Internship | Socio-technical analysis of the maritime energy transition

About this position

The energy transition is one of the most important topics for maritime shipping for the coming years. Economic feasibility of sustainable shipping is a critical barrier. A lack of investments can be observed in this ‘hard to abate sector’. This is due to a (mis)match between the ‘perceived risk’ and ‘risk appetite’ of the decision makers throughout the complex value chain. By learning to analyse the barriers and potential mitigations in complex transitions, you gain the skillset to make a change in the coming decades. For gaining more knowledge on this topic, you will combine data analysis and interviews with ship owners, ports and associations.

What will be your role?

For this assignment, the focus will be placed on modelling and defining the main factors impacting the ‘willingness to pay’ for sustainable energy by stakeholders in the shipping sector (differentiated in various ship segments), in comparison to other industries (e.g. chemical sector/aviation/etc).

The work is partly based on previous research, data analyses, but provides room for theoretical and solutions design developments.

You will work closely with the sustainable shipping team of TNO consisting of maritime and logistics experts, data analysts and ship engineering experts. Your assignment will be directly linked with work performed by the team. Additionally, you will be part of an energetic and social team who enjoys lunch walks, participating in sport activities, and after work drinks. Finally, you’ll learn about TNO as a research institute and its role in society.

What we expect from you

You are focused on achieving results and having influence and impact within TNO. You are socially involved, creative and able to think out of the box. You combine these qualities with a good dose of enthusiasm to work on sustainable mobility, both in a technical and policy sense. You take ownership of your work and you are a team player who solves problems together with others. You are also structured, analytically and qualitatively strong. You are strong in communication and you can listen "actively".

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.