Research group

Maritime Decarbonisation

A cargo ship leaving a harbour

The Maritime Decarbonisation SIG drives eco-friendly shipping through collaboration and innovation, addressing environmental impact, regulations, and economic opportunities, in response to global challenges.

About

The Maritime Decarbonisation SIG is at the forefront of tackling the critical issue of maritime decarbonisation. This SIG recognises the profound importance of its mission for several reasons:

  • it strives to address the substantial environmental impact of the maritime industry. As one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, the industry's carbon footprint poses a severe threat to our planet. 
  • it is a proactive response to this environmental challenge, aiming to reduce emissions and promote a more sustainable future, including amid initiatives to develop global sectoral targets.
  • it will also contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, the SIG is committed to ensuring that the maritime sector meets its regulatory commitments, especially in the context of emerging technologies such as autonomous vessels. Stringent regulations are necessary to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of maritime transportation. By focusing on these commitments, the SIG plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible industry practices.

While some may perceive maritime decarbonisation initiatives as costly, the SIG sees them as economic opportunities. Transitioning to greener shipping practices can lead to cost savings and new business prospects. By driving innovation and fostering sustainable solutions, the SIG helps industry players prosper in a changing global market.

International collaboration is another pillar of the SIG's efforts. The maritime sector operates on a global scale, and it is essential for stakeholders to work together to achieve meaningful results. International collaboration facilitates the sharing of best practices, technological innovations, and policy frameworks that can accelerate the industry's transformation in response to global challenges.

Through a multi-faceted approach that encompasses environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, economic benefits, international collaboration, and alignment with national commitments, this SIG is driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. 

To find out more about the Maritime Decarbonisation Special Interest Group and what we do, get in touch with group champion Seyedvahid Vakili, and Panos Manias.

to sign up to this group, and any others of interest to you.

People, projects and publications

People

Mr Hugo Webber

Research interests

  • Regulation for mitigation of maritime GHG emissions.
  • Operational and planning problems for maritime transport systems.
  • Naval architecture; ship system design, set based design.
Connect with Hugo

Mr Ian Coady

Deputy Director, Enterprise & Engagement
Connect with Ian

Professor Ian Williams

Professor in Applied Environmental Scien

Research interests

  • Waste and Resource Management
  • Carbon management
  • Air Pollution

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ian

Dr Ibrahim Sari

Associate Director of Business Dev in ES

Research interests

  • Semiconductors
  • System Integration
  • Advanced Packaging
Connect with Ibrahim

Miss Irene Ruiz Espejo

Research interests

  • AI for Biodiversity
Connect with Irene

Dr Isha Gupta

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Advanced materials for extreme aerospace environments
  • High-temperature oxidation of refractory metals and alloys
  • Thermal and environmental barrier coatings

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Isha

Professor Ivan Haigh

Professor

Research interests

  • I currently have 8 active research grants (4 as principle investigator (PI)) worth £4.8M. 
  • I am the PI on two international grants that started in 2019, both looking at compound floodi…
  • In 2021, I was awarded a 3-year (50% of my time) prestigious Knowledge Exchange Fellowship fu…

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Ivan

Professor J. Andy Milton

Professor of Analytical Geochemistry
Connect with J. Andy

Ms Jacqueline Nightingale LLB, BSc

Research interests

  • Ocean governance
  • Climate science
  • Social justice
Connect with Jacqueline
Louise Du Toit
Lecturer
Developing strong laws and regulations for decarbonising the shipping sector, which is a growing source of global emissions, is crucial to climate mitigation efforts.
Tahsin Tezdogan
Professor of Marine Hydrodynamics
Driven by a passion for sustainable shipping, I aim to enhance ship efficiency, reducing emissions and pioneering a greener maritime future.

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Enquiries

If you're interested in joining us or collaborating, get in touch with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.