Developing an Integrated Framework for Green Shipping Corridor Readiness and Transition Pathways in Medium-Sized Australian Ports

About the research project

The transition toward low- and zero-emission shipping is creating significant new requirements for ports, including alternative-fuel infrastructure, shore power, renewable energy access, safety systems, regulatory compliance, investment planning, and stronger coordination with shipping lines, energy providers and other stakeholders. Green shipping corridors provide an important mechanism for coordinating these changes along selected trade routes. However, current initiatives are largely concentrated around major hub ports, while medium-sized ports often face greater financial, technical, institutional and market constraints.

This project aims to develop an integrated framework for understanding, assessing and supporting the transition of medium-sized ports toward green shipping corridor participation, with a primary focus on Australia. The research will examine technical, energy, economic, regulatory, organisational and stakeholder dimensions of port readiness, with particular attention to how these factors interact, which act as key drivers or constraints, and how their importance may change under different future conditions.

Using selected port case studies and engagement with maritime stakeholders, the research will combine qualitative and quantitative analytical approaches to evaluate current readiness, stakeholder priorities, interdependencies among key factors, and alternative transition pathways. It will also examine how different technological, regulatory, energy-market and investment conditions may influence the sequencing and feasibility of port decarbonisation actions. The expected outcome is a practical decision-support framework that assists ports, policymakers and industry stakeholders in identifying priority interventions, understanding enabling conditions and dependencies, and developing staged and adaptable strategies for green shipping corridor participation.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Seyed Mehdi Zahraei

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.

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:

• A Bachelor’s degree with Honours, Master’s degree by Research, or equivalent qualification in maritime studies, logistics and supply chain management, transport, port management, engineering, sustainability/environmental management, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and academic writing skills.
• High-level communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with maritime industry, government and other project stakeholders. 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Previous study, research or professional experience in shipping, ports, maritime logistics, transport decarbonisation, energy transition, or related areas.
• Experience with stakeholder interviews, surveys, workshops, or other forms of primary data collection.
• Familiarity with decision-support, systems analysis, scenario/foresight analysis, multi-criteria analysis, quantitative modelling, or related analytical approaches.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Seyed Mehdi Zahraei 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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