Abstract:

As an element of its fundamental mission, the Antwerp Maritime Academy (AMA) aids businesses, industries, and individuals in Belgium through the expertise of its faculty, staff, and students.

The AMA offers programs in Nautical Sciences and Maritime Engineering. When possible, students are invited to assist with the individual projects. These projects also provide the participating academy members with tenure and promotion opportunities. The scope of the paper is the presentation of the Ph. D. program in Nautical Sciences.

At the AMA the following Ph. D. research-projects are developed during the last few years:
• Research of the degradation of metallic surfaces due to atmospheric corrosion on board;
• Research of toxic vapours and concentrations on board of (chemical) vessels;
• Impact of Piracy on the cost base of container shipping lines;
• Essays on current issues of shipping finance, with special focus on alternative funding sources, financial distress, restructuring and work out processes
• Communication for maritime purposes: linguistic and (inter)cultural features of communication at sea
• The effects of ships generated waves in the Scheldt region and the port region of Antwerp
• The influence of coatings and its application on corrosion resistance

At the AMA two practical research projects are developed at the division of Marine Engineering. The development of a solar vessel and the use of biodiesel and its performance will be the second scope of the paper.

The AMA offers programs in Nautical Sciences and Maritime Engineering. When possible, students are invited to assist with the individual projects. These projects also provide the participating academy members with tenure and promotion opportunities. The third scope of the paper is the presentation of the research projects of bachelor and final year students and Ph.D. students into the educational program of Nautical Sciences.

This paper briefly discusses these research projects performed by the academy members and its students during recent academic years and how these projects fit into the mission of the Antwerp Maritime Academy and its education.

Keywords:

Engagement Integration Research-Education, (Nautical Sciences), PhD program, technology, Research and Development and Innovation projects, Final year project.