Maritime Energy

Industry and governments around the world are engaged in the international effort to battle climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, sea-level rise and weather-pattern changes. At the same time, there is a constant pressure towards cost-efficiency and market competitiveness.

The Paris Agreement and new IMO regulations along with its GHG strategy mean that a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is necessary over the coming decades, with zero emissions of CO2 before the end of the 21st century (IPCC, 2014). Every maritime stakeholder must play a role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) call for immediate action on the part of all countries, organizations and individuals. The IMO’s strategy on GHG calls for a reduction in CO2 emissions of 40% by 2030, and 70% by 2050 from 2008 levels. Adopting innovative and sustainable technologies and mitigation measures in shipping and ports/shipyards is expected to lead to a competitive advantage and improved profitability through cost savings. The Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Energy aims at combining innovative technical solutions with a socio-economic-environmental perspective in a holistic manner.

Our distance learning programme in Maritime Energy equips maritime professionals with technical and socio- economic-environmental knowledge relating to IMO’s regulations on air pollution and potential mitigation measures to achieve a low carbon and energy-efficient maritime future. It is designed for people with a technical profile (e.g. naval architects, deck officers and engineers, surveyors etc.) as well as professionals with backgrounds, such as ship operators, superintendents, port and shipyard managers and other maritime professionals. The programme is delivered online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Graduates of the programme join WMU’s global network of maritime professionals who are experts in their fields and working towards sustainable development and excellence.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

The programme carries 40 European credits, and can be completed over a single year. It is comprised of five modules.

Module 1: Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development

(16 Sept 2024 – 17 Nov 2024)

This module introduces the historical environmental discourse around the maritime industry and the development of legal frameworks on maritime energy. It discusses various motivations to maritime energy management as well as the notion of sustainability in shipping. From a goal-based management perspective, a human factors approach is visited to discuss science-oriented solutions. The module examines the role of technology and innovation to facilitate forward-thinking decision making and even a political and societal transition from mitigation to adaptation for a sustainable maritime transportation system.

Module 2: Ships and Energy Efficiency

‍(25 Nov 2024 – 19 Jan 2025)

This module starts with the basics of Chapter 4 of the MARPOL Annex VI. It focuses on energy efficient operation of ships and increasing energy efficiency of ships during design. Ship resistance components (viscous, wave-making, air and appendage) are discussed as well as their reduction ways. Increasing propeller efficiency and improvement of propeller-hull interaction are examined from an energy efficiency perspective. A tutorial is also provided to assess the impact of resistance and propulsion improvement methods on fuel consumption.

Module 3: Future Propulsion Technologies‍

(27 Jan 2025 – 23 Mar 2025)

This module presents alternatives to traditional ways of propelling ships. This includes renewable energy and alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuel and hydrogen, as a response to Chapter 3 of the MARPOL Annex VI, as well as future technologies like fuel cells and batteries. The latest trends and challenges in the area are discussed across economic, environmental and societal dimensions.

Module 4: Energy Conservation in Ports and Shipyards‍

(31 Mar 2025 – 25 May 2025)

This module focuses on knowledge of energy management procedures and technologies in the framework of ports and shipyards. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the energy management framework are presented, including planning, strategy and leadership. Energy management systems are discussed, including certification processes such as ISO 50001 and other relevant European certifications systems; the quality management system (QMS) process; energy audit programmes; and socio-economic investment techniques relevant for ports and shipyards.

Module 5: Best Practices and Life-Cycle Perspectives

(2 Jun 2025 – 27 Jul 2025)

This module presents the trade-off between the societal economic benefit and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It explores methodologies to support decision-makers in measuring environmental impact and mitigating the climate change effects along with in compliance with forthcoming regulations (i.e. global sulphur cap). The module concludes with the best practices and case studies from the maritime industry spanning from ports to shipping companies to engine manufacturers.

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Endorsements

The Maritime Energy Postgraduate Diploma Programme is endorsed by Wartsila, CETENA and RINA.

The Admissions Board will consider only those applicants who meet the following general entrance requirements:

• A minimum of five years' work experience
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (with full transcript)
  and/or
  The highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief engineer
• English language ability (both written and spoken, see below English Requirement)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must submit an internationally recognized English language proficiency test. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge examinations, and GCE O-levels in English language. Other tests are accepted by the Admissions Board only under exceptional circumstances; applicants should check with the Registry in such cases.

Candidates are assessed in accordance with the following general guidelines:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

IBT: 80+
PBT: 550+  
WMU’s TOEFL institution code is 9198.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

band 6.0 or above
Please note: the academic, not the general training, version of the test is required

Cambridge Examinations

Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE)

Students who have a pass in a GCE O-level or the equivalent (WAEC, CXC etc) must enclose a copy of their examination results for evaluation by the Admissions Board.

Sometimes applicants’ test results meet the University’s general guidelines, but show weaknesses in a certain skills area. In such cases, the Admissions Board will evaluate the skill level based on guidelines shown above. Information on TOEFL may be obtained through US embassies/consulates or the US Information Service, and on the IELTS and Cambridge Examinations from the British Council or Australian or UK  embassies/consulates.

More information can be found by visiting these websites:
https://www.ets.org/toefl
https://www.ielts.org
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org

Time frame: 11 months (can be completed over a single year, or spread over three years, to allow students maximum flexibility to fit their studies around their demanding careers)

Credits: 40 EC

Fees: US$ 8,750 (US$ 9,750 when paid in instalments)
WMU alumni are eligible for a 25% discount on this programme.

Payments to the University

Payments to the University should be sent to:

Account Name:           The World Maritime University
Account Number:       3968-77-02567
IBAN Number:             SE66 3000 0000 0396 8770 2567
BIC Code:                    NDEASESS
Bank Name:                 Nordea
Bank Address:            PO Box 24, SE-201 24 Malmö, Sweden

Details of the transfer of funds should be sent to the Registry by email (pgdadmissions@wmu.se).