Real-world performance data is reshaping understanding of passenger ship efficiency in heavy weather. By analysing full-scale operational measurements, researchers quantify the combined impact of wind and waves through an added-power methodology. New insights into aerodynamic drag on large topside structures could improve voyage planning, energy efficiency and design decisions globally.

Floating offshore wind is moving from demonstration to deployment, creating new demands for naval architecture, marine operations and port infrastructure. This review examines construction, towing and installation challenges, alongside stability, certification and maintenance considerations. The insights highlight practical strategies to reduce project risk, costs and lifecycle uncertainty at scale globally.

Remote drone-based inspection is transforming offshore asset assurance by enabling detailed survey work without confined-space entry. Lessons from a successful FPSO crude oil tank inspection highlight the importance of planning, stakeholder coordination, class-approved procedures and tank preparation, demonstrating how UAV technology can reduce risk, cost and inspection time significantly today.

Reliability-Centred Maintenance is proving vital to maximising fleet availability and operational performance in challenging economic conditions. Using real-world experience from the Maldives’ essential ferry network, this work demonstrates how data-driven maintenance optimisation can reduce downtime, improve reliability and lower costs, offering valuable lessons for diverse maritime fleets worldwide at scale.

Advanced modelling is improving confidence in the structural design of high-speed craft. By combining computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and drop-test validation, researchers compared impact loads with conventional design rules, uncovering critical differences and optimisation opportunities. The findings provide practical reinforcement guidance for achieving robust, compliant performance today onwards.