During our recent General Assembly meeting, the consortium had the privilege of visiting the Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The visit provided a comprehensive look at one of Europe’s most advanced environments for maritime education, hands-on learning, and applied research.
The School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) stands out for its strong integration of theoretical excellence with practical engineering experience—an approach clearly reflected in the laboratories, workshops, and large-scale testing facilities explored during the visit.
The tour began in the Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s expansive industrial halls, where students gain direct exposure to shipbuilding structures, composite hull forms, prototype models, and historical maritime machinery. These spaces reflect the Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s longstanding contribution to advancing naval architecture and marine engineering.
A highlight of the visit was the towing tank facility, where ship models are tested under realistic hydrodynamic conditions. This facility plays a central role in advanced research on resistance, seakeeping, and hull optimisation.
The consortium then visited Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s advanced engine laboratories. These units include fully instrumented propulsion setups used for both research and student training. Participants observed complex exhaust systems, fuel injection lines, cooling circuits, and high-level monitoring equipment.
The Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s strength in materials engineering was highlighted through visits to the Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory where students and researchers work hands-on with:
- Metallographic specimen preparation
- Corrosion testing
- Hardness/ Microhardness testing
- Optical and advanced microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Welding facilities and NDT methods
- Composite materials
- Analysis of structural integrity and material behaviour
These labs illustrate the Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s commitment to educating engineers with deep understanding of material performance in maritime applications.
The visit also included demonstrations of large mechanical testing machines and strain monitoring systems. These systems are used to analyse material response, structural reliability, and component behaviour under real loads—skills essential for advanced marine engineering.
The Schoolof Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s robotics laboratory demonstrated industrial automation systems used in manufacturing, inspection, and shipyard applications. This exposure shows students how robotics is increasingly integrated into modern marine engineering workflows.
The visit highlighted the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation of maritime engineers and strengthening research, development, and innovation within the maritime sector across Europe.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Prof. Dimitris Lyridis, Prof. Nicholas Tsouvalis, Prof. Anna Zervaki, Prof. Christos Papadopoulos, staff Zoi Chatzaki, and to Ph.D. candidates Stavroula Maritsa, Giorgos Charvalos, and Thodoris Mavrozoumis for their warm hospitality and for providing an in-depth look at the impressive teaching and research activities carried out at the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at NTUA.
