Accurately measuring ship energy efficiency remains a major challenge as fuel consumption data often varies significantly between voyages. A new Energy Efficiency Navigational Index, combined with stochastic modelling and operational analytics, offers a more reliable evaluation framework, demonstrating measurable gains from weather routing and providing deeper insight into performance improvement opportunities.

Maritime Internet of Things technologies are enabling a new era of energy management through precise fuel monitoring, emissions measurement and real-time data acquisition. By integrating flow meters, continuous emissions monitoring and advanced reporting systems, operators can optimise performance, support regulatory compliance and unlock data-driven pathways to sustainability and operational efficiency.

Biofouling management is increasingly central to maritime decarbonisation, with hull condition directly influencing fuel consumption, emissions and Carbon Intensity Indicator performance. By evaluating antifouling technologies, in-water cleaning practices and environmental impacts, this research highlights the trade-offs between operational efficiency and ecosystem protection, guiding more balanced and sustainable vessel management strategies.

As autonomous vessels move toward larger platforms and international operations, traditional oversight models must evolve. Focusing on Port State Control, this analysis examines emerging inspection frameworks, guidance development and operational challenges spanning cybersecurity, remote operations and vessel access, highlighting the regulatory adaptations required to support safe, scalable maritime autonomy.

As autonomous vessels become more capable, human factors remain critical to safety and operational success. Examining defence applications, this research explores autonomy levels, function allocation and human-machine relationships. Findings highlight the cultural, organisational and engineering changes needed to build trust, resilience and effective oversight in highly autonomous maritime systems ahead.

Fincantieri’s IPCEI-CIS portfolio is building the digital backbone for the smart shipyard and autonomous ship of the future. By orchestrating data across IoT, edge and cloud environments, the initiative tackles integration, automation and cybersecurity challenges, enabling Industry 4.0 capabilities, lifecycle optimisation and more intelligent maritime operations.

Wind propulsion is emerging as a key enabler of zero-emission coastal cruise operations. Through detailed assessment of sail configurations, weather data and vessel integration, researchers identify practical pathways to enhance energy efficiency, support battery-electric concepts and inform future ship design, while revealing critical operational trade-offs for successful maritime decarbonisation strategies.

Traditional Maltese vessels are disappearing, placing maritime heritage and valuable seafaring knowledge at risk. Through stakeholder perspectives, this analysis uncovers the social, operational and economic pressures behind their decline, while proposing practical preservation strategies to safeguard skills, strengthen cultural identity and secure these iconic craft for future generations to value.

An electric marine cycloidal propeller could redefine vessel manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency. By replacing shafts, gears and linkages with direct electromagnetic drive technology, the concept promises higher torque, faster response and lower maintenance. Analysis across key manoeuvring scenarios reveals how innovative propulsion architectures may unlock smarter, more agile ships ahead.

Floating offshore wind growth is reshaping the role of shipyards, demanding new infrastructure, capabilities and construction strategies. This analysis evaluates facility requirements for turbine assembly, substructure fabrication and deployment logistics, revealing critical engineering constraints and investment priorities. The findings offer a roadmap for scaling future offshore wind programmes globally efficiently.

Stepped hulls continue to offer exceptional high-speed performance, yet their complex hydrodynamics have challenged designers for decades. Combining mathematical modelling, numerical simulation and experimental testing, new predictive tools provide deeper insight into step design and performance in waves, enabling faster, more reliable development of next-generation high-performance marine craft.

Green shipping corridors alone may not deliver maritime decarbonisation at the required scale. This research proposes regional alliances of ports that aggregate demand for renewable energy and zero-emission fuels, accelerate infrastructure investment, and reduce competitive risks. The findings outline a collaborative pathway for faster, more resilient industry-wide emissions reduction today.