Advanced defect detection techniques are enhancing maritime reliability by transforming operational time-series data into machine-learning-ready visual representations. Combining Gramian Angular Fields, Recurrence Plots and Markov Transition Fields with convolutional neural networks, the approach improves fault classification accuracy, demonstrating how AI-driven analytics can strengthen quality assurance, maintenance strategies and operational safety.

Shipbuilding organisations are increasingly turning to Product Lifecycle Management to manage growing design complexity, traceability requirements and supplier networks. Drawing on implementation experience, this perspective outlines practical foundations for shipbuilding-specific PLM adoption, highlighting how integrated digital processes can improve collaboration, visibility and lifecycle control while reducing reliance on fragmented tools and expertise.

AI is strengthening corrosion prevention by transforming ICCP system monitoring from reactive maintenance to predictive lifecycle management. Using LSTM-based deep learning to analyse current and voltage time-series data, the solution identifies system health trends, forecasts degradation and automates reporting, helping operators improve reliability, optimise maintenance schedules and reduce lifecycle risk.

Discrete Event Simulation is evolving beyond traditional shipyard planning to support lifecycle-wide decision-making. New simulation libraries and digital workflows are enabling more effective modelling of material flows, sustainability and circular economy processes. Emerging capabilities for recycling analysis, ecological footprint assessment and data management promise smarter, more resilient maritime operations ahead.

Explainable AI is bringing greater transparency to maritime optimisation, helping organisations understand how advanced algorithms reach decisions. By revealing the reasoning behind evolutionary and other black-box techniques, emerging approaches can strengthen trust, improve solution quality and enable more effective optimisation of complex operational and engineering challenges at sea today onward.

Model-Based Systems Engineering is transforming naval operational analysis by connecting SysML-based system models with Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate complex mission scenarios. Demonstrated through a submarine case study, the approach enables exploration of design trade-offs, optimisation of operational effectiveness, and more informed decision-making while highlighting the value of interoperable digital engineering tools.

Model-Based Systems Engineering is transforming naval operational analysis by connecting SysML-based system models with Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate complex mission scenarios. Demonstrated through a submarine case study, the approach enables exploration of design trade-offs, optimisation of operational effectiveness, and more informed decision-making while highlighting the value of interoperable digital engineering tools.

Autonomous and self-sailing vessels depend on accurate, real-time situational awareness to operate safely and effectively. This paper explores Fincantieri NexTech’s integrated awareness platform, highlighting the challenges of sensor fusion, data management and human supervision. The solution combines diverse environmental data into a unified interface, supporting informed decision-making, enhanced safety and future vessel autonomy.

Integrating cryogenic fuel tanks safely is becoming critical as maritime decarbonisation accelerates. Using advanced CFD, conjugate heat transfer modelling and thermal-structural analysis, this research tackles low-temperature effects, condensation risks and material selection challenges for liquefied natural gas and hydrogen systems, supporting compliant, reliable integration of next-generation alternative fuel technologies

Game engine technology is emerging as a powerful enabler of digital ship design, offering immersive visualisation, interactive simulation and broad device support at relatively low cost. This research explores integrating game engines with engineering and business data systems, revealing both significant opportunities and critical challenges in managing dynamic shipbuilding information and workflows.

Digital innovation is helping shipyards optimise one of their most complex operational challenges. By combining discrete event simulation, automated planning and 3D visualisation, a new methodology reduces quay movements, improves outfitting efficiency and enables faster decisions. The approach offers a powerful foundation for smarter, more productive shipyard operations worldwide today

Automating ship piping design remains a major engineering challenge due to complex routing constraints, support requirements and regulatory demands. This research introduces a practical path-planning system that automatically generates compliant pipe layouts using predefined support-aware routing points, improving design efficiency, reducing manual effort and enabling more effective optimisation within increasingly complex shipbuilding projects.