Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Propulsion and Energy Optimization
This program provides you with the tools to lead the transition to a more sustainable maritime future. Learn to evaluate and optimize existing propulsion systems, implement innovative technologies, and reduce the environmental…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Propulsion and Energy Optimization?
The Diploma in Propulsion and Energy Optimization
This program provides you with the tools to lead the transition to a more sustainable maritime future. Learn to evaluate and optimize existing propulsion systems, implement innovative technologies, and reduce the environmental impact of shipping operations. This program covers everything from thermodynamics applied to marine engines to the integration of alternative fuels and energy efficiency strategies, preparing you for the challenges and opportunities of the industry.
Differential Advantages
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluate the environmental impact of different technologies and fuels.
- Simulation and Modeling: Optimize the performance of propulsion systems using cutting-edge tools.
- Regulations and Standards: Master international standards on emissions and energy efficiency.
- Real-World Case Studies: Learn from successful examples of energy optimization in the maritime industry.
- Networking: Connect with industry experts and professionals to boost your career.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Marine Propulsion: Delve into propulsion systems, from diesel engines to sustainable alternatives.
- Energy Optimization: Learn strategies to reduce fuel consumption and improve operational efficiency.
- Performance Analysis: Acquire skills to evaluate and optimize the performance of propulsion systems.
- Emerging Technologies: Explore the latest innovations in propulsion and onboard energy management.
- Case Studies: Apply your acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios and challenges in the maritime sector.
- Boost your career in the maritime sector with this cutting-edge diploma.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion Systems
- Thermodynamic principles: kinematic cycles, energy balances, entropy and exergy applied to propulsion
- Applied Fluid Mechanics: Compressible and Incompressible Flow, Limit Layers, Drag and Aerodynamics/Hydrodynamics
- Classification of propulsive systems: comparison between alternative engines, turbines, electrical and hybridization systems
- Combustion and thermochemistry: oxidation reactions, stoichiometric ratio, flame rate and emission formation
- Heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation in combustion chambers, exchangers and exhaust systems
- Fuels and Energy Vectors: Energy Analysis of Diesel, Natural Gas (LNG/CNG), Hydrogen, E-Fuels and Biofuels
- Instrumentation and energy metrology: pressure sensors, flow, temperature and measurement of performance parametres in real time
- Ship’s energy balance
02
High efficiency internal combustion engines
- MCI Thermodynamics: Optimisation of Diesel, Otto, Dual and Miller/Atkinson cycles for maximum thermal efficiency
- Advanced Injection Systems: Direct High Pressure Injection (Common Rail), Precise Dosing and Multipoint
- Overload technologies: Variable geometry turbochargers (VGT), electric compressors and turbos in series/parallel
- Thermal management of the engine: intelligent cooling circuits, residual heat recovery and low viscosity lubricants
- Friction and mechanical losses: tribological analysis on pistons, bearings and valve train for the reduction of parasites
- Electronic control strategies: ECU units, adaptive injection maps and ignition management according to load
- Diagnosis and indicative performance: Pressure-volume (P-V), PME measurement (effective average pressure) and specific consumption (BSFC)
- Dual-Fuel engines
03
Turbomachines, gas turbines and jet propulsion
- Turbomachines basics: blade aerodynamics, compressor maps, and radial and axial turbine behaviour
- Gas Turbine Cycles: Real Brayton Cycle, Regeneration, Intercooling and Reheating for Performance Improvement
- Turbine combustion systems: low emission chambers (DLE/DLN), flame stability and cooling of hot components
- Jet propulsion and turbo-fan: push calculation, propulsive performance, bypass ratio (bypass ratio) and nozzles
- Turbo-propulsion and industrial turbines: applications in cogeneration, direct drive and mechanical energy conversion
- Materials and thermal coatings: superalloys of nickel, ceramics (TBC) and tolerance to high temperatures
- Monitoring of condition in turbomachines: analysis of vibrations, boroscopy, deterioration of blades and washing of compressors in operation
- Marine steam turbines
04
Electric propulsion systems, batteries and fuel cells
- Electrical propulsion architectures - purely electrical configurations (BEV), synchronous motors of permanent magnets and induction
- Storage technology (batteries): Lithium-ion chemicals, LFP, solid state, energy density and degradation (SOH)
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): Cell Balancing, Charge Status Estimation (SOC), Temperature Control and Safety
- Fuel cells (Fuel cells): PEMFC and SOFC technology, hydrogen reforming, electrochemical performance and water/heat management
- Power Electronics: High Efficiency Inverters, DC/DC Converters, SIC Semiconductors (Silicon Carbide) and GAN
- Regenerative braking and recovery: kinetic energy capture, deceleration strategies and ultra-fast storage
- Recharging and power infrastructure: ultrafast charging systems (DCFC), electricity demand management and network protocols
- PEM and SOFC fuel cells
05
Energy hybridization, mixed propulsion and energy management (EMS)
- Hybrid configurations: Comparative analysis of architectures in series, parallel, series-parallel and power coupling
- Energy Control Strategies (EMS): Power Split Algorithms, Control by Rule and Heuristic Optimisation
- Global and Dynamic Optimisation: Dynamic Programming (DP), Minimum Pontryagin (PMP) Principle and Predictive Control (MPC)
- PowerTrain sizing: Optimal coupling between heat engines, electric machines and battery packs
- Supercapacitors and hybrid storage - integration of high-density systems for peaks of demand
- Heavy and marine hybrid propulsion systems - application of battery banks in ships, railways and industrial machinery
- TESTS AND SIMULATION MIL/SIL/HIL: Validation of energy control algorithms by real-time simulation
- Energy management strategies
06
Residual heat recovery (WHR) and advanced thermal efficiency
- Exergetic analysis of losses: identification and quantification of energy dissipated in exhaust gases and cooling systems
- Rankine Organic Cycles (ORC): Selection of working fluids, design of expanders, evaporators and capacitors
- Thermoelectric generators (TEG): Seebeck effect, thermoelectric materials and direct conversion of heat into electricity
- Turbocompound systems: mechanical and electrical coupling of additional turbines operated by exhaust gases
- Compact heat exchangers: thermal transfer optimisation, pressure drops and mass reduction/volume
- Thermal energy storage (TES): Phase change materials (PCM) for thermal peak management and cold start
- Integration of absorption systems: refrigeration and air conditioning driven by residual heat from propulsion
- Organic Rankine Cycles
07
Decarbonisation, alternative fuels and emission control
- Hydrogen propulsion: direct combustion of $H_2$, gas injection systems, flame reversal prevention and safety
- Methanol and ammonia as vectors: Use of E-Fuels in marine and heavy propulsion, corrosion of materials and toxicity
- Gas Post-treatment Systems: Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Particle Filters (DPF/GPF) and Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): On-board technologies for capturing $CO_2$ in massive propulsive systems
- Environmental regulations and frameworks: IMO regulations (EEDI, IIC, EEXI), Euro VI/7, EPA and carbon neutrality guidelines
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): "Well-to-wheel" and "Cradle-to-Grave" emissions analysis of different propulsions
- Propulsion energy audits: carbon footprint measurement protocols and fleet decarbonisation plans
- Carbon capture on board
08
Capstone Project for Energy Optimisation and Propulsive Design
- Definition of the case study: Selection of a transport platform or machinery for hybridization or redesign propulsive
- Energy modelling and simulation: creation of the longitudinal or dynamic model of the vehicle/system by specialised software
- Work cycle analysis: characterisation of speed, load, elevation and operating patterns real
- Component selection and sizing: Technical specification of the thermal/electric engine, battery, turbomachines and transmissions
- Implementation of the EMS Strategy: Development of the Energy Management Algorithm to Maximize Global Efficiency
- Evaluation of technical and economic feasibility: fuel savings estimate, reduction of $CO_2$, calculation of $capex$, $opex$ and return time ($ROI$)
- Presentation of the project
- Project presentation: Technical defence of the propulsive architecture and the optimisation plan before a panel of experts in energy engineering
Workload
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.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Mechanical and Naval Engineers seeking to specialize in advanced propulsion systems and efficient energy management.Maritime industry professionals interested in reducing operating costs by optimizing fuel consumption and implementing green technologies.Ship maintenance and operations managers who want to improve the reliability and performance of main and auxiliary engines.Consultants and t
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Evaluate and improve the efficiency of propulsion systems
- 02Design and implement energy optimization strategies
- 03Managing propulsion and sustainable energy projects
- 04Analyze and solve problems in propulsion systems
- 05Integrate advanced technologies in propulsion and energy
- 06Develop simulation models for energy systems
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Energy Project Engineer: Design and optimization of propulsion and energy generation systems.
02Energy Consultant: Energy audits, efficiency analysis, and improvement proposals for industries and buildings.
03Energy Efficiency Manager: Implementation of measures to reduce energy consumption and costs in organizations.
04Researcher and Developer: Innovation in propulsion technologies and renewable energy sources.
05Energy Maintenance Manager: Supervision and optimization of energy equipment and systems.
06Renewable Energy Technician: Installation, operation, and maintenance of solar, wind, and other energy systems.
07Energy Auditor: Evaluation of compliance with energy efficiency regulations and standards.
08Sales Representative Technical: Sale of equipment and services related to propulsion and energy optimization.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Both propulsion and energy efficiency are intrinsically linked in the diploma program, seeking to optimize the former through the latter.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Yeah.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Energy, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial) or related field; or demonstrable professional experience in the energy, naval, or industrial sectors.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer is recommended.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in propulsion and energy optimization.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable high-speed internet connection, software for viewing d
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.