Early-stage ship design decisions can have lasting consequences for capability, performance and adaptability. For complex naval vessels, design “style” shapes choices across systems, architectures and disciplines, making it a powerful framework for exploring alternatives, managing trade-offs and guiding more coherent, effective vessel development from the outset.

Autonomous underwater vehicles are becoming increasingly capable through advanced control strategies designed to manage complex, nonlinear dynamics. A decoupled model predictive control approach simplifies implementation while maintaining effective guidance and stability, supporting more reliable ocean survey operations and expanding the potential of autonomous systems in demanding underwater environments.

Future aircraft carrier design demands the careful integration of hydrodynamics, aviation requirements, propulsion, structural engineering and operational effectiveness. Balancing these interconnected considerations remains essential to delivering complex naval platforms that are affordable, resilient and operationally effective, while accommodating evolving technologies and future strategic demands.

Aircraft carrier design requires balancing a complex mix of hydrodynamic performance, aviation operations, survivability and supportability considerations. Exploring alternative Future Aircraft Carrier concepts reveals how early hullform and propulsion decisions can shape capability, efficiency and risk, offering valuable insight into the multidisciplinary trade-offs that underpin successful naval platform development.

Safe and effective ship-assist operations depend on a clear understanding of the hydrodynamic interactions between tugs and large vessels. Improved methods for scaling and comparing interaction effects across different vessel sizes are enhancing operational planning, helping define safer tug operating distances and supporting more reliable manoeuvring in demanding port environments.

The survival of the S.S. Ohio remains one of the most remarkable stories in maritime history. Re-examining the tanker’s wartime damage through modern stability, buoyancy and structural-strength analysis provides fresh insight into the factors that enabled the vessel to reach Malta, highlighting the enduring importance of survivability and resilience in ship design.

Growing vessel sizes and rising port traffic are placing increasing demands on mooring systems and harbour infrastructure. Understanding how mooring arrangements and line characteristics influence a vessel’s response to passing ships can enhance berth safety, reduce operational risk and support more effective management of large container vessels in busy port environments.

Safe and efficient berthing operations rely on close coordination between shipmasters, marine pilots and port authorities. Understanding differing perceptions of key safety factors can help reduce operational risk, improve decision-making and strengthen port safety performance, particularly as vessel sizes and navigational complexity continue to increase.

Advanced CFD techniques are expanding the ability to predict ship behaviour in waves, offering deeper insight into vertical motions and added resistance under realistic operating conditions. Improved modelling of coupled hydrodynamic responses supports more accurate performance assessment, helping designers optimise efficiency, enhance seakeeping performance and reduce uncertainty in high-speed vessel development.

Fishing vessel safety remains a persistent challenge for maritime administrations seeking to reduce fatalities while supporting sustainable operations. Goal-based safety frameworks and risk-informed assessment approaches are creating new opportunities to improve safety management, encourage design flexibility and support more holistic governance of small fishing fleets and the communities that depend on them.

Effective emergency evacuation remains a critical aspect of passenger vessel safety, where human behaviour, vessel layout and routing strategies can significantly influence outcomes. Advanced simulation techniques are improving understanding of evacuation performance, helping operators optimise emergency procedures, enhance passenger safety and support more resilient design and operational decision-making.

Arctic shipping presents unique safety challenges as increasing activity in ice-covered waters coincides with complex environmental and operational risks. Advanced risk-analysis frameworks that combine accident causation, consequence modelling and uncertainty assessment are strengthening decision-making, supporting safer navigation, more effective risk management and improved resilience along emerging Arctic trade routes.