Research

Research at the AMA assumes interdisciplinary questions and approaches. The AMA exploits this interdisciplinary character, in addition to the obvious maritime practical experience, in national and international networks AMA actively searches for such networks. This research can be practice-oriented or applied in nature: practice-oriented research originates from concrete questions within the educational and/or professional practice and strives for multidisciplinary solutions that are applicable/usable within that same practice. Applied research starts from fundamental scientific knowledge and uses this knowledge in real examples and situations.

Practice-oriented research is full-fledged research that meets all academic traditions and requirements but is close to practical questions from the field.  In both cases, the researcher relies on academic ways of thinking and working: a correct experimental setup, statistical approach to data, design engineering, objective surveying, starting from a clear research question formulated according to the SMART principle. Academizing, on the other hand, for the AMA is not a process in which we drop this practical approach, but one in which we strengthen our research methodological approach and deepen the insights obtained.

In terms of content, the AMA's research currently focuses on three areas of expertise: (1) ship emissions and sustainable maritime transport, (2) combating corrosion and fouling, and (3) training maritime officers for the 21st century. These three areas of expertise are closely intertwined with the two existing courses, and the research conducted is always based on concrete questions and needs from the field and is also carried out in cooperation with business partners: research with companies on smart maintenance of engines, detection of corrosion of maritime industrial installations, the use of alternative carbon-neutral fuel types for inland navigation, etc.