Clean maritime

Advancing clean fuels, low-carbon technologies, antifouling solutions, and Net-Zero maritime energy.

The University of Liverpool’s research in clean maritime spans renewable energy, hydrogen and ammonia technologies, sustainable coatings, predictive analytics, and digital simulation. Our work supports safer, more efficient maritime operations, the development of low- and zero-emission fuels, antimicrobial and antifouling materials, and strategies to decarbonise shipping, helping drive innovation, sustainability, and CO₂ reductions across the sector. The University is also a partner in the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UK-MaRes), supporting national efforts to decarbonise maritime.

Our expertise

Maritime decarbonisation

The University, led by Professor Musa Bashir, is driving the UK’s first national training framework for low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. In partnership with O.S. Energy, Newcastle University, and industry partners, the Future Fuels Training Framework covers hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, hybrid, and battery-electric propulsion, supporting the shift to net-zero shipping through clean propulsion, smart renewable charging for small and medium vessels, and initiatives that drive green innovation, coastal jobs, and CO₂ reductions.

The University, led by Professor Dongping Song, is also part of the £25 million UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UK-MaRes Hub), led by Durham University. Bringing together 14 universities and more than 70 industry and civic partners, the Hub aims to accelerate the decarbonisation and elimination of air pollution from maritime activity in ports and at sea, establishing the UK’s competitive advantage by setting a global benchmark for excellence. Professor Song leads the “Port and vessel support systems” theme, and participates the "Digitisation, maritime operations, and finance" theme.

Maritime and last mile Net Zero (MaLaMi, EPSRC)

The University is a partner in MaLaMi, a place-based impact accelerator programme bringing together research, civic, and business partners to co-develop net zero innovations that will support the translation of fundamental research into commercial success in the Liverpool City Region across the maritime and last-mile cluster.

Clean fuel technologies

We advance research in green ammonia, hydrogen production, including photocatalytic approaches for future marine fuels, advanced catalysts, and materials for end-to-end hydrogen applications. Our work is carried out in collaboration with EPSRC, MarRI UK and the Henry Royce Institute, driving innovation in alternative fuels for sustainable energy and maritime applications.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions (N0MES)

The University of Liverpool leads the EPSRC-funded N0MES Centre for Doctoral Training, delivering research innovation and developing future leaders through 52 industry-sponsored PhDs focused on renewable energy, environmental impacts, energy systems, and maritime infrastructure.

Example research projects include:

• Transitioning the shipbuilding and repair sector to net zero (Industrial sponsor: Cammell Laird)
• Data-driven energy network planning for green shipping corridors
• Fire safety of lithium-ion battery electric vehicles on Ro-Ro cargo vessels (Industrial sponsor: Artec Fire)
• AI-driven optimisation of maritime logistics and risk forecasting (Industrial sponsor: NeuWave)
• Binder jet printed electrodes for seawater electrolysis (Industrial sponsors: University spin-out Atomik AM and Cygnus Atratus).