Award Summary
100% fees (UK Home only), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance at the 2027/28 UKRI Rate (note the 2026/7 rate is £21,805), and a research training support grant of £20,000.
Overview
Green methanol is emerging as a leading alternative fuel for deep-sea and offshore shipping, offering significant emissions reductions while utilising existing fuel infrastructure. However, current methanol fuel systems can result in substantial fuel and energy losses through venting and nitrogen blanketing, reducing both environmental and operational efficiency.
This PhD project will develop innovative solutions to improve methanol utilisation on board vessels by investigating fuel evaporation, modelling methanol vapour behaviour, and designing capture, recirculation, or combustion strategies. Building on a novel closed-system concept developed by O.S. Energy, the research aims to create a practical, scalable fuel system that improves efficiency while maintaining safety.
Working closely with O.S. Energy's naval architects and engineers, the successful candidate will design, model and test the system with the ambition of achieving class approval and demonstrating the technology on a methanol-fuelled offshore support vessel. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine fundamental research with real-world industrial application and contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.
This project is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries:Net Zero. The successful PhD student will be co-supervised by academics from the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University.
Number Of Awards
One
Start Date
1 October 2027
Award Duration
4 Years
Application Closing Date
7 January 2027
Sponsor
EPSRC
Supervisors
Dr Weichao Shi (weichao.shi@newcastle.ac.uk)
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. Due to nature of this project, the candidate should have a strong background in Engineering, especially chemical engineering or another closely related engineering subject, or chemistry. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.
This studentship is available to Home UK students only.
Contact Details
General enquiries: pinz.cdt@ncl.ac.uk
£21,805 tax-free annual living allowance, 100% fees (UK Home only) and a research training support grant of £20,000.
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PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero CDT: Optimising Green Methanol Utilisation for Net-Zero Offshore Vessels in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its team members. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that enhance the university's reputation. Located in the heart of Newcastle, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that values innovation and offers a fulfilling career path in the education sector.
