Charlie McKinlay

Researcher in future fuels for large scale shipping

Expert in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies

Consultant


Biography

Charlie McKinlay is a researcher and consulant in energy systems, particularly for the application of shipping. He has several publication on topics including: future fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, methanol etc), fuel cells and energy management. He recently collaborated on 3 Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition projects and is proficient in Python, systems modelling and big data management.

Education

2018 to Present – CDT in Energy Storage and its Applications (PhD)

University of Southampton - 4 year course (1 taught + 3 research)

I undertook a taught year (equivalent to MSc) on energy storage and its applications. Then decised to specialise in future fuels and fuel cells for the application of long distance shipping.

Taught modules included: Introduction to energy technologies, Environment and sustainability; Global energy systems; Professional and research skills; Fundamentals of energy storage; Energy storage applications; Social science of energy storage.

2016-17 – MSc Energy Engineering with Environmental Management (Merit)

University of East Anglia - Full scholarship award

Modules included: Year-long team energy project; Energy engineering fundamentals; Wind energy engineering; Oil and gas engineering; Electrical energy generation, distribution and storage; Energy engineering dissertation.

2010-2014 – BSc Mathematics (2:1)

University of East Anglia

Modules included: IT for mathematicians; Dynamical meteorology; Fluid dynamics; Probability; Advanced mathematical techniques; Differential equations; Analysis and algebra; Intro to business.

2003-10 – 4 A-levels (A*BCD) 12 GCSEs (4A*, 4A, 4B)

King’s School Grantham – A-levels: Maths; Further Maths; Business Studies; Computer Science.

Publications

McKinlay, C. J., Turnock, S. R., & Hudson, D. A. (2020). A comparison of hydrogen and ammonia for future long distance shipping fuels. LNG/LPG and Alternative Fuel Ships, Royal Institute of Naval Architects, HQ, 8-9 Northumberland Street, London WC2N 5DA, United Kingdom. 29 - 30 Jan 2020. 13 pp. http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/437555

McKinlay, C. J., Turnock, S. R., & Hudson, D. A. (2021). Route to zero emission shipping: hydrogen, ammonia or methanol? International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.06.066

McKinlay, C. J., Turnock, S. R., & Hudson, D. A. (2021). Fuel cells for shipping: to meet on-board auxiliary demand and reduce emissions. Energy Reports - 5th Annual CDT Conference in Energy Storage and its Applications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.02.054

McKinlay, C. J., Turnock, S. R., & Hudson, D. A., Wang Y-K, Wills, R.G.A., Dbouk, W., Teagle, D. A. H. (2021). The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero: a shipping perspective. Response to UK parliamentary inquiry for: The role of hydrogen in achieving Net Zero. http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/446826

McKinlay, C. J., Turnock, S. R., & Hudson, D. A. (2020). Response to UK parliamentary inquiry for: Technological Innovations and Climate Change: Hydrogen. https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/7344/pdf/

Recent talks/articles

I did an interview for Chemical & Engineering News as part of this article on the decarbonisation of shipping. I think provides quite a nice overview on the pathways and challenges for green shipping

https://cen.acs.org/environment/greenhouse-gases/shipping-industry-looks-green-fuels/100/i8

Presentation from the 2021 CDT conference for Energy Storage and its applications where I discuss using fuel cells to meet auxiliary power demand of existing vessels

Here is a presentation I gave on putting some numbers behind the comparison of hydrogen and ammonia for potential future fuels for shipping

A recent news article on my work from The Motorship magazine:

ONBOARD CRYOGENIC STORAGE OF NEW FUELS MAY BE FEASIBLE

Experience

2021 to present - Technical Consultant - Mayfair Marine

Working on a wide range of projects centred around developing zero emission shipping.

2021 to 2022 - Senior Research Assistant - University of Southampton

Took a break from my PhD to work on three Clean Maritime Demonstrating Competition (CMDC) projects all related to the use of fuel cells for shipping.

2019 to present – Decarbonisation Consultant – Shell Shipping and Maritime

Skills gained: Consultancy experience; Python; expert knowledge in maritime energy systems.

2021 to 2021 - Alternative Fuels Consultant - Arcsilea Ltd

Working as part of the HySeas III project (https://www.hyseas3.eu/)

2019 to 2021– Mathematics Demonstrator – University of Southampton

Skills gained: Teaching experience (undergraduate engineering students)

2017 – Student placement - SSE Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Ltd

Skills gained: engineering industry experience; improved data analysis and professional report writing; technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering; self-managing a project.

2015 – Enterprise Data Analyst Intern - Career Central, University of East Anglia

Skills gained: data analysis and business knowledge; organisation of events and workshops; day-to-day administration tasks.

2008-18 – Various hospitality roles

Including 1 year in Australia and 4 seasons in France.