Dr Ahmed Gamal Hamed Elkafas
Research Associate
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Personal statement
I'm a dedicated researcher in maritime engineering and energy systems with extensive experience in research, academia, and industry. I hold a European PhD in Marine Sciences and Technologies from University of Genoa, Italy. My research expertise includes clean advanced marine energy systems, fuel cells, carbon capture systems, zero-emission technologies, hydrogen/e-fuels, energy efficiency improvement, decarbonization solutions, alternative fuels, waste heat recovery technologies, and renewable energy sources for ports. I have authored +25 peer-reviewed publications and received prestigious awards such as the TRAVISIONS Award and Ian Telfer Prize (RINA) for contributions to innovation in maritime decarbonization and energy efficiency. My research experience includes participation in several EU-funded projects focusing on sustainable vessel technologies and ship decarbonization, as well as collaboration with international teams to advance maritime innovation and research excellence. In addition to my research background, I have teaching experience as an Assistant Lecturer for Marine Engineering courses.
Publications
- Dynamic performance and control analysis of a turbocharged solid oxide fuel cell for standalone port use and hybrid integration in marine propulsion
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Mantelli Luca, Barberis Stefano, Rivarolo Massimo
- Applied Thermal Engineering Vol 300 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.131352
- Performance of SOFC and PEMFC auxiliary power systems under alternative fuel pathways for bulk carriers
- Tadros Mina, Elkafas Ahmed G, Boulougouris Evangelos, Lazakis Iraklis
- Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Vol 14 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14080702
- Regulatory performance assessment of alternative marine fuels to decarbonize ocean-going vessels
- Ghonaim Saleh M, Attar Hassan M, Almas Majid A, Gommosani Mohammad E, Elkafas Ahmed G
- Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime Environment, pp. 1-13 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1177/14750902261423889
- Integrated evaluation of ship performance and emission reduction in solid oxide fuel cell–based hybrid marine systems
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Attar Hassan M
- Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Vol 14 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14030255
- Life cycle assessment of an isolated hybrid micro-grid with hydrogen production and storage
- Tiwari Ravi Nath, Schneider Henri, Azzaro-Pantel Catherine, Mishra Chandrakala, Elkafas Ahmed G, Massardo Aristide Fausto
- Environmental Science and Pollution Research Vol 32, pp. 27141-27161 (2025)
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36924-0
- Optimizing onshore power supply systems using renewable energy sources for emission reduction and cost efficiency in ports
- Attar Hassan M, Elkafas Ahmed G
- Ships and Offshore Structures (2025)
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17445302.2025.2530281
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.
Professional Activities
- University of Strathclyde SNAME WES student section 4th Year student project presentations 2026
- Participant
- 15/5/2026
- Maritime Decarbonization - Carbon capture, hydrogen and fuel cell applications onboard ships
- Speaker
- 21/4/2026
- AI-Enabled Digital Twin Framework for Operational Optimisation of Onboard Carbon Capture Systems
- Speaker
- 11/2/2026
- 9th SNAME Student Section Symposium
- Participant
- 11/2/2026
Projects
- A Digital Twin and Multi-Criteria Optimization Platform for Design and Operation of Ship Power and Propulsion Systems
- Elkafas, Ahmed Gamal Hamed (Principal Investigator) Lazakis, Iraklis (Co-investigator)
- TWIN-POWER aims to develop an advanced digital twin and optimization platform to support design and operation of sustainable power and propulsion systems for UK and global fleets. The project integrates deep learning–based digital twin, trained on high-frequency operational data, to generate time-dependent power demand and fuel consumption profiles under realistic operating conditions. These outputs feed multi-criteria feasibility platform evaluating innovative power technologies against technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory criteria. A time-dependent optimization framework then identifies optimal hybrid power system configurations and operational strategies. TWIN-POWER enables data-driven, stakeholder-informed decisions to improve performance, fuel optimal use, and decarbonisation outcomes.
- 01-Jan-2026 - 31-Jan-2026
- Retrofitting towards climate neutrality
- Lazakis, Iraklis (Principal Investigator) Elkafas, Ahmed Gamal Hamed (Researcher) Ahmed, Yaseen (Researcher)
- Green Marine aims to accelerate climate neutrality in waterborne transport by retrofitting existing fleets with emission control solutions. The project will develop retrofitting protocols, a software tool catalogue and demonstrate innovative carbon capture, energy-saving, and fuel consumption reduction technologies. The solutions will be tested on land-based engines before being demonstrated on a waterborne vessel. The consortium includes 10 partners from 7 countries, consisting of 6 SMEs, 3 research institutes, and a major ferry operator.
- 01-Jan-2023 - 31-Jan-2027
Contact
Dr
Ahmed Gamal Hamed
Elkafas
Research Associate
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Email: ahmed.elkafas@strath.ac.uk
Tel: Unlisted