Accurate prediction of extreme loads is fundamental to structural reliability assessment, yet traditional extreme value methods may not fully account for variations in the likelihood of occurrence. This study proposes an enhanced application of extreme value theory that incorporates exceedance probabilities, reducing uncertainty in predicted extremes and providing a more realistic basis for safety and design evaluations.

Underwater radiated noise from commercial shipping is becoming an increasingly important environmental issue, particularly because of its potential impact on marine species that rely on sound for communication, navigation, and feeding. This review highlights propeller cavitation as the dominant source of ship noise and identifies opportunities to reduce acoustic emissions through improved propeller and wake-field design. The findings suggest that targeting the relatively small number of vessels responsible for the majority of noise pollution could deliver substantial benefits, while emphasising the need for comprehensive full-scale measurements to support effective noise-reduction strategies alongside energy-efficiency improvements.

Offshore transhipment operations are often constrained by vessel motions and weather-related downtime, creating significant challenges for supply chains and port efficiency. This study evaluates an innovative Floating Harbour Transhipper concept and demonstrates that its sheltered well-dock arrangement can substantially reduce feeder-vessel motions compared with conventional side-by-side transfer methods, improving the reliability and operability of open-water transhipment.

Maintaining the structural integrity of submarine pressure hulls throughout their service life requires a clear understanding of how corrosion and geometric imperfections interact under external pressure loading. Experimental investigation of ring-stiffened cylinders shows that corrosion can significantly reduce collapse strength, particularly when combined with out-of-circularity defects, providing valuable insight for lifecycle assessment, maintenance planning, and submarine structural design.

Designing specialist vessels for uncertain and rapidly evolving markets requires balancing immediate operational needs with the flexibility to remain competitive over decades of service. This study applies Epoch-Era Analysis to the design of an Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel, demonstrating how future market scenarios can be incorporated into early-stage design decisions to support more adaptable, resilient, and commercially sustainable vessel concepts.

Data-driven modelling techniques are creating new opportunities to predict vessel manoeuvring performance without relying solely on traditional mathematical representations. This study demonstrates the application of a recursive neural network trained using full-scale trial data to simulate catamaran manoeuvres, showing how artificial intelligence can support accurate prediction of ship handling characteristics and assist future vessel design and operational planning.

Bridging the gap between conventional ferries and high-speed craft is driving interest in a new generation of medium-speed catamarans that combine improved transport efficiency with lower environmental impact. This study identifies key hull-form characteristics for minimising resistance, providing design guidance for fuel-efficient twin-hull vessels capable of transporting larger payloads at economically attractive operating speeds.

Understanding the behaviour of high-speed vessels in severe sea conditions remains critical as operators seek to balance performance, passenger comfort, and safety. Full-scale trials of a large wave-piercing catamaran demonstrated the significant influence of vessel speed, heading, and ride-control systems on motion responses, while also providing valuable validation data for numerical seakeeping prediction methods used in vessel design and performance assessment.

The number of floating LNG projects are increasing fast. Today’s liquefaction capacity is forecast to more than treble from 16 million to 55 million tonnes by 2040.

Selecting the right mooring system is critical to the performance and economics of floating storage and regasification units. Evaluating jetty nearshore and offshore solutions researchers identified key trade-offs and developed a practical decision framework supporting owners operators and port authorities in optimising project-specific designs reducing risk improving flexibility and resilience.

Microalgae oil is emerging as a promising low-carbon marine fuel. Engine testing of pure and blended Schizochytrium fuel demonstrated significant reductions in NOx and carbon monoxide emissions despite efficiency and fuel-consumption trade-offs at higher loads. The findings highlight renewable biofuels’ potential to support cleaner shipping and emissions compliance efforts globally.

Meeting IMO emissions goals requires more than efficiency technologies. This analysis examines speed reductions, wind propulsion, alternative fuels, waste-derived energy sources, and renewable fuel availability. It highlights supply-chain constraints, transitional pathways, and the growing role of shipping as a major future liquid-fuel consumer, shaping decarbonisation strategies worldwide over coming decades.