Safety Systems for Ammonia-Powered Vessels Using Advanced Simulation and Analytics

About the research project

As the maritime sector advances toward decarbonisation, ammonia is gaining attention as a zero-carbon fuel for vessels and offshore platforms. However, ammonia’s toxicity, corrosiveness, and complex dispersion behaviour present significant safety risks. Current marine systems lack sufficiently robust, validated solutions for early leak detection in confined or semi-confined spaces, risk-informed decision-making, and integrated protection strategies tailored to ammonia-powered vessels. Addressing these gaps is essential to enable safe adoption at scale while protecting crew, assets, and the marine environment.

This project addresses the critical safety challenges associated with implementing ammonia as a marine fuel in vessels and offshore platforms. The key research objectives are

• To develop and validate advanced detection and monitoring systems for ammonia leaks in maritime applications.
• To develop a maritime-specific framework for assessing ammonia-related risks by integrating consequence modelling, human factors, and operational scenarios in both current and future vessel designs.
• To develop CFD-ML framework for predictive models to optimize sensor layout, identify leak sources, and predict ammonia gas evolution and dispersion.
• Design and validate inherent, passive and active safety systems specifically for ammonia-powered vessels.

The project deliverables will provide effective solutions for the safe adoption of ammonia fuel technology, supporting the maritime sector's transition toward sustainable operations while protecting crew, assets, and marine environments from ammonia-related hazards.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Til Baalisampang

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must meet the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
• The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

•  Applicants must have a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector.
• Applicants must have an understanding of marine machinery systems.
• Applicants must be proficient with CFD software.
• Applicants must have experience in coupling CFD outputs with ML for real-time inference or physics-informed approaches.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with modeling gas releases, dispersion, and reactive flows in complex geometries.
• Have an understanding of shipboard compartments and ventilation strategies.
• Interest in decarbonisation technologies and their implementation

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Til Baalisampang to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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