New research into three-step planing hulls suggests additional hydrodynamic efficiency gains remain achievable beyond conventional designs. Combining experimental testing with validated CFD simulations, researchers assessed resistance characteristics and step optimisation strategies. The findings highlight opportunities to reduce drag, improve performance, and inform future high-speed craft design development and operational efficiency.

Improving crew transfer vessel operations depends on accurate prediction of motions and passenger comfort. By comparing numerical simulations, onboard measurements, and model testing, researchers identified environmental and vessel-property uncertainties as key limitations. The findings support better maintenance-trip planning and highlight strategies to reduce seasickness and improve operational reliability overall today.

Testing suspension seats for high-speed boats remains a critical safety challenge. A scientific review found a widely cited laboratory assessment method lacked evidence, could not reliably measure injury protection, and risked misleading operators. The findings exposed significant validation gaps and reinforced the need for robust, evidence-based seat-performance standards worldwide today.

Trials of spark-ignited diesel engines aboard a fast rescue RHIB provide new insight into real-world high-speed craft operations. By analysing steering, throttle behaviour, vessel performance, seastate effects and fuel consumption, researchers established practical measures of handling effort and efficiency. The findings support cleaner propulsion adoption without compromising operational capability today.

Chine interceptors are emerging as a simple yet effective method for improving high-speed craft efficiency. Through extensive model testing across multiple configurations researchers demonstrated resistance reductions exceeding three percent while enhancing spray control performance. The findings provide renewed design guidance for planing vessels supporting lower fuel consumption and emissions globally.

Advanced planing-hull design is enabling fast patrol vessels to exceed demanding coastal-security performance targets. Combining hydrodynamic optimization, high-speed hull development, and human-centred design, engineers achieved enhanced speed, crew comfort, ergonomics, and mission flexibility. The approach demonstrates how integrated design methodologies can deliver capable multi-role maritime platforms efficiently at sea today.

A remarkable archival investigation reconstructs the origins of the world’s first icebreaker, revealing the engineering ingenuity behind its pioneering design. Through recovered general arrangements and forgotten records, researchers retrace its development, uncover historical misconceptions, and restore recognition of a transformative maritime innovation that shaped future cold-region navigation and ship design.

A fresh examination of the Halifax Explosion focuses on the munitions ship itself rather than the devastated city. By analysing recovered shrapnel and debris distribution, researchers uncover new evidence about blast dynamics, vessel destruction, and debris dispersal, offering unique insights into one of history’s most powerful non nuclear explosions ever.

Digital heritage and immersive technology are being combined to inspire future generations into STEM. Using the historic SS Freshspring as a platform, researchers developed accessible virtual-reality experiences across browsers, smartphones, and headsets. The initiative demonstrates how interactive maritime storytelling can broaden engagement, education, and skills development worldwide for diverse audiences.

Balancing historical authenticity with modern safety standards remains a key challenge in traditional wooden craft design. Comparing original scantlings, empirical sizing methods, and contemporary regulatory rules, the analysis reveals significant structural differences and potential weight savings. The findings provide valuable guidance for replica construction, timber engineering, and performance optimisation today.

Traditional timber construction has significantly impacted maritime transportation and yacht design, and some historical principles remain key elements of today’s wooden boatbuilding. Despite the wealth of experience that originates from trial and error, limited scientific background dedicated to wooden boats exist. Consequently, this paper tackled two areas of particular interest, namely scarf joints and laminated timber, using destructive testing to quantify the mechanical properties. These are compared to experimental values for solid timber as well as the allowable regulatory properties.

Reviving the historic Galatea as a modern naval training vessel blends maritime heritage with contemporary engineering. Inspired by the celebrated Glenlee, the concept evaluates stability, propulsion, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance to create a future-ready sail training ship, preserving tradition while supporting officer development for generations ahead to come worldwide.