Conference Program

Program Overview

The 5th International Conference on Modelling and Optimisation of Ship Energy Systems will feature:

• 8 technical sessions covering hybrid propulsion, clean fuels, digitalization, AI, energy optimization, and sustainable operations.

• 3 keynote talks from leading industry experts.

• A total of 24 technical presentations (3 presentations in most sessions).

• Panel discussions and a social program including a gala dinner.

Golden Sponsor: Damen Naval

Full Program

Invited Speakers 

Day 1 (8th September 2025)

Title: Developing Technologies and Capabilities in a Competitive Age: Fincantieri Point of View

Speaker: Aldo Zini – Senior Researcher, Naval Vessels Division, Fincantieri S.p.A.

Bio: Aldo Zini graduated in Electronics Engineering from the University of Genoa and has worked at CETENA – the Italian Ship Research Centre – since 1990. He has contributed to numerous national and international projects on IT applications, participated in NATO and NIAG groups on simulation-based design and virtual prototyping, and promoted the use of virtual reality in ship design. Currently, he is the focal point for Digital Twin activities in Fincantieri’s Naval Division.

Day 2 (9th September 2025)

Title: Future Trends and Challenges in Naval Energy Systems

Speaker: ir. Gert-Jan Meijn – Innovation Lead – Marine & Electric, Damen Naval

Bio: Gert-Jan Meijn holds BSc and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology (2013, 2015). At Damen Naval, he identifies new technologies, initiates innovation projects, and ensures their integration into future designs. His expertise includes propulsion plant concept design, vessel performance evaluation, system dynamics simulation, and advanced control algorithm development, with research interests in sustainable power generation and energy management.

Day 3 (10th September 2025)

Title: The Role of Modelling and Simulation in Achieving Low- and Zero-Emission Maritime Operations

Speaker: Dr. ir. Rinze Geertsma – Capt (E) – De Nederlandse Defensie Academie

Bio: Capt (E) Rinze Geertsma is currently an Associate Professor at the Netherlands Defence Academy and a Research Fellow at Delft University of Technology with a research interest in military energy systems. He leads the Military Energy system lab at the Netherlands Defence Academy and leads on various projects towards climate-neutral operations in the Netherlands maritime masterplan. He previously was a Marine Engineering Officer of HNLMS de Ruyter and HNLMS Tromp. Earlier experience includes system and project engineering and innovation roles.

Conference Topics

Modelling & Digital Twins of Ship Energy Systems

• First principal methods development

• Surrogate models and Digital Twins

Optimisation of Ship Energy Systems

• Optimisation methods and algorithms

• Optimisation under uncertainty

• Single or multi-objective optimisation

Control of Ship Energy Systems

• High-level supervisory control and components control

• Control strategies for load sharing

• Model Predictive Control

Synthesis, Design, and Operations of Ship Energy Systems

• Energy & ship voyage management

• Alternative power plants

• Energy storage systems

Maintenance & Safety

• Monitoring systems, data acquisition, & data analysis

• Risk, Reliability & Safety

• Diagnostics &Prognostics

Sustainability 

• Emissions reduction technologies

• Alternative fuels & power plants

• Zero emissions vessels

Data-Driven methods for Ship Energy Systems

• Predictive & prescriptive analytics

• AI for design & operations