Maritime Decarbonization Course

Lesson 1 • Climate Science Relevant to Shipping

Explains global warming mechanisms, carbon budgets, and temperature targets. Grounds decarbonization urgency in scientific evidence.

Lesson 2 • Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships

Identifies the primary GHG sources aboard vessels and their relative contributions. Connects ship-level emissions to sector-wide climate impact.

Lesson 3 • International Climate Agreements and Shipping

Surveys how global climate frameworks apply to the maritime sector. Shows where shipping fits within broader international climate governance.

Lesson 4 • The Business Case for Decarbonization

Presents economic, reputational, and regulatory drivers pushing shipping toward low-carbon operations. Motivates stakeholder engagement with decarbonization strategies.

Lesson 1 • Initial and Revised GHG Strategy Milestones

Traces the evolution from the 2018 initial strategy to the 2023 revised targets. Students can compare ambition levels and identify what changed and why.

Lesson 2 • IMO's Mandate and Governance Structure

Explains how the IMO operates, which committees govern emissions, and how member states influence policy. Establishes the institutional context for all subsequent regulatory content.

Lesson 3 • Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term IMO Measures

Categorizes IMO measures by implementation timeline and mechanism type. Prepares students to track regulatory developments and anticipate compliance deadlines.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification Basics

Introduces the data collection system underpinning IMO compliance. Shows how reported data feeds into strategy review and enforcement.

Lesson 1 • Regional Emissions Control Regulations

Surveys emission control areas and regional carbon pricing schemes that complement IMO rules. Prepares students for multi-jurisdictional compliance planning.

Lesson 2 • Energy Efficiency Design Index for New Ships

Covers the design-phase efficiency standard applied to newbuildings. Connects design choices to long-term fleet carbon intensity.

Lesson 3 • Carbon Intensity Indicator Rating System

Details the annual operational rating that grades ships A through E. Enables students to calculate ratings and interpret corrective action obligations.

Lesson 4 • Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index

Explains the retrofit-focused efficiency rating for vessels already in service. Bridges design-phase standards with operational fleet management.

Lesson 1 • Liquefied Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel

Assesses LNG's emissions benefits, methane slip risks, and infrastructure status. Positions LNG within the broader fuel transition debate.

Lesson 2 • Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Pathways

Examines hydrogen and ammonia as zero-carbon fuel candidates. Covers production routes, safety challenges, and readiness timelines.

Lesson 3 • Methanol and Bio-Based Fuels

Reviews green methanol, bio-LNG, and advanced biofuels as near-term alternatives. Evaluates sustainability criteria and feedstock availability constraints.

Lesson 4 • Fuel Lifecycle Assessment and Well-to-Wake Analysis

Applies lifecycle thinking to compare fuels on a consistent emissions basis. Equips students to evaluate fuel claims using standardized methodologies.

Lesson 1 • Onboard Power and Heat Management

Addresses waste heat recovery, cold ironing, and auxiliary power optimization. Demonstrates how onboard energy systems contribute to overall efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Newbuilding Design for Future Fuel Readiness

Guides design decisions that enable future fuel switching without full rebuild. Prepares students to advise on future-proof vessel specifications.

Lesson 3 • Propulsion System Efficiency Improvements

Examines propeller design, shaft systems, and propulsion energy recovery. Links propulsion efficiency to overall vessel fuel consumption.

Lesson 4 • Wind-Assisted Propulsion Technologies

Reviews rotor sails, wing sails, kites, and suction sails as auxiliary propulsion. Quantifies fuel savings potential and integration challenges.

Lesson 1 • Trim, Draft, and Loading Optimization

Explains how cargo loading and ballast management affect hydrodynamic resistance. Provides practical tools for optimizing vessel trim at sea.

Lesson 2 • Crew Training and Behavioral Change

Addresses the human factor in operational efficiency and emissions reduction. Links crew competency and culture to sustained performance improvements.

Lesson 3 • Fleet Carbon Performance Management

Introduces KPIs, dashboards, and reporting systems for fleet-level emissions tracking. Enables students to build and manage a carbon performance monitoring program.

Lesson 4 • Voyage Planning and Route Optimization

Covers weather routing, current exploitation, and port scheduling to minimize fuel use. Connects voyage planning decisions to measurable emissions reductions.

Lesson 1 • Shipping Decarbonization Investment Landscape

Maps the actors, funds, and programs financing maritime decarbonization globally. Provides a strategic overview of where capital is flowing and why.

Lesson 2 • Freight Rate Impacts and Commercial Structures

Analyzes how decarbonization costs flow through charter parties and freight contracts. Prepares students to negotiate green clauses in commercial agreements.

Lesson 3 • Total Cost of Ownership for Green Vessels

Applies lifecycle cost analysis to compare conventional and low-carbon vessel options. Enables students to build investment cases for green newbuildings and retrofits.

Lesson 4 • Carbon Pricing Mechanisms in Shipping

Explains how carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes apply to maritime transport. Connects pricing signals to investment decisions and operational choices.

Lesson 1 • Stakeholder Engagement and Green Communication

Covers how to communicate decarbonization commitments to investors, customers, and regulators. Addresses greenwashing risks and credibility standards.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Risk and Scenario Planning

Applies scenario analysis to anticipate regulatory changes and their fleet impacts. Builds organizational resilience to policy uncertainty.

Lesson 3 • Fleet Decarbonization Roadmap Development

Guides the construction of a phased, measurable fleet emissions reduction plan. Integrates technical, operational, and financial levers into a coherent strategy.

Lesson 4 • Supply Chain and Port Ecosystem Collaboration

Examines how collaboration with ports, fuel suppliers, and cargo owners accelerates decarbonization. Identifies partnership models that reduce transition costs.