From Waste to Wealth: Dredged Sediments Powering Coastal Renewal

The successful PhD student will be co-supervised and work alongside our external partner JBA .

This studentship is open to students worldwide *please see funding notes below

Renewable Energy is one of the fastest growing sectors addressing the most important challenges of our age.  Offshore renewables, energy distribution, and the environmental impacts of constructing and decommissioning the infrastructure are some one of the most pressing research themes faced by the UK and beyond.  The Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions Centre (N0MES) for Doctoral Training is creating the future specialist workforce needed by our industrial partners through PhD projects finding solutions to real-life industrial needs. N0MES offers 4-year PhD studentships for exceptional researchers. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and over 30 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES postgraduate researchers will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research

N0MES CDT Theme C: Environmental Impact

Dredging is essential for maintaining navigable waterways, and dredged sediments offer a valuable resource for coastal restoration. The strategic use of these sediments in coastal protection and reshaping efforts can play a crucial role in advancing net-zero targets, particularly by reducing the need for transporting materials over long distances. However, dredged sediments are often disposed of offshore, which can lead to long-term sediment depletion along the coastline. Once deposited offshore, these sediments are challenging to resuspend and transport back inshore. This issue has prompted efforts to recycle dredged material, such as the initiative at the Port of Felixstowe, where 50,000 tonnes of fine sediment are released annually into estuarine areas. While this method can enhance habitat resilience, some studies suggest it is not optimal for dredging efficiency or coastal restoration efforts. This project will examine three case studies across the UK co-decided with the external partner to assess where dredged sediments could support coastal restoration efforts. Initially, we will identify existing coastal risks at each site. This will include the development of monitoring and digital twin components allowing for incorporating real-time data into modelling techniques. Subsequently, we will employ computer modelling, remote sensing, and machine learning techniques to predict future coastal risks under changing climate conditions. Finally, these tools will be used to test various sediment recycling methods, aiming to enhance both sediment budgets and the resilience of the overall coastal system. The project will also include a final life-cycle carbon budget analysis to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these innovative approaches compared to traditional coastal protection strategies.

Application Information

We want all our staff and students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, if you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in a relevant subject OR a First in a relevant bachelor’s degree. 

Important Application Process

Please submit your application to the University of Liverpool here: https://app.askadmissions.co.uk/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantLogin.asp?id=liv

Follow the guidance notes here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor - see supervisor section at top of page.

Those wishing to discuss the application process should contact CDT Manager, Matt Fulton, at the University of Liverpool [[Email Address Removed]].