Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal Statement
I am a researcher in maritime engineering and sustainable energy systems with expertise spanning research, academia, and industry. I hold a European PhD in Marine Sciences and Technologies from the University of Genoa, Italy, and my research focuses on developing innovative technologies to support the decarbonization of the maritime sector and accelerate the transition towards zero-emission shipping.
My research interests include advanced marine energy systems, hydrogen and e-fuels, fuel cells, carbon capture technologies, alternative fuels, waste heat recovery, energy efficiency enhancement, renewable energy integration for ports, and other zero-emission solutions for marine and offshore applications.
I currently serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the TWIN-POWER project, funded by the UK DfT and EPSRC through UK-MaRes. I am also a research team member in the Horizon Europe projects Green Marine and FIT-HORIZONS, collaborating with leading academic and industrial partners across Europe to develop innovative solutions for sustainable maritime transport.
My research has resulted in more than 30 publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. I have been honoured with prestigious awards, including the TRAVISIONS Award and the Ian Telfer Prize from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), in recognition of contributions to maritime innovation, energy efficiency, and decarbonization technologies.
Alongside my research activities, I actively contribute to teaching and student supervision, supporting the delivery of NM209 – Principles of Marine Design and Production. I am committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring the next generation of marine engineers, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions that contribute to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable maritime industry.
Research Interests
My research interests focus on accelerating the climate neutrality of waterborne transport through the development and integration of clean and zero-carbon energy systems and innovative technologies. This includes advanced marine propulsion technologies such as fuel cells (PEMFC and SOFC), hybrid systems, as well as the utilization of alternative and renewable fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, LNG, and methanol. Also, it include the development of innovative digital twin models for power systems and carbon capture technologies. I have extensive experience in integrating system simulations, predictive energy models, and multi-criteria decision analysis. I am particularly interested in ship retrofitting strategies that improve energy efficiency and enable carbon capture, as well as infrastructure readiness for clean fuel deployment in ports. My work also involves waste heat recovery technologies, life cycle analysis, and the energy transition of maritime hubs. I aim to bridge research and industry by contributing to UK funded projects, EU-funded projects and industrial projects.
Industrial Relevance
My professional and research experience is closely aligned with the practical demands of the energy and offshore engineering industries. As an Offshore Maintenance Engineer at the Arab Petroleum Pipeline Company (SUMED), I supervised critical inspection and maintenance activities for offshore terminals, including both surface and underwater systems. I played a key role in ensuring the integrity and operational efficiency of Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems, which are essential to the safe and continuous transfer of petroleum.
In addition to fieldwork, I have engaged in industry-driven research initiatives. Notably, I contributed to a research funding from SAIPEM, a leading global contractor in the energy sector, to develop an integrated power unit for their AFT (Anti Flooding Tool) Power Unit. This project demonstrated my ability to translate complex technical challenges into functional engineering solutions with direct industrial applicability.
Together, these experiences reflect a strong track record of applying engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems in the offshore and energy sectors, contributing to improved system performance, safety, and innovation.
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy, Marine sciences and technologies (Curriculum: Fluid Machines and Energy systems for Maritime applications), University of Genoa
1 Jan 2022 → 31 Dec 2024
Award Date: 22 May 2025
Master of Science, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering , Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University
20 Sept 2017 → 2 Jun 2020
Award Date: 15 Jul 2020
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering , Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University
20 Sept 2012 → 15 Jun 2017
Award Date: 15 Jun 2017
Keywords
- Fuel cells
- Energy systems
- Alternative fuels
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Digital Twins
- Hydrogen fuelled ships
- Decarbonisation
- Power System Analysis and Operation
- Energy efficiency optimization
- Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 4 Quality Education
-
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
-
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
-
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
-
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 5 Active
-
FIT-HORIZONS: Flexible Tool Environment for Holistic Retrofits and Decarbonization of Ships
Lazakis, I. (Principal Investigator) & Elkafas, A. G. H. (Researcher)
1/05/26 → 30/04/29
Project: Research
-
FIT-HORIZONS: Flexible Tool Environment for Holistic Retrofits and Decarbonization of Ships
Lazakis, I. (Principal Investigator), Ahmed, Y. (Researcher) & Elkafas, A. G. H. (Researcher)
1/05/26 → 30/04/29
Project: Research
-
Dynamic performance and control analysis of a turbocharged solid oxide fuel cell for standalone port use and hybrid integration in marine propulsion
Elkafas, A. G., Mantelli, L., Barberis, S. & Rivarolo, M., Jul 2026, In: Applied Thermal Engineering. 300, Part 2, 16 p., 131352.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Comparative multi-criteria assessment of electro-fuel-based marine power systems for container ships
Elkafas, A. G. & Lazakis, I., 15 Oct 2026, In: Energy Conversion and Management. 366, 23 p., 121836.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile
Activities
-
Scottish Space School Outreach Event
Elkafas, A. G. H. (Host)
10 Jun 2026Activity: Public Engagement and Outreach › Education Outreach
-
University of Strathclyde SNAME WES student section 4th Year student project presentations 2026
Elkafas, A. G. H. (Speaker)
15 May 2026Activity: Talk or Presentation › Invited talk