Prepare for Marine Industries with an MEng in NAME
Industry Support
The program is supported by an Industry Advisory Board that helps shape the program to meet industry needs.
Internship
Eligible students will be assigned a 4-month internship placement after completion of all program coursework.
The Team
Courses are taught by a combination of leading researchers, academics, and industry experts.
Questions? Get in touch with the NAME team at name@apsc.ubc.ca.
MEng Program Details Apply Now
Learn more about the ways our program provides hands-on learning opportunities and supported by industry and world-class research innovation:
NAME Industry Support
The NAME program has strong ties to industry locally, nationally, and internationally. Industry engagement ranges from program and curriculum development, to teaching and mentoring students, to internship partnerships.
Industry Advisory Board
The program’s industry advisory board includes representatives from Canada’s leading ship design, construction, and classification companies. This advisory board makes important program decisions such as what is included in the curriculum and the requirements for the internship, to ensure that the program meets industry needs and best prepares students for the careers ahead of them. The board has been comprised of representatives from the following companies:
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., or BC Ferries, is known for safety, spectacular scenery and a proud maritime history. What began in 1960 as a two vessel, two terminal operation has grown into one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world, with 35 vessels and up to 47 ports of call.
BCIT is one of the only institutions in Canada other than UBC that offers professional training for the maritime industry. They offer courses and programs in Navigation, Marine Engineering, Seamanship, Maritime Security, and Nautical Science, and boast a state-of-the-art marine simulation centre.
http://www.capilanomaritime.com/
Located in North Vancouver, BC, Capilano Maritime Design Ltd. offers naval architecture, marine survey, and marine engineering design services. The company's focus is on providing engineering services for projects involving all manner of workboats including tugs, barges, crewboats, marine construction vessels, and ferries.
Founded in 1760 as a marine classification society, LR now operates across many industry sectors, with over 9,000 employees based in 78 countries. Lloyd's Register has a long-standing reputation for integrity, impartiality and technical excellence. Their compliance, risk and technical consultancy services give clients confidence that their assets and businesses are safe, sustainable and dependable.
Robert Allan Ltd. is Canada's most senior consulting naval architectural firm, established in Vancouver, B.C. in 1930. The company has earned an international reputation for innovative, successful designs for a wide range of ships and has been a leader in creating cost-efficient vessels for service in the marine transportation industry. They have designed hundreds of vessels of almost all types, from small fishing boats to ocean-going ferries, and they provide independent professional marine consulting and design services to a worldwide client base, supported by the latest in computer-aided design technology.
http://www.ronhollanddesign.com/
Ron Holland is the world's leading yacht designer and creator of a new generation of 100ft plus performance superyachts. His studio is based in Vancouver, but his client base is international, and he regularly travels the globe for a variety of projects. Ron Holland has created some of the fastest, most luxurious, and stunning yachts on the water--boats with ultra-modern technologies and just the right touch of tradition.
Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) is the Pacific formation of the Royal Canadian Navy. MARPAC is headquartered at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt and provides maritime security in the North Pacific region.
MARPAC tracks all ships in the designated area of responsibility and defends the unimpeded use of the seas - protecting the right to innocent passage of lawful commerce. The maritime security provided by MARPAC is vital to Canada’s physical and economic safety as a maritime nation bounded by three of the world’s oceans.
MARPAC is home to the 13 ships and two submarines of Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC). With the support of Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, the Pacific Fleet generates and operates balanced, multi-purpose maritime forces to support domestic and international Canadian security operations.
Seaspan is an association of Canadian companies primarily involved in coastal marine transportation, shipdocking/ship escort, ship repair and shipbuilding services in Western North America. In addition to the marine transportation services offered directly through Seaspan, commercial ferry, shipyard and bunkering services are provided via affiliate companies: Marine Petrobulk, Seaspan Ferries, Vancouver Drydock, Vancouver Shipyards and Victoria Shipyards.
The scope of Seaspan’s services, the quality of its employees and over a century of successful participation in coastal commerce, make the company a major partner in the economy of the Pacific Northwest.
The mission of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers is to advance the art, science and practice of naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering and other marine-related professions.
Established in 1973, Teekay has developed from a regional shipping company into one of the world’s largest marine energy transportation, storage and production companies. Teekay brings energy where it is needed to power the global economy and to improve people’s lives.
Vard Marine Inc. is a ship design and marine engineering company located in Vancouver, BC, that provides solutions for offshore and specialized vessels such as offshore support, subsea construction and naval vessels as well as ferries and passenger vessels. Vard Marine is a subsidiary of VARD, headquartered in Norway. Building on VARD’s unique expertise designing, constructing and developing integrated solutions for highly customized vessels, Vard Marine aims to grow to a leading position in the North American market.
Other Supporting Companies
In addition to this advisory board, many other companies also provide tremendous support in the form of internship positions, student mentorship, guest lectures, field trips, and event sponsorship. Our students have benefited from the support of companies such as:
Alion Science and Technology delivers advanced engineering, IT and operational solutions to strengthen national security and drive business results. For customers in defense, civilian government and commercial industries, Alion’s engineered solutions support smarter decision-making and enhanced readiness in rapidly-changing environments.
The Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia represents vessel owners, operators and shipping agencies engaged in international trade through Canada’s Pacific gateway. The association fosters the development of collaborative solutions and promotes the development of effective and responsive legislation that continues to support a robust and sound shipping industry.
The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are together the largest federal government department. DND/CAF share a unique relationship in the Government of Canada as the only department where military members work alongside civilians (non-military members). The Defence Team is comprised of over 100,000 employees.
As a full service firm, Elliott Bay Design Group combines naval architecture and marine engineering capabilities with analytical and design skills to deliver comprehensive solutions. Products are designed and engineered to meet each client’s specific needs. EBDG has three offices: Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan.
Fednav is Canada's largest ocean-going, dry-bulk, ship-owning and chartering group. For 70 years, the company has been delivering practical, innovative maritime transportation solutions as a pioneer in the international shipping industry. With offices on four continents and a reputation built on a commitment to customer care and reliability, Fednav is the leader in international shipping on the Great Lakes, as well as the Canadian Arctic, boasting the world’s largest fleet of ice-class bulk carriers.
Founded in 2013 in Canada, Ionada develops, manufactures, and markets Membrane Scrubber systems for the marine and power generation industries.
Located on the East Coast of Canada, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) provides world-class shipbuilding and repair, drill rig construction and conversion, offshore fabrication, industrial manufacturing, engineering, supply chain management and quality and technical services.
ISI has its primary office at the Halifax Shipyard with other locations in the Maritime Provinces. The company has been building, repairing and refitting quality vessels and fabricated modules for over 50 years. During that time, they have successfully served a wide range industries around the globe including navy, coast guard, oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, pulp and paper, transportation, mining and related heavy industries.
L3 MAPPS is a leading global supplier of control and simulation solutions for the marine, power generation and space sectors. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, L3 MAPPS has operating units located in the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Malaysia.
Mavi is a renewable energy company building cross-flow hydrokinetic turbines that convert energy from tidal and river currents into clean and predictable power. Their turbine units are designed for remote off-grid applications as well as for grid-connected coastal communities.
Mavi also provides expert engineering services in CFD, solid mechanics, advanced analysis, instrumentation, mechanical design and field testing. The company provides valuable support at any stage of a project, from initial conception through to failure analysis and life extension.
As a clean tech company, Mavi is keen to lead and support the growth of the renewable energy industry.
MetalCraft is a leader in the design and manufacture of custom aluminum boats for the government and commercial markets. Their greatest area of success has been designing and building high speed Patrol and Search & Rescue craft. They recently built eight specialty tow boats for the U.S. Navy and a 36' pilot boat for the New York State Pilots Association.
http://www.seabridgemarine.com/
Seabridge Marine Services Ltd provides innovative and economic solutions to the Marine Industry worldwide, from dry transporting some of the largest structures in the world to providing a mobile dry docking service.
Transport Canada is responsible for transportation policies and programs. It promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-responsible transportation.
Transport Canada works with its portfolio partners, other government departments and jurisdictions, and industry to ensure that all parts of Canada's transportation system work well.
Transport Canada employs 4,700 people at its headquarters and in five regional offices across the country.
Wainbee Limited was established in 1957 as a manufacturer's agent and industrial distributor. The Company has grown to become one of Canada's leading providers of technical and supply chain solutions for automation and control with over 200 employees in 15 locations across Canada.
Their products and services are specialized, based on representing a limited number of closely associated technologies, while at the same time providing good geographical coverage of Canada's industry. Their organization combines modern business management with continuity, sales, supply chain and engineering skills, and financial integrity.
Zodiac Milpro is the global leader for military and professional RIBs and inflatables. The company is built upon a commitment to meeting the needs of military or civil customers anywhere in the world.
Ship Design Project
Over the course of the year, students work on a capstone project designed to give experience in the preliminary design of a ship. Working in teams under the mentorship of industry members, students use advanced design software to design a vessel according to specified criteria, analyzing budget and feasibility of their designs.
Students’ final designs are presented to maritime industry guests at our annual Student Design Celebration, allowing our MEng students to showcase their work to potential employers from local and international shipyards and naval design firms.
Sample student design projects
EHS Ambulance Vessel
Project Mentors: Hans Muhlert, Robert Allan Ltd.
This ship was designed to be a purpose-built BC Emergency Health Services Marine Transport Vessel providing marine transportation of patients, 24 hours a day. The vessel has the capacity for a Type III Ambulance, as well as an amphibious ramp, a stretcher lift, and a patient care area.
BC Short Sea Shipping Vessel
Project Mentor: Chris Mulder, Capilano Maritime Design Ltd.
This green articulated tug barge was designed to provide a more sustainable alternative for container transport along the BC Coastline than conventional trucking service. The vessel design uses methanol to hydrogen fuel cells, providing short sea shipping service that is economically competitive to road transport.
Ro-Pax/Rescue Vessel for India
Project Mentors: Brenden Oke and Oleksiy Serdyuk, Vard Marine Inc.
This vessel was designed to be a roll on/roll off passenger ferry operating in the shallow waters of the Brahmaputra river. The design considers affordability in construction and operation, while addressing local safety hazards and having multipurpose rescue ability. It is a catamaran to maximize stability, and features a 360° bridge for optimal line of sight, as well as outboard engines with vectored thrust.
Low GHG Multi-Purpose Cargo Vessel for Norway
Project Mentor: Jim Carr, Seaspan Shipyards Co.
This vessel is designed for offshore cargo transportation between the Germany and Norway that is profitable while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The design utilizes ammonia as a GHG-friendly fuel source, and also included a feasibility analysis of different marine fuel types over time, comparing blue ammonia (made from fossil fuels), green ammonia (created from renewable energy sources), and conventional marine diesel oil.
NAME MEng Internship
The internship is an enormously valuable experience for students, and one of the main things that attracts students to our program. A large number of students have secured internships through the support of the Engineering Co-op Office, with many of those positions turning into long-term, full-time employment.
The department and the Co-op Office are dedicated to fostering positive relationships between our students and the industry, and this means maintaining a commitment to (1) only place students in relevant and rewarding positions (no fetching coffee!), and (2) only send students into industry when they are ready and able to do an outstanding job in the field. Students therefore undergo a rigorous training and evaluation process to ensure that they are both highly capable engineers and well-rounded professionals ready for the workplace.
Previous Internship Companies
Interested in hiring a NAME student?
We take great care to prepare our students for the workplace, and to ensure that the companies who hire our students find the best match for their needs. If your company is interested in participating in our internship program, or receiving additional information, please contact the Applied Science (Engineering) Co-op Office at apsc.coop@ubc.ca or visit their website at www.coop.apsc.ubc.ca/employers.
Teaching and Research Team
The NAME MEng instructional team is made up of faculty from UBC Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Materials Engineering as well as industry experts, so that students receive cutting-edge and industry-relevant training.
NAME faculty are engaged in academic and industry-related research across naval disciplines, investigating a range of marine topics. Our researchers frequently collaborate with industry partners, and several hold industry-funded chairs and professorships, pursuing innovation in this global field.
NAME Program Director
Jon Mikkelsen, P.Eng.
mikk@mech.ubc.ca | 604-822-2709
NAME Research News
Study in a thriving maritime city
Study in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, home of the 4th biggest port and one of the main shipyards in North America.
Vancouver is a beautiful maritime location with a strong industry presence in the areas of ship design, construction, and maintenance, making it the perfect place for anyone interested in marine structures. NAME students enjoy UBC’s superb campus in one of the planet’s truly spectacular regions, and benefit from Canada’s investment in local shipbuilding; Vancouver’s many marine-related companies and firms; and the university’s close relationship with key members of industry locally, nationally, and internationally.
Increasing investment
In 2010, the Government of Canada announced the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), a C$38-billion investment to fund the production of 28 new large vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast guard, as well as more than 100 smaller vessels. Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver was awarded the non-combat contracts, amounting to C$8 billion of the investment, and has recently undergone a C$170 million renovation and expansion project to prepare for the new work. The NSPS is expected to create 75 million hours of work and 15,000 jobs annually in Canada over the next 30 years.
Canada’s largest marine transportation company and most modern shipyard
Seaspan ULC is Canada’s largest marine transportation company, with the largest and most diversified barge fleet in North America (Industry Canada). It is the parent company of the three Seaspan Shipyards, all located in British Columbia: Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock, and Victoria Shipyards. These shipyards engage in vessel new construction, maintenance and repair. As a result of their C$170M modernization project, completed in November 2014, Vancouver Shipyards has transformed into one of the world’s most modern shipyards, with the following brand new facilities:
- Sub Assembly Shop with modern equipment
- Panel Shop with panel line
- Block Assembly Shop
- Pre-Outfitting Shop
- Paint and Blast Shop
- 300 tonne permanent Gantry crane over erection berth
Seaspan provides annual shipyard tours for NAME students and is committed to taking interns and hiring full-time employees from our program.