Mehmet Atlar

Professor Mehmet Atlar is a Research Professor in the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. He joined in May 2016 via the Global Talent Platform initiative. Previously, he served as Professor of Ship Hydrodynamics and director of the Emerson Cavitation Tunnel at Newcastle University. His work spans experimental and computational naval hydrodynamics with a focus on ship propulsion, energy efficiency, and marine sustainability.

His educational background includes a BSc and MSc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the Technical University of Istanbul and a PhD from the University of Glasgow on the dynamic motion responses of semi-submersibles.

Mehmet Atlar’s research centers on ship performance, propulsion systems, cavitation, underwater noise, and marine biofouling. He is particularly interested in novel hull forms, propulsor design, and biomimetic applications for renewable energy and drag reduction. His recent work emphasizes energy-saving devices and sustainable shipping technologies.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in experimental and computational analysis of advanced propulsion systems like the gate rudder, with attention to real-world conditions such as ageing, fouling, and oblique wave interactions. There is also a clear focus on sustainability, including carbon footprint assessments and retrofitting energy-saving technologies using CFD.

• Honorable Mention for the 2022 Vice Admiral E. L. Cochrane Award

Professor Atlar has supervised over 28 PhD students as principal supervisor and has led numerous research projects funded by the EC Framework Programme, EPSRC, industry, and defense agencies. He has been a principal or co-investigator in major projects such as the Oldendorff Sustainable Shipping Research Centre and initiatives on hydrogen-fueled zero-emissions vessels. His leadership extends to organizing international conferences, including the bi-annual AMT Conference Series since 2009.

He is actively involved in research teams focusing on sustainable shipping, hydrogen propulsion, and advanced measurement technologies. He leads the HTF & AMT25 Management project and contributes to national and international technical committees, including ITTC, RINA, and SNAME.