Our research group is one of largest maritime engineering research groups in Europe.
Our unique strengths
- We excel in maritime fluid mechanics, both computational and experimental, allowing us to understand and optimize fluid behaviour in maritime environments.
- Additionally, we apply machine-learning techniques to the maritime engineering domain, enhancing our ability to predict and improve maritime operations.
- We are also proficient in evaluating the performance of composite materials, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of maritime applications.
- Our capabilities extend to maritime robotics, both subsea and surface, where we develop advanced robotic systems for various maritime tasks.
- Furthermore, we create whole-system models to support decarbonisation efforts. These models include diesel-electric-battery hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-battery propulsion systems, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime solutions.
Members of the group are also involved in various committees of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) and International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress (ISSC).
Our future plans
We aim to broaden and deepen our research across three key themes, supported by new facilities. These themes include:
- offshore renewables, specifically floating wind
- the decarbonisation of long-distance shipping
- the development of autonomous surface vehicles and ships
Our fundamental work in emerging areas focuses on:
- bio-inspiration for efficiency
- the application of AI and machine learning
- fluid and structural mechanics associated with new fuels
- energy-saving systems
Additionally, we plan to increase student numbers at the undergraduate (UG), postgraduate taught (PGT), and postgraduate research (PGR) levels.
Our external strategic links
A key aspect of our work is combining basic research with practical applications, which we achieve by working together with external partners:
- Centre for Maritime Futures – supported by Shell Shipping and Maritime
- UK Sports Institute
- Alan Turing Institute – led Maritime Engineering and now Data-Centric Engineering
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- National Oceanography Centre
- Lloyd’s Register
- Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands
- University of Tokyo
- Wuhan University of Technology