Established in 1946, the Marine Engineering discipline at Wuhan University of Technology (WHUT) is among China's first authorized master's degree programs (1981) and early doctoral programs (1983). It obtained first-level doctoral discipline authorization in 2000, became one of China's three National First-Level Key Disciplines in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering in 2007, and was designated as a National Defense Featured Discipline in 2016. Its Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering programs are both recognized as National First-Class Undergraduate Programs.
For over 70 years, the discipline has specialized in inland vessel research, addressing national strategic needs and inland shipping development. It has established a comprehensive theoretical framework and key technological capabilities in inland ship design, supported by the MOE Key Laboratory of High-Performance Ship Technology and two defense-oriented sub-disciplines: Ship Design & Manufacturing and Marine Engineering. The discipline offers a full-spectrum talent cultivation system (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs), enrolling over 800 students annually. Graduates excel in shipyards, design institutes, and defense industries, including distinguished alumni such as academicians and ship design masters.
As a pivotal hub for marine science and education, the discipline leads national defense research, high-tech ship projects, and critical technologies for naval vessels. Through platforms like the "111 Program" Innovation Base, the Smart Shipping International Talent Program, and joint research centers with the University of Southampton and Delft University of Technology, it fosters global collaboration. Recognized as an academic partner by the TWI National Structural Integrity Research Centre (UK), it hosts four ITTC committee members, four ISSC members, and strategic scientists including Academicians W.G. Price, Preben Terndrup Pedersen, and Wu Yousheng.
Disciplinary Research Areas:
•Ship Hydrodynamics Research and Hull Form Development
•Structural Safety and Reliability of Marine Engineering Systems
•Advanced Ship Manufacturing Technologies and Equipment
•Marine Engine Monitoring, Diagnostics, and Intelligent Control
•Performance Optimization and Energy-Efficiency in Marine Power Systems
