Publications

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

Comparative assessment of carbon capture systems via a digital twin framework for ships

Elkafas Ahmed Gamal Hamed, Lazakis Iraklis

Innovations in Maritime Technology and Engineering 8th International Conference on Maritime Technology and Engineering, pp. 1113-1121 (2026)

https://doi.org/10.1201/9781042001194-124

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

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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

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

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

Invited speaker

11/2/2026

More professional activities

Projects

FIT-HORIZONS: Flexible Tool Environment for Holistic Retrofits and Decarbonization of Ships

Lazakis, Iraklis (Principal Investigator) Elkafas, Ahmed Gamal Hamed (Researcher)

The FIT-HORIZONS project is bringing together 19 leading maritime companies, researchers, universities, software developers, and technology providers from across Europe to develop an intelligent and flexible retrofit design environment for low- and zero-emission shipping. The project aims to simplify and accelerate retrofit decisions for shipowners by combining advanced simulation tools, AI-supported modelling, and operational data into one holistic design framework. The project will develop and validate a flexible design environment capable of evaluating multiple retrofit technologies simultaneously, including alternative fuels, electrification, wind-assisted propulsion systems, air lubrication systems, hull modifications, and energy efficiency solutions.
Rather than assessing technologies in isolation, the FIT-HORIZONS platform will analyse how combinations of technologies perform together under realistic operating conditions and across different vessel categories.
The project will deliver six virtual demonstrations based on real operating vessels representing key European ship segments: inland waterways, short-sea shipping, long-distance shipping, ferries, cruise vessels, and offshore vessels.
By integrating machine learning, surrogate modelling, operational data, and high-fidelity simulations, the consortium aims to create a tool environment that can support more reliable, scalable, and commercially viable retrofit decisions across the maritime industry.

01-Jan-2026 - 30-Jan-2029

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

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

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