- The University of Strathclyde and Oldendorff Carriers have established a dedicated research centre in Scotland to drive maritime decarbonisation.
- The centre will address knowledge gaps related to technological, operational, and human aspects of the green transition in shipping.
- Key research will focus on alternative fuel systems, next-gen vessel design, and AI-driven decision-making tools for sustainable operations.
In a significant step towards greener maritime practices, Scotland’s University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with Germany-based bulk shipping giant Oldendorff Carriers, has inaugurated a new research centre aimed at advancing sustainable shipping. This initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 and seeks to bridge the gap between climate ambitions and on-the-ground operational realities.
Driving Research for Practical Decarbonisation
The newly launched centre is designed to support actionable research that helps accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime operations. According to Oldendorff, the centre aims to fill critical evidence gaps that hinder the industry’s effective transition, focusing on the technical, operational, and human dimensions of change. A particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact of decarbonisation measures on seafarers and shipboard operations.
Exploring Next-Gen Technologies and Fuels
Research will cover a broad spectrum of innovation areas including the development of future-ready, energy-efficient ship designs and the integration of alternative fuel systems such as methanol or ammonia. It will also investigate the role of artificial intelligence in decision-support systems, allowing operators to optimise performance while cutting emissions.
A Strategic Collaboration Combining Research and Real-World Expertise
Stephen McArthur, Executive Dean of Engineering and Associate Principal at Strathclyde, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, stating that the collaboration merges the university’s globally recognised research excellence with Oldendorff’s real-world maritime expertise. Together, the two organisations aim to deliver impactful solutions through technology innovation, applied research, and knowledge sharing.
A Global Impact Beyond One Operator
Torsten Barenthin, Director of Research & Development at Oldendorff, stressed that decarbonising shipping remains the industry’s most complex and pressing operational challenge. He noted that the centre is built to generate insights that extend far beyond Oldendorff’s fleet, offering scalable knowledge and tools that can benefit the broader maritime sector.
This collaboration underscores a growing recognition that solving maritime decarbonisation requires both technical innovation and a willingness to address the overlooked realities of implementation. By uniting academic depth with shipping expertise, the centre promises to deliver meaningful contributions to the sector’s sustainable transformation.
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Source: Offshore Energy
