Our research reduces carbon dioxide production through energy management and alternative fuels; it considers mitigating technologies and simulates alternative operational scenarios to reduce harmful airborne pollution.

Our research informs incentive schemes and drives policy development to ensure environmentally conscientious shipping.

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 in maritime business, logistics and economics has a focus on the interface between shipping and the wider systems within which shipping operates. Areas of particular expertise include port economics, ports and intermodality, competitiveness and regulation of ship building and ship repair, indices and connectivity in global logistics, smart shipping and sustainability.

The Ballast Water Convention will enter into force on September 8 2017 under which ships will be required to manage their ballast water in order to remove or render harmless aquatic organisms and pathogens to the new receiving environment.

The research areas of interest to us are:

• modelling and assessment of treatment systems
• effective sampling regimes
• issues with regard to representative sampling and compliance with the Convention and US Coast Guard requirements

Our research covers a variety of small craft but in particular focuses on fishing vessels and lifeboats.

We use numerical modelling linked with model and full-scale tests to explore motion responses and to calculate the maximum structural loads that will be experienced by lifeboats. Our research informs the design and safe operation of all weather lifeboats. 

We also have significant expertise in the sustainable design and operation of small, low technology fisheries vessels. Our research in this area in a number of developing countries supports the implementation of sustainable development strategies. With hundreds of thousands of these craft globally this could result in a major global impact.