Maritime Education, Training and Research: an overview

Last Updated: Aug 2020

PVC Research & Knowledge Exchange

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Executive summary

The maritime industry is of major significance to the UK as evidenced by its direct

contribution of a total turnover of £46.1 billion to the UK’s economy and the creation of over
a million direct and indirect jobs. Over 95% of the country’s trade flows through the nation’s
ports and its reliance on shipborne trade is on the rise. The UK continues to be the leading
player in the sector with several of the key stakeholders, such as Lloyd’s Register and other
institutions, such as the International Maritime Organisation, based in the country.
UK-regulated ships as well as the certificates of competency as issued by the UK Maritime
and Coastguard Agency, which is the government’s regulatory arm for the maritime sector,
to the seafarers are both highly sought after in the world as they carry the mark of quality.
A number of shipping companies based in the UK and overseas recognise this and sponsor
their cadets and officers to train in the UK. At the same time, a good section of self-paying
seafarers from across the globe also chooses to train in the UK to advance their careers. As
the maritime sector competes at a global level and some of the competing authorities and
institutions based in other countries try to win competition through cost advantage, the UK
since 1998 has been successfully running a support scheme, called the Support for Maritime
Training (SMarT) which pays up to 50% of actual training costs to the UK based training
providers (shipping companies) who sponsor the trainees. The amount of SMarT Support has
been increasing and recently doubled which only indicates the importance and longevity of
maritime education and training (MET) in the UK.
Among the MET Institutions in the UK, Solent University, Southampton stands tall. It has over
118 years of history of quality, innovation and dedication in MET and is readily recognised as
the leading institution in the world. Over this period it has changed its location, governance
and name on numerous occasions but throughout retained its status as the leading MET
Institution offering maritime excellence. The name ‘Warsash’ has a strong brand recognition
globally. The University’s ambitious Maritime Strategy 2020 (Maritime Strategy, Solent 2016)
and the associated capital investment has ensured that Solent retains its rightful place as the
leading Maritime University globally.
The maritime identity adds to the University’s USP and offers a distinctive feature which is
unparalleled in the UK. It is the only MET Institution in the country with higher education
(HE) status where doctoral studies, post graduate, under graduate and sub-degree courses
are run together with over 150 different types of professional short courses each running
several times annually. The maritime subjects offered in the University range from naval
architecture for yachts and maritime business to courses for every stage of the career in the
merchant navy. As a part of the HE sector, the maritime provisions in Solent University,
Southampton offers an unparalleled advantage in the culture of learning and teaching,
application of pedagogy, research and consultancy in topical maritime subjects, such as
automation and emission control, classroom and online facilities as well as in the quality of
staff over its competitors. The maritime School also has a strong track record of engaging
with several key research, innovation and knowledge exchange projects.
During the last five years, the maritime provision in the University has benefitted from major
investment to its facilities, such as Europe’s largest Maritime Simulation Centre,
modernisation of the courses as per new pedagogic research and a significant increase in its
reach internationally both by increasing intake and through franchise partnerships. As a
result, student numbers as well as research outputs and income from the maritime provisions
are on the rise.

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Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................................2
1.0 THE MARITIME HISTORY OF SOLENT UNIVERSITY, SOUTHAMPTON .............................................................4
2.0 INVESTMENT AND RELOCATION ..................................................................................................................7
3.0 MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING AS A STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE .......................................................8
3.1 NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY AND MARITIME STRATEGY ....................................................................................... 8

3.2 NATIONAL EDUCATION STRATEGY ......................................................................................................................... 10

3.3 REGIONALLY ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.4 INTERNATIONALLY.............................................................................................................................................. 13

4.0 RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE .................................................................................................. 16

4.1 RESEARCH THEMES IN MARITIME .......................................................................................................................... 16

4.2 RECENT RESEARCH PROJECTS................................................................................................................................ 17

4.3 RESEARCH DEGREES ........................................................................................................................................... 19

5.0 MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING ..................................................................................................... 20

5.1 SEAFARER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ................................................................................................................... 21

5.2 MARITIME BUSINESS .......................................................................................................................................... 22

5.3 NAVAL ARCHITECTURE........................................................................................................................................ 23

5.4 PORTFOLIO COMPARISON .................................................................................................................................... 24

6.0 INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT ................................................................................................................... 25

7.0 KEY EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS .................................................................................................................. 28
8.0 INDUSTRY TRENDS ..................................................................................................................................... 29
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................. 31

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1.0 The maritime history of Solent University, Southampton

Maritime education and training is the University’s second-oldest roots. It dates back to 1902
when it was granted university college status, known as the Hartley Institute of the
Southampton University College (later University of Southampton) and based in South Hill in
the city of Southampton (Aldridge, 1996).
In 1932, it merged with the Gilchrist Navigation School offering courses for both nautical and
civil air navigation. Residential cadet courses began in 1937 with cadets completing a sea
preparatory course and 1939 the school moved to a new home at South Stoneham House in
Swaythling where it remained until 1946.
During the Second World War the school remained open to train mariners, all students and
cadets joined the Local Defence Volunteers (Home Guard) and additional courses were
created for existing officers from the armed services and abroad. By 1942 the school had over
180 sea cadets in training and it was decided the school should be moved to a larger campus,
which incorporated the existing HMS Tormentor operations base, just outside the village of
Warsash.

The University’s Maritime history

By 1946, the entire school had moved to Warsash and included over 316 students and 32 staff
(with the name of the college now officially recorded as the Southampton School of
Navigation). In 1957 a new building programme at the college began to replace the existing
temporary WW2 structures. Three new residential blocks were created, as well as a refectory
building and a new teaching block. By 1967, a new teaching block had again been constructed
and the school was now offering tanker courses as well as a BSc in Nautical Science. By 1972,
the school was the first institution in the world to offer simulation for the education of deck
officers, followed a few years later by the worlds’ first marine engine room simulator.

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In 1969, Yacht Design undergraduate course was launched which over the years evolved and
gained an international reputation. It provides essential skills in both the design and
production of yachts and commercial crafts. The course has been developed in conjunction
with the industry and is routinely updated to ensure it serves the industry needs.
In 1970, the school removed itself from the governance of Southampton University. By 1978,
the school had purchased additional grounds and had built a new fire ground. In 1984, the
college went through a significant change, when it merged with the Southampton College of
Technology, meaning that for the first time engineers were trained on the same campus, as
merchant navy deck officers.
The merger of the Southampton College of Art, Southampton College of Technology, and the
College of Nautical Studies at Warsash led to the establishment of the Southampton Institute
of Higher Education in 1984, the predecessor to Solent University. The school was renamed
Warsash Maritime Centre and went through a period of building expansion which included a
new pier, library and engineering block. It was not until the 1990s that the college would
again change dramatically when in 1996 some of the campus on the eastern side of Newtown
Road in Warsash was sold to provide funds for a new internationally acclaimed manned model
training facility in Marchwood, which moved to Timsbury Lake in 2011.
In 2004, a new Maritime Business undergraduate programme was launched to produce
graduates for taking on the mid-level to senior-level management responsibilities in the
growing support industry around maritime trade. Students learn real-world problems derived
from the maritime industry, explore the practicable applications of theoretical and technical
concepts and processes, and develop an analytical approach to problem-solving along with
teamwork, managerial, and effective communication skills.
In 2006, the Warsash Maritime Centre became Warsash Maritime Academy, and by then ran
courses for more than 800 officer cadets and thousands of maritime professional short course
students throughout the year as the UK’s pre-eminent officer cadet provider. By 2014, the
School had outgrown its ageing facilities, which were limiting further growth and innovation
and which were also starting to damage the reputation. A strategic review led to the decision
to relocate parts of the School back to Southampton, the University’s home base and the
centre of the local maritime cluster. To fully unleash new strategic opportunities the Warsash
Maritime Academy fully merged with the University’s Maritime and Technology Faculty in
2015 to form the School of Maritime Science and Engineering, which in 2017 was renamed
Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering.
For over six decades the name ‘Warsash’ has been closely associated with the highest
standard of maritime education and training in the UK. Whether Warsash Maritime Centre,
Warsash Maritime Academy or Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering, the name
‘Warsash’ is recognised promptly by the maritime community the world over. So, despite
relocating the majority of the maritime education and training provisions away from Warsash,
in 2017 the Senior Management in the University felt the importance of retaining the name
Warsash in the name of the School and making Warsash Maritime Academy a defunct entity.
With its new structure, new facilities backed by significant investment and a strong workforce
the School is now placed at a good position to further expand its business and its leading role
in maritime education and training on an international level.

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 Location of Solent University in the South of England

Over the years the University’s maritime provision has developed a range of USPs which
differentiates it from its competitors both on national and global levels. It:

• Is the only Maritime Education and Training Institutions worldwide with a

comprehensive offer including officer cadet education, degree programmes, safety
training, manned model ship handling, ship and port simulation and marine
engineering laboratories;
• Is the only officer cadet education provider in the UK with higher education status,
including degree awarding and research degree awarding power;
• Operates Europe’s largest ship and port simulation centre;
• Operates one of only five manned model ship handling centres worldwide;
• Operates the only centre globally which can offer courses involving both manned
model ship handling and maritime simulation
• Operates the largest UK cadet programme outside of Britain (200+ cadets in Greece);
• Carries out leading research on safety and sustainable maritime industry along three
themes of people, technology and environment;
• Is the birthplace to maritime simulation and in general the pioneer for new
developments in maritime research, education and training;
• Offers globally famous higher education degrees in Yacht Engineering (since 1969) and
Maritime Business (since 2004).

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2.0 Investment and Relocation

Maritime education and training has been located at Warsash since the 1940s, and the site
has been developed incrementally over the years to respond to evolving regulation and
demands from the marine industry, as well as to accommodate specialist equipment and
technology required for training. Following the completion of a review initiated in early 2014,
it was recognised that there was a need to bring maritime education and training onto a long
term sustainable footing equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century and exploit
opportunities to increase capacity to train and educate more seafarers to address the growing
skills gap in the UK and globally.
However, the accommodation and facilities in Warsash were no longer able to offer it as it
was unviable for repair while some of the buildings (the Cadets' residence Hudson, Shackleton
and Wilson, linked walkway and refectory block Moyana) were listed in the Government
National Heritage List for England. Several options were considered by the University,
including renovating all of the facilities and buildings on the Warsash Site, the sale of the
entire Warsash Site and relocating or leasing existing facilities in and around Southampton.
After careful consideration the decision was taken to separate Warsash Campus into the
Upper Site, in which the classroom and simulation-based learning took place, and the Lower
Site, in which hands-on Safety Training, involving fire, survival and medical courses were
conducted. The latter had to be in close proximity to water and in a place where firefighting
courses could also be carried out, while the Upper Site could be sold off to commercial buyers
and the teaching facilities relocated to a convenient location in Southampton.
The first phase of this investment took place over the summer of 2017 for relocating the
classroom-based and engineering workshop provisions for officer cadet training to a
refurbished and dedicated space, the Austen Building, within the Southampton City College
facilities. The facility was put into use from Sep 2017. Austen Building is located within 15
minutes of walking distance from the University’s main campus at East Park Terrace (EPT)
which helped the cadets experience the same level of facilities as the rest of the students in
the University. The officer cadets now enjoy a distinctive modern teaching environment,
including brand new engineering workshops, a welding area, electrical and control
laboratories and Marine Electro-Technical Officer (METO) workshops. The facility was
inaugurated by HRH Princess Royal on 18 Jan 2018 and is highly appreciated by the maritime
world.
Over the summer of the year 2018, floors 4, 5 and 6 of the Reginald Mitchell Building in EPT
were refurbished for moving the majority of the offices and teaching provisions for merchant
navy senior officers, superyacht certification, maritime safety management, and leadership
and security courses from Warsash Upper Site. Upon completion, in Sep 2018 the newly
refurbished offices and classrooms were occupied by the students and staff across the School
including those involved in teaching Maritime Business, Yacht Engineering and Senior
Seafarers. The project was supported by Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) funding.
The third and final phase of the move from the Warsash Upper Site was completed with the
opening of the Gosling Foundation Maritime Simulation Centre in May 2019. The new Centre
combines all forms of simulation-led training facilities in the maritime provision under one
roof. The School was the worldwide-first institution to pioneer the use of simulation in the
1970s and by investing in the latest technology it continued to maintain its leading position
globally. This facility is the largest ship and port simulation training centre in Europe and
includes sophisticated leading-edge simulators for the education of deck officers, engineering

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officers, marine pilots, naval architects and those working in transport and transfer of oil
and gas. As well as providing students with an unrivalled facility, the simulation centre is
extensively used for commercial contracts, consultation and research. The centre attracts
business from all over the globe and helps to cement the University’s standing in the
international maritime industry. This latest facility also demonstrates how the University has
responded to the need to provide the workforce with the skills necessary to keep pace with
technological change. The facility was formally opened by the President of the UK Chamber
of Shipping on 21 May 2019. LEP funding and philanthropic donation from Gosling Foundation
supported the build.

2019: Modern facilities for maritime education and training in Solent University

The University is now in the middle of delivering the final phase of the University’s Maritime
Strategy 2020, i.e. the refurbishment of the Safety Training Centre located in the Lower Site
in Warsash. This practical training complex focuses on maritime and offshore fire, medical
and survival training.

3.0 Maritime Education and Training as a strategic importance

3.1 National Industrial Strategy and Maritime Strategy

The University’s national outputs directly support the maritime sector’s £17.0 billion Gross
Value Added (GVA) contribution to the UK economy and the 220,100 jobs across marine,
shipping, maritime business services and ports. With the inclusion of additional value
generated by jobs in associated industries that supply the maritime sector, and the spending
of employees’ wages, this rises to £108.8 billion GVA and 1.1 m jobs (Cebr, 2019a). In a time
when the country is working to boost productivity, it is critical to recognise that the maritime
sector’s productivity is 42% higher than the national average. It also contributes £5.3 billion
to the exchequer in tax.
Today, maritime is the fundamental enabler of British global trade – 95% of all goods are
moved by ship and through ports – totalling over £500 billion. The sector also innovates and
manufactures its own products and services. With cutting-edge technology, high-quality
design & manufacturing, unparalleled expertise in services and major investment
opportunities, the UK is a globally competitive maritime centre.

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The University has directly shaped Maritime 2050, the UK government’s vision for the future
of the British maritime sector. Published in January 2019, the vision sets out an “ambition to
be a world-leading maritime nation long into the future” (Former Secretary of State for
Transport, The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling MP). Nusrat Ghani MP, the then Parliamentary Under-
Secretary of State at the Department for Transport with responsibility for maritime,
highlighted the importance of the “welfare and talent of our maritime people”. “Without
them, their dedication and high-quality skills, the maritime industry simply would not
function,” she wrote in her Foreword. The maritime industry is the enabler for UK
manufacturers and suppliers to reach out into international markets, and the University is a
major player in ensuring that the industry’s education and skills are enhanced for the future.
Also, as an international educator and with a physical presence in many countries around the
world, the University is sharing its expertise to give overseas students the benefits of the
institution’s comprehensive offer.

Maritime 2050 Strategy (Department of Transport)

The insight and guidance offered by the University will be critical to addressing the issues
highlighted by the Department for Transport’s Maritime Growth Study which forecast a
shortfall of around 3,500 trained UK deck and engineer officers at sea by 2021. In addition,
a report by Oxera Consulting (2015), which discusses the international competitiveness of the
UK Maritime Sector, suggests that if the future supply of seafarers does not increase from
2010 levels, there will be a global shortfall of around 80,000 seafarers by 2020. As highlighted
in Maritime 2050, the role of universities in addressing this gap is crucial, as is setting

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benchmarks for the promotion of industry standards in safety, regulation and seafarer
welfare.
Utilising the school’s significant expertise, the University has effected change in maritime
industry regulation, law and wider public policy. It significantly contributed to the
development of Maritime 2050 by responding to the call for evidence and hosted a roundtable
discussion in the House of Commons, chaired by The Rt Hon. Admiral the Lord West of
Spithead, the University’s Chancellor at the time. As part of the development of the UK
Maritime 2050 strategy the University was asked to host a number of workshops for the
Department of Transport.

2018: Nusrat Ghani MP, Shipping Minister interacted with cadets in Solent University

The University is also regularly and closely consulted by the UK Maritime and Coastguard
Agency (MCA), the executive branch of the Department of Transport which regulates
maritime affairs. The MCA often develops new regulations based on research and other
insights of the University’s professional practice, such as the research into seafarer’s fatigue
or the insight into skills fade of seafarers.
Brexit and with it a higher reliance on international trade outside the European Union will
further increase the strategic importance of maritime transport. The UK government is also
considering the implementation of free ports, with Southampton as one first ports under
consideration.

3.2 National Education Strategy

STEM Subject
The maritime provision in the University sits comfortably with the government’s objectives
to increase education in STEM subjects. The demand for STEM subjects in the UK such as in
manufacturing, software, IT and construction is on the rise with the rate of growth of

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employment predicted at an average rate of 12% between 2014 and 2024 while the
replacement demand in the same period in these professions is rising at a faster pace of at
least around 30% (UK Commission for Employment and Skills, 2016).
LEO and DLHE
The maritime graduates will also substantially assist the University’s Longitudinal Education
Outcomes (LEO) data. In the last Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DHLE)
commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) in 2017, 97.3% of Warsash cadets were
in a professional or managerial job six months after graduation as compared to 71.0%
nationally. Warsash cadet graduate salaries also compare favourably and are 55.8% above UK
average.
HEIF
The University receives annual Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) funding for
knowledge exchange activities. 80.5% of the University’s HEIF award relates to NCB (Non-
Credit-Bearing) income, all of which barring a few outliers are received from conducting
maritime professional short courses. Furthermore, the School contributes to the HEIF award
with consultancy income.
As a joint-lead partner of wider Solent-based consortium of HEI, FEI and industry, Solent
University is also considering to submit an application to the DfE for funding for an Institute
of Technology (IoT). The pre-application, submitted in March 2020, focuses on level 4-6
provision for ‘Green Maritime’, ‘Transportation and Logistics’ and ‘4th Industrial Revolution’.
SMarT Funding
The importance of the sector is also evident from the fact that successive UK governments
have continued to support maritime education and training in the country through a
dedicated Government support knows as Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme
(SMarT, 2018). It has been running since April 1998 which started with an annual budget of
£12 million and supports courses approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA,
2020) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) for the training of officers, officer cadets
and ratings. The Government’s principal objective in supporting merchant navy training is to
facilitate an adequate supply of UK maritime expertise to meet the nation’s economic and
strategic requirements. The funding covers up to 50% of actual training cost and is for the
sponsoring companies to claim on behalf of trainees who are enrolled in the scheme.
In 2013 the SMarT budget was increased by £3 million to £15 million a year. This was in
recognition of the importance of sustaining the UK’s skills base for this important sector.
Furthermore, in April 2018 the Government announced doubling of its commitment for SMarT
to £30 million annually by introducing SMarT Plus Scheme with the aim to increasing cadet
intake from 750 to 1200 annually and extend the support to newly qualified SMarT Plus
officers to gain the 12 months sea time experience that is required to enable them to progress
to their second Certificate of Competency. The move clearly shows that British cadets and
their high standard of maritime education and training provided in the UK MET such as in
Solent University, Southampton are seen as a strategic priority for the Government (Support
for Maritime Training (SMarT) Funding, 2020; Written statement to Parliament: Support for
maritime training, 2018; Guidance: Support for maritime training (SMarT), 2018).

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 Survival Courses in Safety Training delivered in Solent University, Southampton

3.3 Regionally
Twenty per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership
(LEP) area, where the institution is based, is created by marine and maritime-related
activity. The region’s port exports over £40 billion of manufactured goods each year and over
90 per cent of it to outside the EU. The city has nine shipping lines, with 110 sailings to 52
ports in 40 countries each month, and is Northern Europe’s biggest cruise port with over five
million passengers a year. The Solent LEP strategic plan identifies innovation as driving 70
per cent of long-term economic growth and outlines the role of universities in supporting
innovation and generating economic advantage.
As outlined in a report of the Centre for Economics and Research (Cebr, 2019b) the maritime
sector comprises 20% (or £5.8 billion) of the Solent area's regional economic output and
provides 152,000 jobs (direct, indirect and induced). The broader region is recognised
globally as a centre of excellence for marine and maritime, and work undertaken through
the LEP’s Innovation and Business Support Delivery Panel highlighted marine data (including
the development of marine vessel autonomy) as having high-growth potential. The economic
plan recognises the direct contribution of £6.7 m. per annum that the University is generating
from IP, research and consultancy and the role that its facilities, expertise and technical
support play in achieving this.
The Solent Skills Advisory Panel's Local Skills and Labour Market Analysis has identified that
changes in job context and type of job tasks performed are expected to create a need for
higher level qualifications in the Solent region. Over a 10-year period, at least 93,600 job
openings (39% of all jobs) are projected to require a Level 4+ skill.
The region is also home to the Headquarters of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA), an executive branch of the Department for Transport which takes the role as the
regulator for Port and Flag state related activities, to Lloyds Register, one of the world’s
largest maritime classification society, and to the UK’s Royal Navy.
On a longer-term basis, a project is underway at Fawley Waterside, the site of a disused
power station, to build a new “smart” city, with new facilities in support of state-of-the-art
digital and marine technology development. This will support an estimated 2000 jobs. This is
one of the largest brown-field redevelopment projects in the UK. The developers have
identified the University as a stakeholder in informing the process of the development.

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 Regional Importance of Solent University, Southampton

3.4 Internationally
Over 90% of the global trade by volume is moved by cargo ships which require around 1.7
million seafarers to operate. The need for highly qualified seafarers is growing globally and
is increasingly taken up by the labour from places such as China, Philippines, India and
countries in Eastern Europe. However, in the more niche areas, such as in the offshore
industry, local ferry business, gas and such other alternative fuel trade, cruise sector and
superyacht business there is a significant demand for the seafaring labour from the more
traditional maritime nations, such as the UK.
The reliance on seafarers may in the future change gradually due to the growing use of
automation, however, for the foreseeable future there are clear indications from multiple
sources (see ICS, 2020) that the demand for officers is growing (it grew by 24% in the last five
years) which means there will be a shortfall of approximately 16,500 officers globally. It is
projected that as digitisation and automation begin to have a greater impact in the sector,
there would be a change in the requirement of seafarers’ skill sets and knowledge base in
areas such as information technology and data management which METs such as Solent
University, Southampton would be able to deliver.
The other and equally crucial development in the sector at an international level is the
pressing need for reducing emission by, for instance, moving to alternative fuel, such as
Liquid Natural Gas. In order to meet the emission target set by the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) the ship’s officers as well as those supporting from ashore would also need
to be upskilled as it will bring in new safety challenges of working with low flashpoint fuel.
These two developments alone would lead to a demand for considerable upskilling of those
serving the industry and not necessarily lead to a reduction of training the seafarers
(UNCTAD, 2019). The University is continually building its knowledge base through research
and innovation and the use of both digital (Maritime Simulation Centre) and physical

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(Timsbury Lake) simulation in the University and evolving its course structure to bring in the
most up-to-date knowledge to the classroom.

Maritime Safety Training facilities in Warsash

In the UK, the key maritime Institutions are in Glasgow, Fleetwood, South Shields and
Southampton. Among them Solent University, Southampton has maintained its leading
position and its identity as the quality provider globally and by offering a wide range of
courses relevant to the sector. It is fair to say, that on an international stage, no other
institution engaged in maritime and education has cut an enviable reputation for the high
quality of its tuition. The same was also evidenced in the audit report of the European
Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the European Union agency charged with reducing the risk
of maritime accidents, marine pollution from ships and the loss of human lives at sea by
helping to enforce the pertinent EU legislation:
“… few of the other institutions audited by EMSA across Europe and other
regions of the world have demonstrated such a comprehensive approach [as
Warsash] to quality management, course design, development and continuous
improvement.”
The Department for International Trade, which is keen to export UK maritime training and
education, has asked the University to develop maritime training and education provided in
other countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. As a result
of its reputation, the University is also part of an Erasmus project with partners in Germany,
Finland and South Africa, undertaking research on effective capability building in maritime
education for South Africa, in support of their Government’s plans to develop their maritime
economy. In the same vein, the University is also undertaking a study on how to increase the
standard of maritime education and training in the Philippines, the largest global supplier of
maritime workforce.
Also, in 2019, the University was identified by the Universities UK International as one of the
key potential players in the UK for delivering the Skills for Prosperity Fund project which
required maritime expertise from the UK to be transferred to Further and Higher Education
Institutes in Indonesia.

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 Boats built by Yacht Design students in Solent University, Southampton

What makes the University distinctive from other education providers is that it covers the
full range of education for professionals who make a contribution at sea as well as ashore in
various capacities, such as in the ship operation, port management and international
logistics, yacht and powercraft design, maritime business and international logistics. It has
also identified new opportunities to attract learners, for example, developing specialist
maritime units in business-related qualifications. The latter point is significant. Recent
trends show that functional specialists recruited from outside the maritime industry in areas
such as human resources and finance need support with ship-to-shore qualifications. In
response to this trend, the University has blended maritime studies with other parts of its
portfolio, including business and law, media and communications, psychology and
environmental science courses.
Its track record of delivering excellence as one of the world’s most comprehensive maritime
education training and research providers is best demonstrated by focusing on its
achievements in three areas: a) education and training; b) research; c) public policy.
Shipping is an inherently international industry and it is therefore not surprising that a large
proportion of the maritime students are international. Approximately, 58% of the students
are from UK, 22% from the EU/ EEA while 20% are International.
Greece which owns 49% of European fleet and as a major player globally is ranked as one of
the leading maritime nations in the world. The mutual maritime connection between the two
nations is reflected in the growing partnership between Solent University, Southampton and
the Metropolitan College in Greece. Since 2016 the franchise partnership as well as research
collaboration between the two institutes have been on the rise. At present there are nearly
400 franchised students on the maritime programmes including cadet course and maritime
business studying in Metropolitan College, Greece.
The University has also been often tasked in the past to write model courses for the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations agency with responsibility for
the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution
by ships, meaning that many of the course conducted worldwide are based on the work of
the University’s staff. The University’s research has also informed and influenced the
international maritime policymaking by the IMO.

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4.0 Research and Knowledge Exchange
The highest standard of maritime training and education in Solent University, Southampton
draws from its strength in research and knowledge exchange. The School pioneered in the
use of some of the key facilities such as the bridge, engine room and liquid cargo operations
simulators as well as the specialist ship handling training facility, which is the only one in the
UK, and one of only a few major centres in the world, and are routinely used for research
purposes. The University’s engagement with the industries both internationally and locally in
the wider maritime sector has led to the growth in the research profile as its aims to make
the sector smarter, sustainable and socially responsible.
With its long history and association with shipping, ports and seafarer training, maritime
research is one of the University’s major strengths. The focus is on applied research, which
aims to find a solution to an immediate problem facing an industrial/business organisation or
society. Funded projects are delivered in partnership with businesses, industry regulators,
non-government organisations, policymakers and academic partners in the UK and beyond.
Research expertise includes a specific focus on maritime training (including the use of
technology) for employment, health and safety, gender and welfare. For example, the
University’s research on human factors at sea is undertaken collaboratively with key industry
stakeholders, such as the Lloyds Register Foundation and the TK Foundation in the UK and
overseas with engagement and contribution from UK and regionally based marine businesses.
It aims to strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of the industry through
greater workforce diversity and risk reduction. This focus on human factors is complementary
to technological and environmental research undertaken at other prominent institutions such
as the National Oceanography Centre, with whom the institution has worked collaboratively
on several research projects.

4.1 Research themes in maritime

The University's research can be broadly categorised into three key themes within the science
and engineering research base for a safe and sustainable maritime future. These are People,
Technology, and Environment.
People
Fundamental to the success of the global maritime sector are people, their protection and
wellbeing, and their education and training. Research at Solent is leading global efforts to
improve global maritime safety standards, understand the complex employment relationships
and the impacts of changing employment models.
Technology
Solent University is investigating novel and innovative solutions, new technologies are being
tested, and officers trained in their use. The implication of autonomous vessels and their
interactions with human crews are being investigated. Research is creating solutions for a
cleaner, safer and more efficient industry.
Environment
It is increasing clear that a global response to deliver a cleaner maritime sector is urgently
needed. Research at Solent is directly impacting the practise and behaviour of maritime
businesses, industries, and government agencies to reduce global environmental impact and
deliver a sustainable maritime sector.

16
4.2 Recent research projects
Gender, Empowerment and Multicultural Crews (GEM)
Research into seafarer’s welfare and on-board experiences has drawn on the unique access
to data from current and former maritime students at the University, as well as comparable
data from China’s Shanghai Maritime University and Nigeria’s National Maritime Academy.
This has helped to establish patterns relating to the welfare of seafarers, particularly women,
and how they are treated on board in today’s multicultural working environment.
The research recommendations reveal a range of measures that may lead to further
engagement of women with the industry, both from a macro and micro level. The
recommendations also highlight potential solutions to help support seafarers and enable them
to feel safe on board regardless of their gender, nationality, or rank.
The project strives to improve the welfare and working conditions on board for all crew, by
empowering and supporting women who may be experiencing discrimination and harassment.
It has identified gaps in current knowledge, raised awareness of the wider issues surrounding
multicultural crews, so that women seafarers can be supported in addressing them and play
a fuller role on board ships and beyond.
The project was shortlisted for the 2017 Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and
Social Sciences award at the Times Higher Education Awards

Projects Horizon and Martha

Project Horizon was a EU funded multi partner project led by Solent University, Southampton
which helped form a significant impact within the shipping industry on the importance of
managing fatigue, in terms of sleepiness, safety and welfare of seafarers and also its longer
term psycho-social effects. Evidence from accident records and research literature suggest
that 25 per cent of marine casualties are caused by fatigue. The project looked into the
effects of sleepiness on the cognitive performance of maritime watch keepers under different
watch patterns, using ships’ bridge, engine and liquid cargo handling simulators
demonstrating conclusively the links between performance degradation and certain patterns
of work. The project surpassed previous subjective fatigue studies, delivering validated,
scientifically and statistically robust results.
The Martha Research Project which followed Project Horizon was sponsored by TK
Foundation and led by Solent University. It found that fatigue can result in long-term physical
and mental health issues such as moods and social cohesion and that individual motivation
decreases over the length of the voyage. It explored physical data on sleep patterns and the
impact of fatigue at sea and the use of such data driven initiatives for developing fatigue risk
management systems (FRMS) as used in the aviation industry. The result helped influencing
policies at international and national levels and was also considered by some of the leading
shipping companies globally.

Regulations for marine autonomous systems ‘MAXCMAS’

Compliance with current and future regulations is instrumental to the wide-scale exploitation
of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) at sea. Satisfactory autonomous operation in accordance

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with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (Colregs) is
furthermore pivotal to maritime safety. Machine execution of the Colregs has been
investigated in limited circumstances.
Project MAXCMAS developed a comprehensive capability and demonstrate satisfactory
execution in real-world representative sea trials. Including a demonstration of autonomous
control of a USV for mine counter measure operations, and broader USV applications along
with navigational support for larger conventional vessels.
A key innovation included the use of Solent’s networked bridge simulators to investigate
human reaction when encountering an autonomous vessel.

Port Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS)

Small and medium sized ports and marinas are facing huge challenges to reduce their carbon
footprint and their energy consumption. These ports often do not have the knowledge, time,
or the means to analyse and determine which low carbon technologies are available and what
the effects on costs, energy and carbon reduction will be as a result of installing them. The
PECS project has been created to help ports understand their carbon footprint and find best
practice to reduce them. The project aims to develop and to test different tools and
technologies to support these ports in reducing their carbon footprint to make their
functioning more energy-efficient in a cost-effective way.
A consortium of 10 partners from four European countries, led by the Port of Oostende,
knowledge institutions, port authorities, industry and public authorities are working together
within the framework of the cross-border Interreg 2 Seas program in order to test and
implement different technologies and methods in the field of renewable energy production,
energy recuperation and energy storage on land and in the water.
The project is co-financed by the European Fund for Regional Development (ERFD) under
grant agreement No 2S03-009. Also, the Dutch Province of North-Holland is offering financial
support.
www.pecs2seas.eu

Implementation of Ship Hybridisation (ISHY)

The Implementation of Ship Hybridisation project (ISHY), was awarded almost €16 million by
the Interreg 2 Seas program and private investment, to investigate at the options for green
technology in the maritime industry.
This cross-border collaboration of 15 partners across the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and
France, will help the industry to lower carbon emissions.
The project will run until 2022 and aims to test and validate a number of technical tools and
business models for the implementation of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in ships
and ports. The project will pilot:
• Construction of a CTV (crew transfer vessel) with hydrogen propulsion.
• Retrofitting of a barge with a hydrogen-based propulsion system.
• Construction of a new passenger vessel with hydrogen propulsion system.
• Installation of hybrid configuration in a small inspection vessel.

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 • Development of a hydrogen fuel cell module for use in various types of ships.
• Concept of hydrogen bunker facilities for a port.
https://www.interreg2seas.eu/en/ISHY

Intelligent Ship Centre (IGNITE)

Varying degrees of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) vessels are becoming an
increasing part of the modern maritime industry. These technologies are expected to
generate new opportunities for environmental efficiency, safety through the removal of
human error, and operational cost reductions. However, the necessary operational,
regulatory, and training frameworks have not developed in parallel. Most of the current
frameworks (e.g. COLREG, SOLAS, STCW) were developed before MASS was envisaged. This
poses important and intertwined challenges, including safe operation of these vessels in the
same sea areas as manned vessels, and the skills and training required for a rapidly changing
workforce.
The IGNITE project will bring together the expertise of Solent University and Wartsila. To
provide a novel and unique MASS testing and training facility. Solent University’s Timsbury
Lake Ship Handling Centre (SHC) is one of only five manned model testing and training
facilities world-wide. Solent University is the only institution worldwide with both advanced
manned model and simulation capability through the associated ‘Class A’ full mission Gosling
Foundation Maritime Simulation Centre (MSC). The IGNITE project will innovatively link the
manned model and simulation centres providing training and testing for MASS systems. The
project will enable complex simulation of real traffic interactions and high-risk manoeuvring
in a safe and controlled environment.

Ship Handling Facilities in Timsbury Lake, Solent University, Southampton

4.3 Research degrees

Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research
that addresses real world problems. It offers opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy
(MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Professional Doctorate degree in a number of areas.
Historically, one of the key research strengths of Solent has been in maritime, with its long
history and association with shipping, ports and seafarer training. The focus is on applied

19
research and innovation that makes a real impact on industry, including a specific focus on
maritime education and training (including the use of technology), employment, health and
safety, gender, and welfare.
The University also has a developing area of research relating to sustainability and resilience,
including environmental accounting, life cycle assessment; environmental impacts, and
modelling. Other areas of research include materials science and additive manufacturing;
acoustics; computer networks, immersive technologies, multimedia communication, and
software engineering; as well as sustainable design and the built environment.

Current PhD and MPhil research

The University’s PhD students work on a range of cutting-edge research projects investigating
issues in the marine and maritime environment. Some of recently completed and current
research projects include:
• The First Chinese Maritime Code: The Shi-Bo Law of the 14th Century
• An evaluation of spatial variation in the dissolution of sacrificial anodes in the
Solent and implications for management
• An exploration of well-being/mental health issues amongst seafarers
• Critical examination of the value of LNG as an Alternative Marine Fuel
• Towards a sustainable relationship between the Cruise Industry and Small Island
Developing States in the OECS
• The Control of Dynamic Trim and Heave with Hydrofoils on Semi-Displacement
Monohulls to Reduce Drag
• The Criminalisation of Twenty-First Century Seafarers Involved in Navigational or
Accidental Pollution Incidents in the Sea Freight Sector
• A critical review of the English laws of salvage and wreck removal
• Analysis of the resilience of Merchant seafarers after a traumatic incident at sea
• Optimum Crewing Strategies

5.0 Maritime Education and Training

Research conducted in the maritime areas in the University feeds into the development of
its teaching portfolio and helps in routinely updating the teaching content. The courses are
modernised regularly as per the University’s regulations as well as the regulations set by the
MCA, which is the professional body in the UK for the maritime sector. Between 2018 and
2020 all maritime sub-degree and HE courses have undergone a review of the curriculum in
line with the most recent pedagogic research. These include professional CPD courses, sub-
degree vocational education and HE level maritime education both at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels. Maritime teaching offered in Solent University may be broadly divided
into three categories. 1. Seafarer Education and Training, 2. Maritime Business, and 3. Naval
Architecture.

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 Revision of curriculum in maritime courses as per the latest pedagogy

5.1 Seafarer Education and Training

The courses in Seafarer Education and Training include credit bearing modules at L3, L4 and
L5 lead to awards such as HND and FD both in marine engineering and nautical science
streams. Students in these courses could be at different points in their careers, starting from
newly recruited cadets to Senior Masters on refresher training course. In a number of these
courses MCA, as the PSRB, retains control over the syllabus and assessment as well as delivery
schedule and student attendance. Therefore, these modules lead to both credit based and
professional qualifications. In addition, a number of non-credit bearing short courses are
delivered which are part of the Seafarer Education and Training and are primarily for the
purpose of qualifying for sailing on merchant ships. These short courses are also approved by
the MCA and MNTB and delivered under a quality framework which is different from those
governing the degree courses.
The successful delivery and the global reputation of Seafarer Education and Training at Solent
University, Southampton has led to a number of projects internationally. One of them is the
current Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Maritime Education in South Africa project. The
primary goal of this project, which is currently taking place between the six participating
maritime universities, is to develop systems processes to aid the development of Maritime
Education and Training. In particular, it aims for the development of the respective MET
curricula, enhancements in pedagogical processes, and to develop facilities and resources in
order to deliver a quality education. The institutions agreed to collaborate on the
development of curricula, so that students from South African maritime universities could
gain access to further education with the participating partners, and to equate the standards
between South Africa and our European partners.

21
 Engineering workshop facilities in St Mary’s Campus, Solent University, Southampton

Similarly, the International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) has approached the University
to undertake an assessment of the training standards in the Philippines and train the local
trainers such that the quality of Seafarer Education and Training in the country is enhanced.
IMEC is keen that ultimately the seafarers they employ on their ships are safer and more
knowledgeable. A similar training programme was delivered by Solent University in early
2010s while this new initiative is much bigger and is currently underway.
The courses in Seafarer Education and Training at Solent University, Southampton are:
a) HND/ HNC Nautical Science
b) FD Marine Operations
c) FdEng/ HND/ HNC Marine Engineering
d) FdEng/ HND Marine Electro-Technical Officer
e) Maritime Professional Courses
f) Professional Yacht Deck Courses
g) Professional Yacht (Small Vessel) Engineering Courses
h) Fire Training Courses
i) Medical Training Courses
j) Survival Training Courses - Maritime Survival
k) Survival Training Courses – Offshore
l) Engine Simulation Courses
m) Marine Communications Courses
n) Bridge Simulation Courses
o) Liquid Cargo Simulation Courses
p) Marine Pilot Courses
q) Manned Model Ship Handling
r) Petrochemical

5.2 Maritime Business

Maritime Business course graduates serve the maritime sector from the shore-based
perspective of the businesses related to the shipping industry. The maritime business sector
is vast and fast moving, multidisciplinary and strongly influenced by geopolitical change. The
maritime undergraduate courses deliver the essential package to meet the needs of today's
maritime business environment by offering a holistic overview of the industry, alongside

22
insider knowledge and understanding of the way in which this complex and dynamic industry
operates. The course is designed to enable graduates to make an immediate contribution in
the workplace. It specialises in the areas of maritime trade, brokering and chartering, law
as well as maritime logistics such as ship management and port operation. These courses are
accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and the Chartered Institute of
Logistics and Transport (CILT), and are developed with the knowledge and expertise of the
employers in the industry.
Two specialised online postgraduate courses are ideally suited for students who are working
in the shipping industry or are planning to make a move into the area. They help develop
understanding of legal claims, liabilities, disputes and commercial relationships within the
context of international trade practice, help solve complex problems in ship safety
management and shipping operations. Each student has their own dedicated academic tutor
and study partner, and studying online is made interesting, interactive, and engaging by
forums, wikis, reflective journals and video presentations. The course content are developed
and run by industry experts who also monitor students’ work-based projects.
The two other more traditional postgraduate courses offer a rich blend of theoretical
knowledge and practical skills and prepare graduates for careers in ship management or port
operations/ management. Students also reflect on the key aspects of maritime law,
operations and risk management techniques and look at the impact of international trade on
management strategies in the industry. These also go wider than core shipping and port
management and offer subjects in the areas of international supply chain management for a
better appreciation of intermodality, integrated multimodal door-to-door logistics approach.
The list of courses offered in this area can be found below:

a) BSc (Hons) Maritime Business

b) BSc (Hons) Shipping & Port Management
c) BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Law Top-up
d) BSc (Hons) International Logistics Management Top-up
e) BSc (Hons) Maritime Management Top-up
f) Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade and Maritime Law (online Learning)
g) MSc Shipping Operations (online Learning)
h) MSc International Shipping & Logistics
i) MSc International Maritime Business

5.3 Naval Architecture

Naval Architecture for specialised in small crafts and yachts is part of the maritime portfolio
offered in Solent University, Southampton and in 2019 celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its
internationally recognised courses focus on small craft technology, Computer-Aided Design
(CAD) and design practice, delivering essential engineering theory and design skills. These
have been developed in conjunction with the industry to ensure essential skills in both the
design and production of yachts and commercial craft are covered.
Students on this course study the engineering science underlying great design, the
fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and high-tech fibre
reinforced composite materials. Planning and management processes for the efficient,
effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats
and commercial craft are also key elements in the syllabus.

23
The success of the undergraduate provisions led to the recent launch of a new postgraduate
provision. Its focus is on sailing and motor yachts over 24 metres in length. This course is not
just for naval architects and students of yacht design, but also provides a route for suitably
qualified marine engineers and certified deck officers the opportunity to develop their
qualifications. Blending naval architecture, management and structural design, the students
develop their knowledge and understanding, to develop their own designs, or investigate
aspects of a design.

Towing Tank in Solent University, Southampton used by Yacht Design students, and in Research

These courses benefit from ‘real-world’ assignments and industry guest lectures while those
students with industry experience and/or sponsorship will be asked to incorporate elements
of their work in their project.
The list of courses offered in this area can be found below:
a) BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design
b) BEng (Hons) Yacht, Design and Production
c) MSc Superyacht Design

5.4 Portfolio comparison

The following table provides an overview of the subjects are offered in different maritime
educational institutes in the country including Universities and FE Colleges when compared
with the portfolio offered in Solent University, Southampton.

24
 FE Colleges Universities Private providers

Stream Marine Training (Glasgow)

Liverpool John Moores University
Fleet wood Nautical Campus
South Shields Marine School

University of Southampton
Warsash, Solent University

Maritime Skills Academy

Clyde Training Solutions

City of Glasgow College

University of Plymouth

Strathclyde University
Newcastle University

Petans Norfolk

RelyOn Nutec
Cadet Education P P P P P
Senior Seafarers P P P P P
Superyacht P
Safety Training P P P P P P P P
Maritime Simulation P P P P P P P
Ship Handling P
Management P P P P P P P
Tanker/ Offshore P P P P P P P P P
Maritime Law P P P
Naval Architecture P P P P
Maritime Business P P P
Range of maritime courses offered in Solent University compared to the other providers in the UK

6.0 Industry and employment

The maritime provision in the University offers a wide variety of courses and thus appeals to
a range of different clients in different industries. Its Senior Management Team spends a
significant proportion of their time in liaising with the clients by sharing thoughts and
developments in the MET while appreciating their requirements. The industry contacts can
be divided into the following categories.

25
 Contribution of the maritime sector to the UK economy. (Source: Maritime 2050 Strategy, DfT)

The University educates seafarers from all ranks, starting from ratings or officer cadets who
have never been to sea, though to the most senior’s masters and chief engineers.
It is crucial to recall that many seafarers of senior ranks are sought after for shore-based
roles also. According to a report by Oxford Economics (2016) stakeholders highlighted a large
number of sectors where former seafarers are essential or preferred.
Besides seafaring, the University produces graduates who routinely find employment in all of
the four sectors, namely Marine, Ports, Shipping and Maritime Business Services.
The University’s graduates are employed and in many cases found in the leading capacities
in a number of these sectors within the wider maritime sector, such as in

• Classification societies
• Shipping/ marine/ maritime consultancy
• Government, notably the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
• The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)
• Ship owners, managers, brokers and charterers
• Maritime business services, such as finance, insurance and law
• Maritime logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain management
• Ship building
• Ship Management and Operations
• Ports, Terminal Management and Ship Agency
• Trade bodies
• Training and education
• Maritime communication

One of the key functions of the Senior Management Team, therefore, includes close liaison
with a number of external stakeholders. For instance:

26
Large International Shipping Companies
The maritime programmes have excellent commercial and industrial partnerships ensuring
real-world learning and wide range of relevant professional development opportunities.
Approximately 65% of all course enrolments in the seafarer education and training are
directly paid by a company and as such almost all shipping companies with global significance
count amongst the University’s customers servicing all relevant shipping sectors.
National Shipping Companies
In addition to large international shipping companies, the University also counts most national
shipping companies amongst its clients. Due to the location in Southampton, Europe's leading
turnaround cruise port and home to the UK fleets of the largest cruise line operators in the
world, Carnival, there is a strong affinity to the cruise ship sector and thus the number of
officer cadets sponsored by cruise ships would be slightly over-represented.
Public sector
The School educates and trains a large number of public sector employees, predominantly
from the Home Office, the Ministry of Defences, and the Department for Transport, including:

• Royal Fleet Auxiliary

• Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Maritime Investigation Branch
• Civil Nuclear Constabulary
• Border Patrol

International superyacht sector

The University has also established itself successfully as the most significant provider of
educational services to the global superyacht sector, educating more deck officers than any
other institution in the world, and more than 50% of the global industry’s engineering
officers. On the HE side, the University’s yacht design and production degree programmes
are also world-leading and Solent alumni are amongst the world’s most respected yacht and
superyacht designers and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Offshore oil and gas
The School also services the offshore oil and gas sector and is the only OPITO approved
provider of safety training for the sector on the South Coast.
Aviation
It is also worth pointing out that in the last two years, the University has been in consultation
with a key player in the aviation sector with the purpose of moving the academic elements
of their teaching to the Aviation cadets to the University. Solent University, Southampton
was approached because of its successful delivery of the globally renowned MET programmes.
The work is underway with the intention of franchising under-graduate aviation programme
from Sep 2020.

27
7.0 Key external stakeholders

MCA
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the executive branch of the Department of
Transport responsible for all Flag- and Port-State duties, including the responsibility of the
training and certification seafarers. It is the relevant governing PSRB in the maritime sector.
The MCA’s headquarter is in Southampton and a large number of its staff is formed by our
alumni.
MNTB
The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) is a subsidiary of the UK Chamber of Shipping and
accredits UK cadetship programmes. It is headquartered in London. The University is
represented on its main board as well as the Technical Committee.
Training Management Companies
These companies manage cadets on behalf of shipping companies who do not have their own
training management function. There are four significant training management companies in
the UK: Clyde Maritime Training, Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG), Chiltern Maritime Training
and V Ships.
SIGTTO
The Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) is an industry body
that represents all relevant global companies involved in the production and transportation
of gas. The University is the only provider of maritime and education which has been
accepted as a member. It is headquartered in London.
IMEC
The International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) is the only international employers'
organisation dedicated to maritime industrial relations. Established over fifty years ago, it
represents over 250 shipping companies which together operate about a quarter of the
world’s fleet and has recently relocated its headquarter to Southampton.
Lloyds Register
Lloyd's Register Group is a technical and business services organisation and a maritime
classification society, wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a UK charity
dedicated to research and education in science and engineering. The organisation dates to
1760. The maritime classification part of Lloyds Register has recently been relocated to
Southampton.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations with 174 member states and is
responsible for regulating shipping which is the only UN agency headquartered in the UK,
London. Its primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory
framework for shipping including safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical
co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. Many of the University’s
lecturers have contributed to IMO working groups over the years and the University’s students
are regularly invited to observe the general assembly sessions.

28
 Solent students at the IMO head table during a visit to the IMO HQ in 2018

Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy is headquartered in nearby Portsmouth. The maritime provision has
historic links to the Navy dating back to WW2 and has recently re-established a much closer
relationship. The University has been invited to advise the Second Sealord in matters
concerning maritime education and training and to be part of its newly established Maritime
Enterprise Zone.
Solent LEP
The Solent LEP is currently finalising a new 5-year growth strategy which will focus on the
‘blue economy’, and further strengthen the Solent region as the UK’s preeminent maritime
cluster and as the UK’s capital for coastal renaissance, with a strong emphasis on climate
change and new technologies, on all areas which align well with the University. Solent LEP
has offered us support for the development of the maritime facilities in the University.

8.0 Industry trends

Acceding to the Department for Transport (2019) the overriding trend is the environmental
imperative in global shipping. There is increasing pressure upon the maritime sector to
reduce its carbon and pollutant emissions. In 2020 a sulphur cap has come into force with a
significant impact on the industry. The IMO has recently agreed on ambitious global targets
for at least 50% carbon reduction by shipping by 2050. The need to meet new environmental
targets will require the use of new, innovative technologies.
This trend sits well with the University’s strategic objectives. As well as contributing with
applied research projects (ISHY, PECS, STM), the School is better placed than any other
institution in the UK and abroad to re-train the maritime workforce for new roles required
by the change of using alternative fuels.

29
The shipping industry will not be able to meet the emissions targets set by the IMO (which
will be transposed into national law) by continuing to run marine-grade diesel fuels. The only
large scale solution in the medium term is to change the fuel to Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).
Operating a ship with low-flash point gas on-board does however inevitably require much
higher safety standards and different operating procedures. The University has long history
of offering safety courses to those working on ships carrying LNG. It also offers some very
technical and high-end Liquid Cargo Operations Simulation (LICOS) training for operators
these systems and counts many of the world’s largest companies producing and operating gas
amongst its clients. The demand is global, customers are willing to pay a premium for these
courses and this is a significant growth area. The University is also the only education
establishment worldwide with approval from the Society of International Gas Tanker and
Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). Future ships will have to make greater use of renewable energy
(such as wind power), with the University ideally placed to exploit this area through its yacht
design provision and renewable energy engineering provision.
The other large trend is Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) vessels becoming an
increasing part of the modern maritime industry. Currently, the majority of autonomous or
remotely operated marine platforms are utilised for survey and measuring (e.g. hydrography,
oceanography, off-shore technologies) in near-shore or controlled areas outside of major
shipping routes. Full-scale autonomous and remote-controlled ships are being developed,
tested, and increasingly discussed. For example, Rolls-Royce and Finferries ferry ‘Falco’
operating in Finland (Rolls-Royce, 2018) and the unmanned SEA-KIT vessel, controlled
remotely by shore-side operators (Wärtsilä, 2017). Critical to the issue of safety as the uptake
of MASS technologies increases is the changing role and skill requirement of seafarers. It is
unlikely humans will be entirely replaced by machines, but roles will demand new ways of
working and new skills. The University is ideally and uniquely placed to lead this development
on a global scale and its recent success in winning the bid for the IGNITE project, which was
jointly submitted with Wartsila, the global leader in smart technologies and complete
lifecycle solutions for marine and energy markets, is one such testimony.

30
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