The Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is recognised as a world-leading centre for marine technology, with a strong focus on research excellence, impactful industrial partnerships, and innovative engineering education. With a history spanning over 140 years, the department was ranked 1st in the UK and 3rd globally for Marine/Ocean Engineering by the Shanghai Ranking in 2022.
Its research supports both industry and society in meaningful and forward-thinking ways. Over the past two decades, the department has made significant contributions to global ship safety through pioneering work on the stability of damaged vessels. Today, it actively investigates challenges ranging from reducing carbon emissions in shipping, to developing next-generation floating wind turbines and advanced tools for simulating fluid loads on floating structures.
The department is staffed by internationally recognised experts and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including the largest towing and wave tank of any academic institution in the UK.
In addition to maintaining high standards of teaching, it participates in a wide array of research projects and international networks funded by UK government bodies, the EU, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
As a leader in research areas such as Ocean Energy and Marine Transport, the department’s mission is to apply its strengths and innovative approaches to maximise impact. It aims to assist maritime and ocean-focused communities, both academic and industrial, in tackling global challenges—particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and digitalisation—within a circular economy framework.
Key research themes include:
- Stability and survivability of ships
- Human factors and navigational safety
- Energy-efficient ship design
- Marine engineering
- Alternative fuels and emissions
- Lifecycle risk management
- Numerical and experimental hydrodynamics
- Structural and materials research
- Offshore and subsea structures
- Marine renewable energy devices
Its integrated research approach brings together academics working in closely aligned fields, fostering synergy and the critical mass needed to lead major collaborative projects. This environment also supports early-career researchers through knowledge exchange with experienced colleagues. Currently, the department is involved in 67 research and knowledge exchange initiatives, ranging from local consultancy to large-scale EU-funded collaborations involving more than 20 international partners.
