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.

Join the SMMI Community to sign up to this group, and any others of interest to you.

People, projects and publications

People

Professor Taufiq Choudhry

Head of Department-Banking and Finance

Research interests

  • Financial Markets
  • Financial Economics
  • International Trade

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Thanassis Tiropanis

Professor

Research interests

  • Decentralised information systems and infrastructures
  • Decentralised information retrieval
  • Data (and Web) observatories

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Thomas Gernon

Professorial Fellow (Research)

Research interests

  • See personal website: https://www.thomasgernon.co.uk/
  • Solid Earth drivers of Earth's climate state;
  • Earth surface processes;

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Thomas Irvine

Head of Department

Research interests

  • Global History of Music
  • Music and the Anthropocene
  • Science and Technology Studies

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Thomas

Professor Tiina Roose

Professor-Biological&Environmental Model
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Professor Tim Bergfelder

Professor of Film Studies

Research interests

  • Film history in Europe and Asia
  • Film industries 
  • Reception Studies

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Tim Henstock

Professor of Geophysics

Research interests

  • Applying Physics to understand processes within the Earth system
  • Imaging Earth structure on scales of 0.1m to 1000km
  • Active tectonic processes

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Tim Minshull

Professor in Ocean & Earth Science

Research interests

  • Continental breakup and the onset of seafloor spreading
  • Methane hydrate beneath the seafloor and its role in the Earth system
  • Exploration geophysics: seismic and electromagnetic imaging

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Toby Tyrrell

Professor of Earth System Science

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Tom Bibby

Professor of Biological Oceanography

Research interests

  • (1) The role of photosynthetic microbes in global biogeochemical cycles(2) The use of photosynthetic microbes for sustainable products

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Tom
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
Associate Professor
Driven by a passion for sustainable shipping, I aim to enhance ship efficiency, reducing emissions and pioneering a greener maritime future.

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Related research institutes, centres and groups

Connect with us

Enquiries

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