B6366 - Marine Propulsion

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the tools for selecting, evaluating, and designing the most common propulsion systems used in the nautical field. At the end of the module, students will be able to select and design the most suitable propulsion system for the considered nautical application, taking into account performance, efficiency, and emissions factors.

Course contents

Module 1

Introduction to Marine Propulsion

• Fundamentals of marine propulsion.
• Resistance and propulsive forces.
• Ship operating conditions.
• Propulsion architectures: mechanical, electric, and hybrid.

  Prime Movers for Marine Propulsion

• Main types of prime movers used in marine propulsion.
• Two-stroke and four-stroke internal combustion engines: operating principles and performance maps.
• Design and operation of marine diesel engines.
• Marine fuels and pollutant emissions.

  Propulsion Systems

• Waterjets: operating principle, fundamental equations of waterjet propulsion, performance, and characteristic curves.
• Marine propellers: operating principles, performance, and characteristic curves.
• Fixed-pitch propellers (FPPs) and controllable-pitch propellers (CPPs).
• Azimuth thrusters: architectures, operating principles, and control issues.

  Engine–Propulsor Matching

• Matching between the prime mover and the propulsor.
• Criteria for selecting the appropriate engine and propulsor size.
• Sizing according to ship tonnage and operating conditions.

Module 2

Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems

• Principles of electric propulsion.
• Main components: generators, electric motors, batteries, and inverters.
• Diesel-electric and hybrid architectures.
• Innovations and technologies for sustainable propulsion.

  Sustainable Propulsion Technologies

• Hydrogen propulsion systems.
• Solar-powered propulsion systems.
• Biofuels and alternative fuels for marine applications.

  Propulsion System Modelling

• Modelling of marine propulsion systems in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Models of diesel engines, diesel-electric systems, gas turbines, fuel cells, propellers, and marine vessels.
• Simulation of propulsion system performance.

  Marine Propulsion Control

• Review of control systems.
• Propulsion control system architecture.
• Control of propulsor speed and ship speed.

Readings/Bibliography

Hans Klein Woud and Douwe Stapersma. Design of Propulsion and Electric Power Generation Systems. IMarEST 2019. ISBN: 9781856098496

Michele Martelli. Marine Propulsion Simulation, Methods and Results. 2015, De Gruyter Open Poland [https://www.degruyter.com/search?query=*&publisherFacet=De+Gruyter] . ISBN: 9783110401493

John Carlton. Marine Propellers and Propulsion. 2018, Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN: 9780081003664

T. I. Fossen (2021). Handbook of Marine Craft Hydrodynamics and Motion Control. 2nd. Edition, Wiley. ISBN-13: 978-1119575054

Teaching methods

The lessons are conducted face-to-face in the classroom. Instead of a traditional blackboard, the teacher uses a tablet connected to a projector to develop concepts and display supporting teaching material. At the end of the lesson, the teacher provides the projected material in a PDF file, which can be downloaded from the "Virtuale" platform.

The lesson is also video recorded and made available to students with a 2-week delay, also through the "Virtuale" platform.

Attendance is highly recommended for better understanding of the concepts and knowledge, but it does not affect the final evaluation process.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning for both course modules is conducted in a single examination session lasting approximately 45 minutes in total.

Nine examination dates are scheduled for 2027, as listed in the AlmaEsami platform.

The examination consists of an oral discussion based on three questions: two concerning theoretical aspects and one focusing on propulsion system modelling. The aim is to assess the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, with particular reference to the Dublin Descriptors.

In particular, the following will be assessed:

• knowledge and understanding of the principles of marine propulsion, conventional and innovative propulsion architectures, propulsion systems, modelling techniques, and control strategies (Dublin Descriptor 1 – Knowledge and understanding);
• the ability to apply knowledge to the analysis of marine propulsion systems, propulsion system sizing, and the modelling of the main components in the MATLAB/Simulink environment (Dublin Descriptor 2 – Applying knowledge and understanding);
• the ability to make independent judgements by comparing different propulsion solutions and justifying design choices in terms of performance, energy efficiency, emissions, and sustainability (Dublin Descriptor 3 – Making judgements);
• clarity of presentation, command of technical language, and the ability to discuss the topics critically (Dublin Descriptor 4 – Communication skills).

The final grade is expressed on a scale of 30 and is based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the course topics: 25%;
• Ability to apply knowledge and integrate the different topics: 25%;
• Critical analysis skills and independent judgement: 20%;
• Command of technical language and clarity of presentation: 15%;
• Ability to explore topics in depth and engage in critical discussion: 15%.

The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30. Honours (cum Laude) may be awarded in the case of an outstanding performance.

Nine examination dates are scheduled for 2027, on the dates published on the University of Bologna’s AlmaEsami platform.

Students may register for an examination from seven to two days before the examination date. On the day of the examination, students must present a valid identity document. 

For each examination session, students who have been granted working-student or student-athlete status may request an alternative examination date in place of one of the regular examination dates scheduled for that session. The request must be submitted to the lecturer at least 14 days before the first scheduled examination date, so that a date compatible with all requests received can be identified.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics, students are required to act with the utmost integrity. Any activity aimed at improperly altering the outcome of the assessment is prohibited, including copying, plagiarism, access to online teaching resources, and the use of unauthorised artificial intelligence tools or systems. In particular, merely being in possession of unauthorised equipment or materials during the examination will result in the immediate invalidation of the examination and a report being submitted to the relevant offices.

Any conduct in breach of this prohibition may result in disciplinary proceedings or, where the conduct constitutes a criminal offence, a report to the competent authorities. In the latter case, the students involved may be subject to criminal proceedings.

Teaching tools

The course will be conducted using:

• Slides and audiovisual aids

Office hours

See the website of Davide Moro

See the website of Vittorio Ravaglioli