Internship | Impact assessment of split incentives and value chain contract development for sustainable shipping

The energy transition is one of the most important topics for maritime shipping in 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’ within the value chain. An important part is based on uncertainties in relation to rules, regulation, and contracts. By focusing on the (contractual) interaction and split incentives between key stakeholders in the value chain, we intend to reduce the investment uncertainty. By learning to analyse these barriers, 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 via our ongoing consortia.

For this assignment, the focus will be placed on data and literature analysis, to make the interaction between stakeholders explicit. The capability to use of advanced tooling such as Large Language Models (LLM) is considered a plus. 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 to have lunch walks, participate in sport activities and who enjoys after work drinks. Finally, you’ll learn about TNO as a research institute and its role in society.

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".

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).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 29th of November, 2024. After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.
Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.