Ghent University
From Naval Architecture to Maritime Technology Division
In 1904, the research unit Naval Architecture was founded and can be considered the forerunner of the current Maritime Technology Division within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The mission of the Maritime Technology Division is threefold:
- Its primary aim is to ameliorate academic education regarding the design, construction, propulsion, functioning and maintenance of marine structures such as ships, but also offshore constructions (offshore aquaculture, floating PV, floating offshore wind turbines).
- The second objective concerns carrying out fundamental and applied scientific research in the maritime field, especially regarding the hydrodynamics of ships.
- The third purpose is to carry out scientific studies for and in collaboration with enterprises and public services in the maritime field.
The research undertaken by this division focuses on maritime hydrodynamics, i.e. the behaviour of ships and other floating structures in the water. The main emphasis lies on the behaviour of ships in shallow and confined waters, including aspects such as: model research, manoeuvring of ships in shallow water (with a focus on manoeuvring simulations), influence of fluid mud layers on ship behaviour (nautical bottom), ship-bank interaction, ship-ship interactions, moored ships, arrival and departure arrangements for deep-draft vessels, probabilistic admission policy, vertical ship movements caused by the squat effect and waves, sailing in and out of locks, inland and estuary shipping (risk analysis), fairway design and equivalent bottom. In the context of the Knowledge Centre ‘Manoeuvring in Shallow and Confined Water‘, which was founded in 2008, there is a structural collaboration with Flanders Hydraulics. With the same laboratory there is a collaboration for the towing tanks for manoeuvres in shallow and confined waters and scientific advice is provided for the lock model and simulators for ship manoeuvres.
Getting around
The city of Ghent is one of Europe’s greatest discoveries – small enough to feel cosy but big enough to stay vibrant. The city offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. It is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life.
There are so many must-see attractions to visit: the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. Moreover, the vibrant city is also host to some big cultural events such as the Gentse Feesten during summer, the Light Festival during winter and the International Film Festival of Ghent in October.
The city centre of Ghent is car-free. Students therefore usually make use of bicycles which can be rent for a small price; De Fietsambassade Gent (Bike Embassy Ghent) gives students the opportunity to rent a bike for a few months.
Also with bus and tram, students can reach any part of the city quickly and easily (even on weekend evenings) and also taxis are readily available. For more information about our city and its interesting sights, please visit the Gent website.
Housing facilities
A number of single rooms are available to degree students of Ghent University, with priority given to students who are enrolled in an Erasmus Mundus Master course.
If students would like to apply for these housing facilities, the Letter of Admission from Ghent University is needed. This Letter of Admission will be made available to the students in April. Moreover, if applicable, students should have a visa.
Housing facilities are available with either single rooms or flats for couples. The current rental fees of these living units can be found on the Ghent University website, together with the rental terms and conditions and the online application form.
Next to these university facilities, suitable living-units can also be found on the private rented market. The search for a comfortable and safe living unit on the private rented market is however quite challenging and will take time and effort. Please visit the Ghent University website for more information about where to find rooms, prices and tips.
Culture and leisure
Ghent is a multicultural city which is home to nationals from all over the world. If you know where to look, you will find a lot of people and organisations offering all these newcomers a taste of home.
International student in Gent: sport, culture and leisure
Sport facilities for Ghent University students
Get lost in the historic city centre
Welcome days at Ghent University
