Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Jürgen Göken
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5021
e-Mail:­ juergen.goeken(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: by arrangement
officeroom: B23
labour: B23

Physics and meteorology in nautical science

The subject of physics, which is taught at the Faculty of Maritime Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, covers the fields of classical mechanics, technical mechanics, thermodynamics and physical materials science. While classical mechanics is used to describe the movement of bodies as a result of external forces, the task of technical mechanics is to make the theoretical calculation methods and description methods based on classical mechanics available for other engineering sciences (e.g. for mechanical engineering). Thermodynamics deals with the general theory of energy and material transformation processes. Material structures, mechanical properties and materials are the topic areas in physical materials science.

The fields mentioned are particularly important in the “Nautical Science and Maritime Transport” and “Maritime Technology and Shipping Management” degree programmes in the Faculty of Maritime Sciences since the students are aiming for a “Bachelor of Science” degree and must demonstrate appropriate skills in the technically oriented maritime environment. Potential employers are shipping companies, the offshore industry and their suppliers, among others. The requirement for a high level of technical knowledge can be demonstrated through the example of a ship. The stability criteria of the ship itself, as well as the physical properties of the ship’s structure, must be understood in order to be able to operate a ship.

Material failure is a central theme for dynamically stressed components , such as occurs in the offshore sector. An extensive knowledge base in the field of material mechanics must be established for this. In terms of content, it’s all about being able to explain material-related variables and establish structure-property correlations. This enables students to demonstrate fundamental deformation mechanisms and to be able to explain their effect on the mechanical material behaviour.

Meteorology is the physical description of the atmosphere. Introductory observations concerning the composition and thermodynamics of the atmosphere are required for this description. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the physical conditions and processes in the atmosphere as well as to be able to understand and interpret meteorological information. Once the meteorological parameters have been identified, they can be used to make decisions with regard to route, for example.

For students who aspire to a further academic career, the course is designed such that they can continue onto Master’s degree programmes with a technical background, as is currently implemented in the international “Maritime Operations” Master’s programme. The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer offers this Master’s programme in collaboration with the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Vice dean:

Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Klaus Heilmann,
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5026
e-Mail:­ klaus.heilmann(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: by arrangement

Business management

The subject represents the relevant aspects of business management in a maritime context.

Bachelor’s study programmes:

The “General Business Management” foundation module, which is mandatory for everyone, teaches all of the economic foundations which students on the “Nautical Science and Maritime Transport” and "Maritime Technology and Shipping Management” degree programmes (specialisations in Ship and Environmental Technology, as well as Safety and Quality Management) will need later in the world of work.

The business logistics-oriented “Maritime Technology and Shipping Management” students also deepen their knowledge of business management aspects in the "Ship Financing and Investment”, “Human Resource and Crew Management”, “Controlling and Cost Accounting”, “Maritime Economics (Shipping Company Business Management)” and “Strategic Shipping Company Management” modules. In the “Container Liner Shipping (Business Simulation)” module, advanced students devote themselves to the practical application of the knowledge they have learned and the skills they have gained in a computer-based interactive business simulation. Here, they step into the role of the company management for a major liner shipping company who must make the right decisions in order to successfully steer their virtual container liner shipping company through a competitive environment.

Master’s degree programme:

The students on the nautical science and technology-oriented “Maritime Operations” Master’s degree programme learn the relevant foundations and skills to be able to successfully deal with economic issues in both a theoretical and a practical environment in the “Financial Business Administration and Cost Accounting” and “Economical Aspects of Sustainable Maritime Operations” modules.

Prof. Kapitän Rudolf Kreutzer
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5035
e-Mail:­ rudolf.kreutzer(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: by arrangement

Prof. Freerk Meyer, Dipl.-Ing., Studiendekan des Fachbereichs
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5017
e-Mail:­ freerk.meyer(at)hs-emden-leer.de
opening hours: by arrangement

Ship propulsion systems and ship operating systems

Teaching duties:

• Teaching of foundation subjects such as technical mechanics for students in foundation studies.
• Teaching of basic mechanical engineering knowledge for MTSM students in advanced studies such as construction methodology and production, machine elements, etc.
• Teaching in-depth knowledge in the fields of ship propulsion and ship operating technology

In addition to traditional lectures, the knowledge is communicated in tutorials, in the ship technology laboratory, in a CAD foundation course and on field trips.

Work priorities in research and development

Significant efforts are currently being made in the field of ship propulsion to equip new and existing ships with propulsion systems which are as energy-efficient and clean as possible. Within the context of these efforts, there are research projects in the Faculty of Shipping which deal with these propulsion systems. As a mechanical engineer specialising in drive technology, I am working on the use of new, less damaging fuels for propulsion engines (e.g. LNG = liquefied natural gas) here, as well as their integration into ship designs.

Ship operating systems with their wide variety of components are a second work priority. The safe operation of these systems and efforts to reduce the energy consumption of these systems is being researched in the ship technology laboratory.

Duties at the university and in the faculty

In addition to activities in research and teaching, I am aware of the following tasks:

• Dean of Studies for the faculty (responsible for the organisation of teaching and thus chair of the Academic Commission and member of the Board of Examiners for the faculty)
• Member of the Faculty Board (FBR)
• Member of the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer senate
• Member of the University Commission for Ethics and Sustainability
• Participation in the University’s “Sustainability” advisory board

Prof. Dr. jur. Mathias Münchau
phone: 0491-92817-5034
e-Mail:­ mathias.muenchau(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: after arrangement

Maritime law

The subject area includes the general principles of law (private/commercial law and public law) and the specific legal aspects of shipping. These include maritime labour law, shipping law and public maritime law. The focus of maritime labour law is on the crew members’s employment agreement and the resulting rights and obligations of the master and the crew, the shipping company’s responsibility and control by flag and port states. The key aspects of shipping law are voyage and time charter contracts, the documentation in charter parties and bills of lading, as well as liability for cargo and other damages. The legal aspects of ship emergencies, such as collisions, salvage and general average, and marine insurance are also part of the course program. Public maritime law is devoted to the regulations on shipping safety and marine environmental protection which are becoming ever more extensive and important. The mechanisms for their observance and control (flag and port state control, maritime accident investigation) and the role of classification societies are also discussed. In the drafting and management of contracts lecture, the students can then learn to draw up charter contracts (voyage and time charter contracts) themselves on the basis of examples from real life. Knowledge of shipbuilding contracts and their implementation (construction supervision) as well as the execution of ship purchase contracts is also provided.

Where appropriate, the lectures are supplemented by field trips (e.g. to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in Hamburg or visits to shipyards) as well as by specific events (e.g. simulated arbitration proceedings from the German Maritime Arbitration Association) or presentations.

• Lectures in the Nautical Science and Shipping degree program:
  Public maritime / shipping law, private economic law / maritime labour law, (commercial) shipping law.
• Lectures in the Maritime Technology and Shipping Management degree program:
  Civil law, labour and commercial law, (commercial) shipping law, public maritime law, drafting and management of maritime contracts.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jann Strybny
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5040
e-Mail:­ jann.strybny(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office houres: by arrangement

Inform yourself in our interesting video about maritime environmental technology!

Prof. Kapitän Michael Tomaschek
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5022
e-Mail:­ michael.tomaschek(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: by arrangement

Navigation

• “Navigation is without a doubt the most beneficial and loftiest science which humanity has learned; it alone is to thank for the spreading of cultural awareness and association with the farthest-flung nations. Anyone who harbours even the slightest regard for the huge expanses of nature is sure to feel the drive to gain knowledge of the endless heavens, and no occupation in the world has more opportunities to do so than the career of the thinking seaman. It cannot be denied that the job of a sailor is a dangerous and often exhausting one and entails some hardships, but this is greatly mitigated by the pleasure which he finds during the course of his work; no man can wrangle with fate over his occupation, whatever type of work fate has ordained for him, dissatisfaction would simply give rise to resentment of the day-to-day obligations. Every seaman therefore wishes to be mindful of his job, which puts him among the most useful members of human society, and to increase the bonds which unite everyone who lives on the surface of the Earth.”
• Foreword to the book "Navigation – Pocketbook for Seafarers” by Captain J. Friedrichson from the year 1869

Prof. Kapitän Michael Vahs
phone: 0049 (0)491-92817-5022
e-Mail:­ michael.vahs(at)hs-emden-leer.de
office hours: by arrangement

Technical ship handling

This subject covers the nautical and technical processes for the handling of a seagoing vessel. The core elements are the use of navigation systems such as radar and the electronic nautical charts, as well as manoeuvring systems for the execution of safe and efficient vessel manoeuvres. The students learn the practical handling of technical navigation and manoeuvring systems, building on scientifically oriented teaching of basic principles including the development of methodological competence which enables them to work out complex technical nautical tasks for themselves. The use of ship handling simulators and navigation laboratories is focused on practical training. Navigation techniques are developed and vessel maneuvers are trained under safety-critical conditions in small bridge teams.

If you want to learn more about the laboratory for technical ship management, click here.