‘Expert assessments of maritime shipping decarbonization pathways by 2030 and 2050’, Earth’s Future, 13(1). doi: 10.1029/2024EF005255.
• Xiao, G., Pan, L. and Lai, F. (2025) ‘Application, opportunities, and challenges of digital technologies in the decarbonizing shipping industry: a bibliometric analysis’, Frontiers in Marine Science, 12. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1523267.
• Zis, T.P.V. and Cullinane, K. (2021) ‘Decarbonisation of shipping: a state of the art survey for 2000–2020’, Ocean Engineering, 229, p. 108930. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.108930.