The Centre for Marine Sustainability is a leader in the creation, sharing, and application of insight, innovation, and knowledge for safe, sustainable seas. We take a systems approach to finding solutions to the global challenges facing our oceans. Our research is discovering clean alternatives to fossil fuels used in ships, investigating the impacts of marine pollution, and studying the safety of those working at sea.
The combination of Solent’s world leading expertise and capabilities in sustainability, engineering, maritime, and human factors provide a unique platform for collaboration to deliver global benefit to society and the environment.
Current opportunities
We offer research degrees with the Centre, where candidates will be working alongside our field-leading researchers. We look for outstanding applicants with excellent academic records who show potential for research at the highest level.
For 2022/23, we are delighted to be able to offer two fully-funded PhD studentships, to include fees and annual stipend, one of which will go to a B.A.M.E. UK applicant. Studentships will cover full fees plus an annual stipend.
We are currently inviting proposals and applications in the following topic areas:
- Maritime decarbonisation
The maritime industry comprises roughly 3% of total global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and will require a significant and fundamental shift to meet mitigation goals of limiting temperature increases to well below 2ºC. Proposals in this topic area will contribute to developing knowledge to reduce maritime emissions, which might include development of alternative low-carbon fuels, fuelling infrastructures, hydrodynamic interventions, automation, and new policy directions.
- Science based targets climate change targets for the maritime industry
Science-based targets provide a clear and defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Low carbon fuels and technologies represent <1% market share in the maritime industry, and it is difficult to estimate the future uptake of these fuels. Proposals in this area will develop scenarios for science-based pathways to zero carbon shipping by 2050.
To informally discuss project proposals and for more information, please contact the Centre Director, Dr Laurie Wright.
To apply please go to our applications page. In your supporting statement, please indicate that you are applying for a Centre for Marine Sustainability-funded PhD studentship and state whether you wish to be considered for the UK applicant B.A.M.E. award.
Projects
Implementation of Ship Hybridisation
Solent University is part of a research and innovation collaboration that has been awarded almost €16 million to look at the options for green technology in the maritime industry. With 43 observer partners, the project covers the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and France. Starting in February 2019 the project will run until 2022, and aims to test and validate a number of technical tools and business models for the implementation of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in ships and ports.
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Seafarers' Personal Protective Equipment Project
The Seafarers’ Personal Protective Equipment project is run by Solent University in collaboration with CHIRP Maritime. The project explores seafarers’ experiences of using personal protective equipment (PPE) on-board ships.
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The forgotten keyworkers: challenges faced by British seafarers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
This project aims to explore the challenges faced by British seafarers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project is run by Solent University in collaboration with Nautilus International and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board.
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Ports Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS)
PECS developed, tested, and implemented a range of tools and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of small- and medium-sized (SME) ports and marinas. Lead by the Port of Oostende, knowledge institutions, port authorities, industry, and public authorities worked together to test and implement different technologies and methods in the field of renewable energy production, energy recuperation and energy storage on land and in the water.
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