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The shipping industry's effort to decarbonise means that maritime jobs are changing – and new kinds of jobs are being created. Some seafarers are turning to specialist qualifications such as the WMU Maritime Energy Postgraduate Diploma to help them navigate the new world of work, as Sarah Robinson discovers
It's taken a long time for the global maritime community to agree measures for combatting climate change, and for those responsible for implementing these measures, the levels of bureaucracy involved can seem daunting.
World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden realised that it could help by developing a new diploma. The university explains: 'Our distance learning programme in Maritime Energy equips maritime professionals with technical and socio-economic environmental knowledge relating to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations on air pollution and potential mitigation measures to achieve a low carbon and energy-efficient maritime future.'
Course content
The Maritime Energy Postgraduate Diploma is studied either across one year or in a flexible version across three years, and has five modules:
1. Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development. This module introduces the historical environmental discourse around the maritime industry and the development of legal frameworks on maritime energy.
2. Ships and Energy Efficiency. This module starts with the basics of Chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI. It focuses on energy efficient operation of ships and increasing energy efficiency of ships during design.
3. Future Propulsion Technologies. This module presents alternatives to traditional ways of propelling ships. This includes renewable energy and alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuel and hydrogen, as a response to Chapter 3 of MARPOL Annex VI.
4. Energy Conservation in Ports and Shipyards. This module focuses on knowledge of energy management procedures and technologies in the framework of ports and shipyards. Energy management systems are discussed, including certification processes such as ISO 50001.
5. Best Practices and Life-Cycle Perspectives. This module presents the trade-off between the societal economic benefit and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It explores methodologies to support decision-makers in measuring environmental impact and complying with forthcoming regulations (i.e. global sulphur cap).
The diploma contains all the key components of a just and equitable green transition in the maritime industry Professor Aykut Ölcer
Although the course is mainly studied via distance learning and assessed via coursework, participants have the option to travel to London on field study and observe a meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee
Seafarer participation
This diploma is specifically for seafarers, says Professor Aykut Ölcer, WMU head of maritime energy management. 'It equips them with the essential skills and competencies needed for energy efficient ship operations as well as regulatory compliance. These are all key components of a just and equitable green transition in the maritime industry.'
As it happens, there are no serving seafarers among the current intake of students taking the diploma, but many were seafarers earlier in their careers. The three-year flexible version of the course is attractive to those who want to study while at sea.
Although the diploma is taught at postgraduate level, students don't necessarily have to have graduated from a bachelor's degree to take part – seafaring qualifications also count. The entrance requirements are:
- a minimum of five years' work experience
- a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and/or the highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief engineer
Candidates must also demonstrate competence in the English language, either via the UK's English Language GCSE or through internationally-recognised certificates for speakers of English as a foreign language from TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge English.
Applying for the WMU diploma
The next date to start Module 1 of the WMU Maritime Energy Postgraduate Diploma is 15 September 2025.
More information about the course and how to apply is available on the WMU website.
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