We have expertise in enhancing aquaculture (integrated multi-trophic and applied) for a range of applications. In particular we study algae, crustacea, sea cucumbers and novel species including calanoid copepods and stalked barnacles as well as the associated microbial communities within aquaculture systems. 

We also explore public attitudes towards aquaculture and we aim to identify ways to increase the industry’s competitiveness through improved knowledge exchange processes. 

We focus on aspects of carbon capture, storage and transport including carbon dioxide compression and liquefaction, hydraulic modelling, heat transfer, ductile fracture propagation and phase behaviour. 

We use computational fluid dynamics to model wind and buoyancy driven carbon dioxide ingress into buildings following accidental release.

We develop micro- and macroalgae as potential sources of marine biofuels and bioactive products.

We have expertise in the production of algal energy and novel-products from marine biomass. Particular aspects include seaweed culture and anaerobic digestion, microalgae culture management, microalgae bioflocculation and harvesting and energy generation from marine biomass waste. 

We are among the world’s leading marine biofouling laboratories, widely recognised for our research on model fouling organisms, especially barnacles and algae.

Our research addresses fundamental principles underpinning biofouling processes, at all scales, from chemical adsorption to surfaces and biological adhesives, through to the pre-settlement behaviour of fouling species.

We participate in large, international, interdisciplinary programmes through which we have developed a unique capability, with largely bespoke facilities, for measurements of settlement and adhesion strength on experimental and commercial coatings.

Visit our marine biofouling website.

Our research addresses fundamental interdisciplinary principles underpinning renewable fuel combustion, integrated mechanic-electrical systems, and new engine/generator construction materials.

We collaborate with UK industry to develop new power generation technologies, for example based on hydrogen or algal biofuels, for a wide range of applications, from low wattage battery chargers to several megawatt marine engine generators.

Our research into offshore renewable energy technologies spans a range of areas through the design, operational and maintenance phases including: novel blade and turbine designs for tidal energy conversion, foundation design and scouring; power take-off systems and control for marine renewable energy devices, advanced condition monitoring and fault diagnosis; and marine robotic devices for underwater inspection and cleaning and maintenance strategies for marine systems. 

We aim to enable long-term maximum efficiency, relability and availability of marine and offshore renewable power generation with minimum economic and environmental costs. 

We develop innovative thermodynamic cycles and explore unconventional working fluids and materials for waste energy recovery and low cost, low emission power generation.

We collaborate with world-leading marine system manufacturers to develop waste energy recovery technologies for a range of applications from liquid natural gas terminals to mega cruiseliners.