Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Connect the world across oceans, and create the future of one of the largest international industries through ship design.
Why Choose the Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Option in Mechanical Engineering?
Marine transportation plays a pivotal role in facilitating intercontinental trade, ensuring the seamless flow of essential commodities, raw materials, and commercial goods across the globe. A cornerstone of international commerce and global defense, this dynamic sector requires innovation in marine transport, sustainable energy generation, and environmental stewardship. From traditional ship construction to offshore wind farms, the NAME Option allows students interested in marine systems to meet the pressing demands of this industry and drive a more sustainable marine future.
What are some unique opportunities students at UBC have?
Specialized Courses
In 3rd year, students in this Option will begin taking a modified curriculum with courses that focus on hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics, and propulsion, as well as ship motion and stability, structures and design. The curriculum is designed to develop the student’s specialization alongside fundamental design and analytical skills required by any mechanical engineer.
Unique Expertise
Our instructors have maritime industry experience, and our program has been developed in consultation with industry advisors, aligning it with the field’s evolving needs.
Faculty research expertise includes central aspects of vessel design, like computational engineering, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, fluid-structure interactions, combustion, sensors and controls.
Experiential Learning
Our facilities include a wind tunnel, hull-testing platform, as well as a machine shop and a 24/7 access MakerSpace open to all of our students.
Outside of the curriculum, our students participate in marine Design Teams such as UBC Sailbot and SUBC, fostering opportunities for students to hone their skills and create networks by taking part in international competitions.
Where can I work?
Vancouver is a thriving maritime city, home to the largest port in Canada connecting international shipping with rail and road transportation across the country. One of three Canadian ports building commercial transport, ferry, coast guard and naval vessels, Vancouver is a hub for the global and Canadian marine industry. Many local companies hire UBC engineering graduates and student coops, and our program has close ties with industry advisors and partners such as:
| Babcock Canada | Ocergy | Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards |
| BC Ferries | Robert Allan Ltd. | Serco Canada |
| Capilano Maritime | Ron Holland Design | Vard Marine |
| Lloyd’s Register | Royal Canadian Navy | Zodiac Hurricane |
Graduate Programs
UBC Mechanical Engineering is home to well-established and industry-recognized graduate education in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and graduate programs worldwide will look for applicants with a strong foundation in naval architecture and marine engineering.
Research Programs
Our MASc and PhD programs provide a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering research specialization, with faculty researchers investigating everything from ocean wind turbines to intelligent and green marine vessels. Other compatible research specializations include:
- Applied Solid Mechanics
- Computational Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- Energy & Environment
- Mechatronics & Instrumentation
Professional Programs
Master of Engineering (MEng): we offer an MEng in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, as well an MEng in Mechanical Engineering with compatible specialization topics such as:
- Computational Engineering
- Energy & Environment
- Fluid Mechanics
- Advanced Controls
Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL): After working in industry, if you decide to level-up your leadership skills, our NAME MEL program joins technical and business studies.
Program Coordinator
Dr. Mohammed Hannan
Coordinator, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Option
mhannan@mail.ubc.ca | 604 822 0810