Tides of innovation: Global universities navigating marine sustainability

Some are fighting for the future on land, while others are turning to the oceans to shape tomorrow. With 71% of the Earth covered by water and 40% of its population living within 100 kilometres of its shores, the ocean’s impact is undeniable. It sustains life, drives economies, and powers trade — a sector that grew by 2.4% in 2023 to 12.3 billion tons in cargo and is projected to rise steadily through 2029. To keep up, ships must evolve. They need to transport cargo, passengers, and resources safely across increasingly unpredictable waters, adapt to green fuels, and remain reliable over time.

This is where marine technology comes in. It equips engineers with the expertise to design, construct, and operate vessels and offshore structures that keep the world moving. If this is the kind of work you can see yourself doing, here are three universities leading the way toward a more sustainable marine future:

With advanced tools like Light Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (LAUV), Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Department of Marine Technology students are pushing marine science to new depths. Photo: Studio Berre

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Looking for a world-class education in marine technology while enjoying an unforgettable student experience? The Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s (NTNU) offers a 2-year international Master’s in Marine Technology which combines academic excellence with a happy student life.

Nested in the heart of Trondheim – a city where viking history meets modern innovation, NTNU’s Department of Marine Technology (IMT) stands out as a top choice for those ready to shape the future of the ocean.

With 38,000 students in a population of just 214,000, a youthful energy permeates every corner of the city. Your weekends could be spent cheering at concerts at the iconic Student Society (Samfundet), admiring the historic Nidaros Cathedral or hiking in nearby mountains and forests.

Campus life at NTNU is just as dynamic. There are over 100 programme associations, 60 sports and activity groups, and countless career events to get involved. And the same energy that drives these opportunities also fuels NTNU’s academic ethos – which emphasises depth and breadth in learning.

Globally recognised as a leader in marine technology, NTNU IMT has been the highest ranked in marine engineering for several years.

Its influence stretches across Norway’s leading export industries, including ship technology and equipment manufacturing, fisheries and aquaculture technology, as well as oil and gas extraction at sea.

At the same time, the department is driving innovation in renewable energy at sea, coastal infrastructure such as floating bridges, and marine robotics capable of exploring the Arctic. This breadth of expertise means one thing: you’ll tap into programmes that set you up for success in seemingly every corner of marine technology.

NTNU’s Master in Marine Technology, for example, provides a solid foundation in marine technology and advanced expertise in areas such as marine cybernetics, marine hydrodynamics, marine machinery, marine structures, and marine systems design.

With this skillset, you’ll graduate ready to make significant contributions in fields ranging from ship design and shipyards, offshore operations to maritime administration and ocean exploration.

The degree opens doors to careers in classification societies, consultancy firms, shipping and ship management companies, and beyond – making it a launchpad for those aiming to make a global impact.

MIT hosts a joint doctoral degree programme with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

In the QS World University Rankings for 2026, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been named the world’s #1 university for the 14th year in a row. In line with its reputation: the MIT Centre for Ocean Engineering is at the forefront of the industry as a leader of research and design.

As an MIT student, you’re set for high quality living and learning. Campus is in Kendall Square – a neighbourhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts – which is known for being a purpose-driven, innovative tech hub. Residents here come from academia, life science, tech, venture capital, and large corporations, surrounding you with vast industry connections. Across the Charles River is Boston, which is formally recognised as one of the best cities in the world. MIT’s campus is constantly active, with over 500 student organisations and over 130 nations represented.

The Centre for Ocean Engineering has long contributed to research, particularly in areas of hydrodynamics, ship structural mechanics and dynamics, propeller design, and overall ship design. In 2024, MIT and Norwegian oceanographers recorded the largest predation event to be observed in the ocean – the Atlantic cod preying on capelin, a small Arctic fish. An MIT team is developing an “architected” reef to preserve marine life and reduce storm damage.

You can get a taste of such world-leading work by joining one of several degrees and outreach programmes offered here. The Centre for Ocean Engineering runs a joint programme in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, in partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). It’s a five-year doctoral degree programme, where you can conduct interdisciplinary research projects within earth science, hydrology, glaciology, marine conservation, and more. Seminars and lectures are often held by visiting scientists from around the world, with strong support from MIT’s award-winning faculty members.

Founded in 1953, Harbin Engineering University is a pioneer for marine sustainability — contributing to industry developments. Source: Harbin Engineering University

Harbin Engineering University (HEU)

With roots dating back to 1953, Harbin Engineering University’s research has significantly improved the field of shipbuilding and ocean and nuclear engineering. Today, it’s home to 20 colleges, more than 40 research institutions, and over 150 laboratories, where scores of students and staff are striving to continue its legacy.

HEU’s main campus is in the heart of Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. The campus is designed with advanced technology to optimise learning, with 267 smart classrooms created in March 2023, including seminar, immersive, and panoramic classrooms. The university is renowned for its library, as it’s the largest in Asia, home to over 7.4 million books. This multi-functional space was also upgraded to house 25 new large, medium, and small size seminar rooms where academic research and exchange between faculty, students, and readers are facilitated.

If you’re looking to pursue a career in the marine industry, there’s no better place than the College of Shipbuilding Engineering. Founded in 1953, the college is a large contributor to the shipbuilding, marine equipment, and marine development industries. Scientists here are globally recognised, with research funding amounting to about 240 million Chinese Yuan (US$33.6 million) in the last five years and over 2,000 research papers produced.

The College of Shipbuilding Engineering offers four master’s programmes: Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Mechanics, Water Engineering, and Civil Engineering. There’s no questioning the calibre of its programmes, with the naval architecture and ocean engineering discipline scoring A+ and ranking first in the fourth evaluation of subjects by the Ministry of Education. Global opportunities are available as well, thanks to HEU’s links to more than 130 institutions from 30 countries.