Enhancing maritime situational awareness for autonomous shipping

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:

a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);

b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;

c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritime

environment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and

d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.

Maritime industries are transitioning towards autonomous shipping to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This project aims to bolster maritime situational awareness for autonomous vessels, focusing on their ability to perceive and understand their surroundings in dynamic and challenging maritime environments. Specifically, the project will investigate novel strategies and technologies to improve real-time monitoring, hazard detection, and decision-making capabilities of autonomous ships.

With the rapid advancement of autonomous technologies, there is a growing need to address key challenges related to maritime situational awareness. This project will explore innovative solutions to enhance data processing, data fusion, and artificial intelligence algorithms tailored for maritime applications. By integrating state-of-the-art sensor systems, including radar, lidar, sonar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), and cameras, the project aims to develop advanced perception systems capable of accurately detecting and classifying maritime objects, such as other vessels, navigational hazards, and environmental conditions.

Furthermore, the project will focus on developing intelligent decision support systems for autonomous ships, enabling them to make informed navigation decisions in real-time. By leveraging advanced machine learning, optimization, and deep learning techniques, the project will design algorithms to analyze movement data, predict future scenarios, and optimize vessel trajectories to ensure safe and efficient navigation.

In addition to technical advancements, the project will also address regulatory and ethical considerations associated with autonomous shipping. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and maritime experts, the project will develop guidelines and best practices for the safe and responsible deployment of autonomous vessels in maritime environments.

Overall, this project seeks to push the boundaries of maritime situational awareness for autonomous shipping, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime transportation systems.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, if you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility 

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered. 

Application Process 

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the Liverpool John Moores University application form Applying for a PhD in Mechanical and Maritime Engineering, clearly state that you are applying for a Scholarship in the N0MES CDT. Please upload: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, two academic references and a supporting statement [maximum 300 words] detailing; what inspires you within this project, how your skill set matches the project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, piece of science that excites you & anything else to support your application. 

After submitted, please also send your CV to the primary supervisor (Dr Huanhuan Li, h.li2@ljmu.ac.uk).

Applicant Eligibility 

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in relevant subject.