Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal Statement
I am a researcher in naval architecture and maritime engineering with expertise spanning ship hydrodynamics, autonomous marine systems, sustainable shipping, and advanced marine technologies. I hold a Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Osaka University, Japan, and my research focuses on developing innovative solutions to enhance ship efficiency, safety, autonomy, and environmental sustainability.
My research interests include experimental and computational ship hydrodynamics, ship resistance and propulsion, manoeuvring and intelligent control systems, autonomous navigation, digital technologies for maritime applications, and sustainable ship design. I am particularly interested in applying artificial intelligence, optimisation techniques, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and advanced modelling approaches to improve vessel performance and support the transition towards cleaner and smarter maritime transport.
I currently serve as a Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde, contributing to UK and European-funded research projects including GREEN MARINE and AUTOSHIP. My research activities include maritime decarbonisation, onboard carbon capture technologies, regulatory frameworks for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), and optimisation frameworks for marine and offshore operations. I have also contributed to international maritime policy development through engagement with IMO working groups on autonomous shipping regulations.
My research has resulted in more than 40 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications in areas including autonomous vessels, ship manoeuvring and control, hydrodynamic optimisation, renewable marine technologies, maritime safety, and regulatory frameworks. I have received recognition for my research contributions through international conference awards and competitive research funding as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator.
Alongside my research activities, I actively contribute to teaching, student supervision, and academic development in naval architecture and marine engineering. I have experience delivering undergraduate and postgraduate courses including ship resistance and propulsion, marine hydrodynamics, ship manoeuvring, numerical methods, CFD, and maritime regulations. I am committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring future engineers and researchers, and translating innovative research outcomes into practical solutions for a sustainable, autonomous, and resilient maritime industry.
Research Interests
My research interests focus on advancing sustainable and intelligent maritime technologies through the integration of hydrodynamics, artificial intelligence, automation, and energy-efficient solutions. This includes ship resistance and propulsion optimisation, CFD-based performance prediction, autonomous vessel navigation, intelligent control systems, collision avoidance, automatic berthing, and digital transformation of maritime operations.
I am particularly interested in the development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), including autonomous decision-making frameworks, regulatory compliance, and safe operation under environmental uncertainties. My work also explores sustainable shipping technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion, renewable marine energy systems, onboard carbon capture, and green propulsion solutions to support maritime decarbonisation.
I have extensive experience in experimental model testing, numerical simulation, optimisation algorithms, and system-level analysis. My research aims to bridge fundamental engineering research with industrial applications by contributing to collaborative UK, European, and international projects addressing the future challenges of maritime transport.
Industrial Relevance
My professional and research experience is closely aligned with the practical challenges faced by the maritime and offshore industries. Prior to my academic career, I worked as a Naval Architect in ship design, contributing to vessel design development, hydrostatic calculations, stability assessments, structural analysis, and classification approval processes for commercial vessels.
Through my academic and industrial collaborations, I have developed practical expertise in applying advanced engineering methods to improve vessel performance, operational safety, and sustainability. My involvement in research projects with industry partners has focused on autonomous shipping technologies, maritime decarbonisation, offshore wind operations, and innovative solutions for future marine systems.
These experiences demonstrate my ability to translate advanced research concepts into practical engineering solutions, supporting improved efficiency, safety, and environmental performance across the maritime sector.
Expertise And Capabilities
I have expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering, with a strong research background in ship hydrodynamics, autonomous marine systems, and sustainable maritime technologies. My technical capabilities include experimental and computational analysis of ship performance, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), ship resistance and propulsion, manoeuvring and control systems, and hydrodynamic optimisation.
I have extensive experience in developing intelligent marine systems, including autonomous navigation, automatic berthing, collision avoidance, and decision-support frameworks for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). My research also covers maritime decarbonisation technologies, onboard carbon capture, renewable marine energy systems, and digital approaches for improving vessel efficiency and operational performance.
I possess strong capabilities in numerical modelling, simulation, optimisation algorithms, and data-driven approaches using tools such as MATLAB, Python, C++, CFD software, and marine design platforms. I have experience integrating engineering analysis with advanced computational methods to address complex challenges in ship design, safety, and sustainability.
In addition to technical expertise, I have proven capabilities in research project development, academic collaboration, student supervision, and knowledge exchange. I have contributed to UK and European-funded research projects, worked with multidisciplinary international teams, published over 40 peer-reviewed research outputs, and supported the development of innovative solutions for the future of maritime transport.
My broader capabilities include research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, technical communication, and translating advanced engineering concepts into practical solutions for industry and society.
Academic / Professional qualifications
Academic Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Osaka University, Japan – Division of Global Architecture
Awarded: September 2015
Thesis: Automatic Berthing Control Practically Applicable under Wind Disturbances
Research Focus: Intelligent control systems, autonomous marine vehicles, ship manoeuvring and control, marine hydrodynamics, and experimental validation of autonomous berthing systems.
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Osaka University, Japan – Division of Global Architecture
Awarded: September 2012
Thesis: Automatic Ship Berthing Using Artificial Neural Network Based on Virtual Window Concept in Wind Condition
Research Focus: Artificial intelligence-based ship control, automatic manoeuvring systems, ship motion modelling, and advanced control techniques for marine operations.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh
Awarded: February 2009
Academic Achievement: Graduated 2nd in merit position with a CGPA of 3.94/4.00 (Honours).
Major Areas: Ship design, marine structures, hydrodynamics, and naval architecture fundamentals.
Professional Qualifications and Memberships
Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Engineering Council, United Kingdom
Professional registration recognising competence, experience, and commitment to professional engineering practice.
Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (MRINA)
Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)
Professional membership recognising contributions and expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime innovation.
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
Advance HE, United Kingdom
Recognition of professional practice and commitment to excellence in teaching and learning in higher education.
Member of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Professional recognition in engineering practice and registration in Malaysia.
Professional Technologist Member (MBOT)
Malaysia Board of Technologists
Recognition of professional competency and contribution in engineering technology and applied research.
External positions
Global Research Fellow, University Kuala Lumpur
1 Jan 2026 → 31 Dec 2026
Keywords
- Intelligent Control
- Risk & reliability analysis
- Marine System Intelligence
- Intelligent Systems
- Marine Hydrodynamics
- Naval architecture
- Optimization and Data analysis
- Retrofitting
- Ship maneuvering
- ship safety
- Shipping Decarbonisation
- Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
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):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
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SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
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SDG 13 Climate Action
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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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
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Retrofitting towards climate neutrality
Lazakis, I. (Principal Investigator), Elkafas, A. G. H. (Researcher) & Ahmed, Y. (Researcher)
1/02/23 → 31/01/27
Project: Research
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Advanced optimisation software framework for floating offshore wind farm logistics and operations
Ahmed, Y. A., Lazakis, I., Judah, S. & Abbey, C., 30 Jan 2026, In: Ocean Engineering. 345, 23 p., 123892.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
CFD simulation of water flow through a SWRO membrane
Klara, S., Mahmuddin, F., Syarif, M. R., Ardianti, A., Ahmed, Y. & Nur, M., 14 Oct 2025, In: CFD Letters. 18, 4, p. 94-102 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile31 Downloads (Pure)