Resilience Assessment and Optimization of Global Maritime Transportation Networks

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 transportation networks are pivotal for facilitating international trade and economic interactions among nations. These networks handle approximately 80% of global merchandise trade and are central to port operations worldwide. However, they are increasingly vulnerable to various uncertainties and frequent disturbances, such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics. These disruptions, characterized by their destructive, anomalous, and unpredictable nature, can impede or limit transport flows, potentially resulting in significant economic losses or even the collapse of supply chains. As maritime networks expand and become more complex, it is essential to understand the impacts of these disruptions compared to normal circumstances to better prepare and respond to potential risks.

Resilience is a key metric for evaluating a system’s ability to maintain functionality during disruptions and to recover to its pre-disruption performance. A thorough assessment of resilience allows stakeholders to quickly identify potential risks and the impacts of disruptions. This process is crucial for pinpointing bottlenecks and critical components within the network and aids in developing strategies to somewhat enhance system resilience. Consequently, this study aims to undertake a systematic resilience assessment of the global maritime transportation networks under various disruptions, to bolster preparedness for potential risks in an era characterized by high uncertainties and continuous turbulence. Specifically, the study will:

1) Analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of maritime transportation networks using historical data to understand topology properties, community nature, and evolutionary trends.

2) Construct mathematical models to evaluate the resilience of global maritime networks against disruptions at local, regional, and global levels.

3) Develop optimization models to improve the efficiency and resilience of the network amidst various disruptions.

This collaborative framework will significantly enhance the understanding of maritime transportation network robustness, mitigate disruption risks, inform strategic decisions, and shape shipping services.

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.

Important 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 Xuri Xin, x.xin@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.