Dr Ahmed Gamal Hamed Elkafas
Research Associate
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
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.
Publications
- Multi-criteria decision analysis of ammonia-based marine power systems for ships
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Lazakis Iraklis
- Applied Energy Vol 426 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.128507
- 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
- Comparative multi-criteria assessment of electro-fuel-based marine power systems for container ships
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Lazakis Iraklis
- Energy Conversion and Management Vol 366 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2026.121836
- Dynamic simulation and performance assessment of ammonia-based SOFC hybrid power systems for ships
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Lazakis Iraklis
- Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Vol 14 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14131175
- Simulation-based multi-dimensional evaluation of ethanol as an alternative fuel for marine energy systems
- Attar Hassan M, Elkafas Ahmed G
- Algorithms Vol 19 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.3390/a19060477
- Integrated dynamic, regulatory, and economic assessment of onboard carbon capture systems
- Elkafas Ahmed G, Lazakis Iraklis
- Journal of Cleaner Production Vol 567 (2026)
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148640
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
- NAOME Summer School 2026
- Participant
- 10/8/2026
- Scottish Space School Outreach Event
- Host
- 10/6/2026
- Engineering the Future for Girls (EFG) Outreach Event
- Contributor
- 28/5/2026
- 8th International Conference on Maritime Technology and Engineering
- Participant
- 27/5/2026
- University of Strathclyde SNAME WES student section 4th Year student project presentations 2026
- Speaker
- 15/5/2026
- University of Strathclyde SNAME WES student section 4th Year student project presentations 2026
- Participant
- 15/5/2026
Projects
- TWIN-POWER: A Digital Twin and Multi-Criteria Optimization Platform for the 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 MATLAB-based 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
- Flexible Tool Environment for Holistic Retrofits and Decarbonization of Ships FIT-HORIZONS (HORIZON-CL5-2025-04)
- Lazakis, Iraklis (Principal Investigator) Ahmed, Yaseen (Researcher) Elkafas, Ahmed Gamal Hamed (Researcher)
- 01-Jan-2026 - 30-Jan-2029
- Retrofitting towards climate neutrality (GreenMarine)
- Lazakis, Iraklis (Principal Investigator) Boulougouris, Evangelos (Co-investigator) Ahmed, Yaseen (Researcher) Elkafas, Ahmed Gamal Hamed (Researcher)
- 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