
Diploma in Clean Energy for Ships
The Diploma in Clean Energy for VesselsThis program prepares you to lead the transition to a sustainable maritime future. Gain a solid understanding of alternative propulsion technologies, including hybrid, electric, and hydroge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
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What is the Diploma in Clean Energy for Ships?
The Diploma in Clean Energy for Vessels
This program prepares you to lead the transition to a sustainable maritime future. Gain a solid understanding of alternative propulsion technologies, including hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered systems, as well as renewable fuels and their implications for emissions reduction. Learn to assess the energy efficiency of vessels, design and implement innovative solutions, and understand the regulatory framework and incentives for the adoption of clean energy in the maritime sector.
This program prepares you to lead the transition to a sustainable maritime future.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Analysis of real-world cases and simulations of technology implementation.
- Industry Experts: Instructors with extensive experience in renewable energy and maritime transport.
- Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and companies.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: Access to software and platforms for the analysis and design of energy systems.
- Specialized Certification: Recognition of your skills and knowledge in clean energy for vessels.
Programme highlights
- Technology Mastery: Acquire in-depth knowledge of electric, solar, and hybrid propulsion systems applied to vessels.
- Regulations and Safety: Understand current regulations and best practices for the design, installation, and safe operation of clean energy systems.
- Energy Efficiency: Learn to optimize energy consumption and management on board, reducing the carbon footprint of vessels.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples of clean energy implementation on different types of vessels.
- Maritime Sustainability: Contribute to a more sustainable future. Green for the shipbuilding and maritime transport industry.
- Drive the energy transition of the sector and become an expert in clean energy for vessels.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
Marine-coastal energy transition and international regulatory framework
- Global Context of Maritime Decarbonisation and Objectives of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO/IMO)
- Energy Efficiency Indicators: EDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index), EEXI and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator)
- European directives and regional frameworks: EU ETS for the maritime sector, Fueleu Maritime and coastal regulations
- Emission control zones (ECA/DRY) and air pollution restrictions (SOX, NOx, particulate material)
- Decarbonisation strategies by type of fleet: merchant ships, pleasure yachts, fishing boats and ferries
- Evaluation of the life cycle (LCA) and emissions well-to-wake vs. Tank-to-wake in marine fuels
- Financial Incentives, Marine Green Bonds and Sustainable Vessel Certification (DNV Green Power, ABS)
- IMO Strategy and European Regulations
Architecture and electric propulsion and hybrid at sea
- Configuration of propulsion systems: Pure Electric (Battery Electric), Hybrid Series, Hybrid Parallel and Hybrid Plug-in
- Marine-grade electric motors: Permanent magnets (PMSM), induction, podded propellants (Azipod) and Azimuthals
- Power Converters, Marinated Frequency Drives (VFD) and Harmonic Filters
- On-board DC Grids: Advantages in Efficiency, Weight and Space vs. AC
- On-board energy management strategies (EMS - Energy Management System) and real-time load optimisation
- Energy regeneration during navigation: hydro-generation powered by passive flow and dynamic braking
- Redundancy, Safe Return to Port (Safe Return to Port) and Class Regulations for Electric Vessels
- Electric motors and drives
Energy Storage Technologies (Marine Batteries and Supercapacitors)
- Advanced Battery Chemistry for Marine Environments: LFP (lithium-ferrophosphate), NMC, solid state and sodium-ion
- Dimensioning of marinated battery banks: Capacity (kWh), C-rate, depth of discharge (DOD) and useful life
- Marine Battery Management Systems (BMS): Monitoring of SoC/SOH, cell balancing and interface with the ship's network
- Safety in marine batteries: thermal packing mitigation (Thermal Runaway), liquid cooling and gas inertification
- Peak Shaving supercapacitors, docking manoeuvres and support for heavy load startup
- Enclosure, salt corrosion insulation and impact/vibration tests according to class standards
- Recycling, second life and logistics of battery replacement in port facilities
- Super capacitors and fast storage
Hydrogen and fuel cells in the nautical industry
- Fuel Cell Fundamentals: PEMFC (proton exchange membrane) and SOFC (solid oxide) technologies
- Production of green hydrogen (electrolysis) and marine fuel supply infrastructure
- Hydrogen storage technologies on board: tablet (350/700 bar), liquid cryogenic (LH2) and hydride materials
- Integration of fuel cells with batteries (H2 hybrid systems/battery) for charge management
- Safety in the handling of maritime hydrogen: ventilation of closed spaces, leak sensors and zoning ATEX
- IMO IGF code for vessels using low flash point fuels
- Case studies: Hydrogen ferries, river boats and high-length overall yacht projects
- Hydrogen storage on board
Sustainable alternative fuels (e-fuels, methanol, ammonia and biofuels)
- Overview of synthetic and renewable fuels: green methanol, green ammonia, e-diesel and biogas/renewable LNG
- Methanol as marine fuel: dual-fuel engines (dual-fuel), storage at atmospheric pressure and low toxicity
- Ammonia (NH3) as zero carbon vector: toxicity risks, exhaust treatment and material compatibility
- Second generation biofuels (HVO, FAME) and mixing tests on existing diesel marine engines
- Modifications in the injection system, fuel tanks, pipes and exhaust gas treatment (SCR/Scrubbers)
- Supply availability (bunkering), volumetric energy density vs. Gravimetric and impact on autonomy
- Comparative Economic Analysis (TCO - Total Cost of Ownership) of the different alternative fuels
- Methanol and ammonia bunkering
Use of renewable energies on board (solar, wind and auxiliary wind)
- Marine photovoltaic solar energy: flexible, marinated, bifacial and high-efficiency panels (PERC/TOPcon)
- Architectural integration of solar panels in decks, hardtops (hardtops) and solar sails
- Marinated MPPT charging controllers and coupling to service or propulsion battery banks
- Modern wind assist technologies: rigid sails, traction kites (kites), Flettner rotors and turbo-candles
- Auxiliary wind thrust modelling, route optimisation according to weather prediction (weather routing)
- Small vertical and horizontal axis wind turbines for boats with long range
- Calculation of energy demand coverage on board by combined renewable sources
- Rigid candles and rotors
Port Electrification, Cold Ironing and Energy Quality
- Grounding ship connection during the port (Shore Power / Cold Ironing / OPS - Ocean Going Vessel Power)
- International standards of port-boat interface: IEC/IEEE 80005 (high and low voltage)
- Frequency converters and transformation facilities in docks and marines
- Fast charging infrastructure for electric boats - MCS connectors (Megawatt Charging System), pantographs and induction loading
- Impact of the massive cargo of boats on the local power grid and solutions with energy storage in port (BESS)
- Hydrogen and methanol bunkering in port facilities: security measures and exclusion zones
- Digitization of the port-ship interface for efficient recharge management
- Grounding systems in port
Project Engineering, Simulation and Capstone Project
- Retrofit methodology (conversion) of conventional clean propulsion boats
- Numerical simulation tools and energy modelling of ships (Matlab/Simulink, ANSYS, OpenFoam)
- Navigation Profile Analysis (Operational Profile), Power Curves and Optimal Component Dimensioning
- Technical Inspection, Safety Tests, Sea Trials (Sea Trials) and Emission Validation
- Evaluation of technical, commercial and return on investment (ROI) for clean mobility projects
- Predictive maintenance in clean propulsion systems and emergency protocols for crews
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Complete design, clean propulsion architecture selection, energy sizing and feasibility analysis for the conversion or construction of an ecological boat
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Naval and marine engineers seeking to specialize in the integration of renewable energy into vessel designs.Naval architects and designers interested in innovation in propulsion systems and energy efficiency for vessels.Fleet managers and shipowners wishing to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations and comply with environmental regulations.Maritime and port professionals seeking to
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.








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Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimizing the energy performance of vessels
- 02Implementing clean energy systems on ships
- 03Evaluate the feasibility of clean energy projects in the maritime sector
- 04Design and integrate energy storage systems on vessels
- 05Managing clean energy conversion projects on ships
- 06Advising on regulations and certifications for clean energy for vessels
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Energy, Mechanical, Electrical, Naval), Environmental Sciences, or related field; or demonstrable professional experience in the energy or naval sector.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electricity, fluid mechanics, and renewable energies is recommended.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), cover letter explaining interest in clean energy for vessels, ID/Passport.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with broadband internet access, updated web browser, so
Frequently Asked Questions
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