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 Renewable Energies for Vessels
This program prepares you to lead the transition to a sustainable maritime future. Learn to integrate and manage solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy systems on vessels of all types, from recreational yachts to commercial ships…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Renewable Energies for Vessels?
The Diploma in Renewable Energies for Vessels
This program prepares you to lead the transition to a sustainable maritime future. Learn to integrate and manage solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy systems on vessels of all types, from recreational yachts to commercial ships. This program provides you with the technical and practical knowledge to reduce the carbon footprint, optimize energy consumption, and increase the autonomy of vessels. Master the design, installation, maintenance, and regulations applicable to renewable energies in the nautical sector.
Differential Advantages
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world projects integrating renewable energy into vessels.
- Simulation and Modeling: Tools for optimizing the performance of renewable energy systems in marine environments.
- Regulations and Certifications: Comprehensive knowledge of international and local standards.
- Environmental and Economic Impact: Evaluation of return on investment and contribution to sustainability.
- Networking: Connection with leading experts and professionals in the field of marine renewable energy.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
28-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Key Fundamentals: Master solar, wind, and hydropower technologies adapted to the maritime sector.
- Energy Efficiency: Learn to optimize consumption and reduce the carbon footprint on vessels of all types.
- Integrated Systems: Design and implement complete renewable energy solutions for vessels.
- Regulations and Safety: Understand the regulations and safety protocols for the installation and maintenance of systems.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples and develop projects for specific vessels.
- Drive sustainability in the maritime sector and become an expert in renewable energy for boats.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Naval Decarbonization and Maritime Energy Transition
- Global Maritime Sustainability Framework: International Maritime Organisation (IMO) objectives for greenhouse gas reduction (GHG) to 2030 and 2050
- Regulatory Energy Efficiency Indicators: Calculation and Operational Impact of the EEXI (Energy Efficiency Index for Existing Ships) and IIC (Carbon Intensity Gauge)
- The on-board energy consumption profile: Balance of thermal and electrical loads in merchant ships, fishing vessels, ferries and pleasure boats
- Potential of renewable sources in the marine environment: evaluation of the solar, wind, wave and thermal gradients on navigation routes
- Hydrodynamics and hull optimisation for clean energies: reduction of resistance to advance, bulbs, air lubrication and rigid sails
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Impact: "Well to Propeller" assessment of alternative propulsion technologies
- Economic incentives and green financing: carbon credits, ecological class certifications (e.g., DNV Clean Design) and return on investment (ROI)
- IMO and European emissions regulations
02
Marine photovoltaic systems and solar integration on board
- Solar panel technology for marine environments: monocrystalline modules, perovskite cells and flexible/road panels for decks and superstructures
- Extreme environmental resistance: salt corrosion protection, polymer encapsulation (ETFE), high vibration and thermal shock
- Design and dimensioning of the photovoltaic arrangement: inclination calculation, variable ship orientation and dynamic shading by rigging or superstructures
- Marine MPPT load regulators and controllers: tracking the point of maximum power under conditions of changing irradiance and phase balancing
- Architectural and structural integration: marine fixings, structural adhesives, bottom ventilation for heat dissipation and watertight cable channels
- Simulation of solar generation in ocean routes: use of global radiation databases (NASA/PVGIS) and modelling software coupled to the ship's movement
- Loss maintenance and mitigation: antifouling technologies for sea salt and bird droppings, thermographic inspection and on-board cleaning
- Flexible and semi-rigid panels for decks
03
Auxiliary offshore wind propulsion and technological candles
- Renaissance of offshore wind (WASP): aerodynamic principles applied to modern commercial navigation
- Rigid sailing systems and assisted wings (rigid wingsails): composite materials, control of aerodynamic profiles and automatic decay systems due to bad weather
- Flettner turbines (rotor Flettner): Magnus effect applied to vertical rotating cylinders, aerodynamic performance and auxiliary rotation consumption
- High-altitude traction kites (Kites): High wind capturing systems, automated deployment and pickup, and path algorithms in "eight"
- Small offshore wind turbines for microgrids: vertical axis (VAWT) and horizontal (HAWT) wind turbines optimised for apparent wind
- Stability and inclination control systems: interaction between wind thrust, ship's torque, active orzas and rudder
- Wind Navigation Weather Routing: Windfield-based defeat optimisation algorithms to maximise fuel economy
- Flettner rotors and rigid sails
04
Battery power storage systems (BESS) and on-board microgrids
- Battery Chemistry for Naval Application: Lithium-Ferrophosphate (LFP), Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) and Solid State Batteries: Safety, Density and Life
- Battery Management Systems (BMS Naval): Charge Status Monitoring (SOC), Health Status (SOH), Cell Balancing and Communication via CAN Bus/Modbus
- Thermal Runaway Safety: Gas Detection Systems, Spray Water Extinguishing/NOVEC, Fire Barriers and Cell Insulation
- On-board electrical microgrid architecture: DC grid (DC grid) vs. AC grid for renewable integration
- Marine power and power converters: bidirectional inverters, isolated DC/DC converters and high efficiency rectifiers
- Energy Management Strategies (EMS): Peak Shaving Algorithms, Zero Emissions in Port and Rotary Reserve (Spinning Reserve)
- Fast charging and grounding (Cold Ironing): IEC/IEEE 80005 standards for port-ship connectivity, dock infrastructure and electric mooring automation
- Lithium batteries: safety and thermal management
05
Clean energy vectors: hydrogen, ammonia and fuel cells
- Hydrogen as marine fuel: physical properties, cryogenic (LH2) or compressed (350/700 bar) and volumetric density challenges on board
- Naval Fuel Cells (Fuel Cells): PEMFC (proton exchange membrane) and SOFC (solid oxide) technologies for propulsion and auxiliary generation
- Green ammonia ($NH_3$) as hydrogen carrier: liquid storage logistics, toxicity, on-board cracking systems and dual combustion engines
- Methanol e-Fuels and marine biofuels - existing infrastructure, adaptation of injection systems and carbon neutral balance
- ATEX zoning for alternative fuels: gas leak management, enclosed forced ventilation, flame detectors and IGF/IGC code
- Fuel Reformation and Thermal Integration: Use of Residual Heat from Fuel Cells and Engines for Heating and Hot Water on Board
- Supply and bunkering of clean fuels: ship-to-ship transfer procedures, bunkering terminals and safety purge protocols
- Hydrogen storage on board
06
Marine Hybrid and Electric Propulsion Architectures
- Hybrid propulsion topologies: diesel-electric systems, series hybrids, parallel hybrids, and power/power (PTO/PTI) configurations
- Main propulsion electric motors: Permanent magnet motors (PMSM), induction motors and azimuth propellants (Azipods)
- Dimensioning of power banks and engines: power demand curves in manoeuvre, transit, ecological cruise ship and heavy sea conditions
- Hydrogeneration and regeneration of energy: use of variable pitch propellers and electric propellers as generators during sailing or trawling
- Hybrid storage systems Supercapacitors-Batteries: absorption of dynamic load peaks in mooring or dynamic positioning (DP) manoeuvres
- Cooling and thermal management of electric propellants - seawater heat exchangers, liquid inverter cooling and condensation prevention
- Sea tests and calibration of hybrid systems: verification of navigation modes (Pure Electric, Hybrid Boost, Generation Mode) and response times
- Hybrid Propulsion Energy Management
07
Structural integration, maintenance and safety
- Structural analysis and distribution of weights: calculation of centre of gravity, moment of straightening and reinforcements of deck for heavy batteries or technological candles
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference: Isolation of high-frequency power electronics with respect to navigation equipment (radar, AIS, VHF)
- Marine corrosion protection in renewable components - epoxy coatings, slaughter anodes and watertight sealing IP68/NEMA 4X
- Preventive maintenance of marine renewable systems: infrared thermography in photovoltaic connections, inspection of bearings in Flettner candles and battery cell test
- Emergency response procedures: fire protocols in lithium batteries, neutralization of ammonia leakage and high voltage cut-off
- Training and Human Factors: Training of the crew in the management of high voltage systems (High Voltage STCW) and management of digital microgrids
- Inspections of classification companies and Port State Control: Periodic audits of alternative propulsion systems and energy logbooks
- Inspection and maintenance of renewable systems
08
Capstone Project: Design and Operational Reconditioning Plan (retrofit) or green construction of a boat
- Definition of the boat profile and route: Selection of the ship Case study (e.g., passenger ferry, coastal fishing, yacht or ship freighter feeder)
- Energy audit and load balance: calculation of current fuel consumption, speed profile and matrix of electrical/thermal requirements
- Integrative Hybrid/Renewable System Design: Combined Selection and Dimensioning of Solar Panels, Wind Support, Battery Bank or Fuel Cell
- Microgrid modelling and distribution architecture: single-line network scheme in direct/alternate current, power converters and control protocol EMS
- Evaluation of stability, weights and on board space: equipment distribution, verification of compliance with stability criteria and watertight distribution plans
- Financial analysis, emission reduction and compliance IMO: calculation of the reduction of CII/EEXI, estimate of fuel savings, CAPEX, OPEX and PAYBACK of the project
- Economic analysis of the project
- Final presentation: Defence of the engineering and decarbonisation project before a court made up of naval engineers, classification inspectors and renewable energy specialists
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
Naval and marine engineers seeking to specialize in the integration of renewable energy systems on vessels.Naval architects and designers interested in the development of eco-efficient vessels and the optimization of energy performance.Merchant marine officers and captains wishing to update their knowledge of green technologies and onboard energy management.Business owners and managers in th
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
- 01Implementing renewable energy systems on ships
- 02Optimizing the energy efficiency of vessels
- 03Diagnosing and troubleshooting problems in onboard renewable energy systems
- 04Comply with current regulations on marine renewable energy
- 05Selecting and sizing components for renewable energy systems on ships
- 06Evaluate the economic viability of renewable energy projects on ships
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Installer and maintenance technician for renewable energy systems on vessels: solar panels, offshore wind turbines, energy management systems.
02Energy consultant for the marine sector: advising on optimizing energy consumption and integrating renewables on vessels.
03Designer of renewable energy systems for vessels: developing customized solutions for different types of vessels and energy needs.
04Technical support technician for marine renewable energy companies: technical assistance, troubleshooting, and system commissioning.
05Renewable energy project manager in the marine sector: planning, coordinating, and supervising installation and maintenance projects.
06Sales representative for renewable energy equipment and systems for vessels: sales and promotion of related products and services with renewable energies in the nautical sector.
07Researcher and developer in marine renewable energy technologies: participation in research and development projects of new technologies for the generation of renewable energy at sea.
08Energy auditor on vessels: evaluation of the energy performance of vessels and proposals for improvement based on renewable energies.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
To the sustainable or "green" naval propulsion sector, focused on the integration of renewable energies in vessels.
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.
It addresses both aspects, both the integration of renewable energies in existing vessels and their consideration in the design of new vessels.
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, Electrical, Naval), Environmental Sciences, or similar; or Advanced Vocational Training in technical areas related to energy or nautical studies, with demonstrable work experience.Recommended prior knowledge:Basic knowledge of physics (electricity, thermodynamics), principles of renewable energies, and naval propulsion systems.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qualifications/academic certificates (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of motivation explaining your interest in the training.Te
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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