(Manchester – Melbourne Dual Award) Integrating Route-Optimised Wind-Assist Technologies with Speed Reduction Strategies to Deliver CO2 Emission Reductions in Shipping

The global shipping industry plays a pivotal role in our interconnected world. However, its environmental footprint is significant, and there is a pressing need for deep greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to align with the Paris Agreement’s climate change goals before 2030.

Although there’s increasing interest in low-carbon fuels, their large-scale deployment is unlikely before 2030. Therefore, operational and technical efficiencies applied to the current fleet are essential.

One promising strategy involves adjusting ships’ speeds, especially curbing the practice of a “sail fast then wait” (SFTW) approach, where ships speed to a port, only to wait for days before docking, leading to energy inefficiency.

Tyndall Manchester is part of the Blue Visby Consortium, which has developed an algorithmic system to eliminate SFTW, optimising ship arrival times, and potentially saving up to 16% of fuel. This solution will undergo prototype trials in Australia in 2024.

Another strategy to reduce emissions is the use of wind-assist technologies. By optimizing routes based on beneficial wind conditions, the GHG emissions associated with each ship voyage can be significant reduced. However, this method requires further research and realworld testing.

This PhD project, based at the University of Manchester, aims to bridge these two strategies. Collaborating with the Blue Visby Consortium, wind optimization industry partners and the University of Melbourne, the research will explore how to integrate wind-assist optimisation with SFTW solutions.

The project has three main objectives:

Data and Methodology Assessment for Wind-Assist Solutions: The project will evaluate available tools, models, and data supporting wind-assist propulsion and route optimization. It will gauge the potential of these technologies in achieving the IMO’s targets.

Overcoming SFTW Barriers: The research will identify challenges hindering the adoption of SFTW solutions and propose ways to address them. It will also explore enhancements to the Blue Visby solution to boost its acceptance.

Integration of Wind-Assist with SFTW: The project will assess how to incorporate windassist technologies into SFTW solutions, identify barriers to this integration, and estimate the potential GHG reductions from this combined approach.

The PhD candidate will primarily be based at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Engineering, University of Manchester. The first year will involve a deep dive into literature, modelling and stakeholder interviews. The second year will be at the University of Melbourne, leveraging their expertise in ocean engineering and ship hydrodynamics.

In Melbourne, the student will benefit from the proximity to Australian ports involved in the SFTW trials, providing a unique opportunity to understand the practical challenges of implementing these solutions in a diverse cultural and economic context. The final year will consolidate the findings, offering insights into the benefits of integrating wind and SFTW solutions and suggesting ways to overcome adoption barriers.

This PhD project offers a holistic approach to sustainable shipping, combining innovative technologies and strategies to reduce the industry’s environmental impact within an appropriately short timeframe. The research promises not only academic insights but also practical solutions that can be adopted by the shipping industry globally.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This is funded under the Manchester-Melbourne Dual-award. See here for more information:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/golden/melbourne/#:~:text=A%20dual%2Daward%20is%20a,contribution%20of%20the%20collaborating%20institution

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected].

Please also see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/golden/melbourne/#:~:text=A%20dual%2Daward%20is%20a,contribution%20of%20the%20collaborating%20institution regarding how to apply as the applicant will need to be accepted both in Melbourne and in Manchester.

EDI

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).