New advances in hydrodynamic modelling are improving the prediction of added wave resistance across diverse ship types. Using a three-dimensional boundary element method with forward-speed corrections, researchers achieved strong agreement with experimental data. The capability offers valuable insights for energy efficiency, performance optimisation, and more reliable vessel design decisions today.

Deep learning is reshaping computational fluid dynamics by offering mesh-free alternatives to traditional Navier-Stokes solvers. By evaluating CNNs, Physics-Informed Neural Networks, Transfer Learning, and hybrid approaches, the research highlights emerging capabilities to model complex flows, accelerate simulations, and uncover hidden fluid dynamics while reducing computational barriers in high-dimensional engineering applications.

India’s push to expand inland waterway transport is accelerating demand for zero-emission passenger vessels. This overview examines battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies, their operational limitations, and the engineering challenges facing Indian shipyards. The findings highlight critical pathways, obstacles, and opportunities in advancing decarbonised inland mobility and sustainable growth today ahead.

Deep learning is advancing autonomous vessel navigation through an enhanced TD3 reinforcement learning framework. By combining epsilon-greedy exploration, Line-of-Sight guidance, and optimized reward design, the approach delivers smoother rudder control and more reliable path following. The findings highlight AI-driven opportunities for safer, more efficient maritime autonomy in complex operating environments.

Floating offshore wind faces a critical challenge: achieving cost efficiency at scale. Examining the often-overlooked role of anchoring and mooring systems, this perspective exposes competing priorities, technical complexities, and industry fragmentation. It also explores collaborative pathways that could accelerate innovation, strengthen viability, and unlock cleaner energy futures for generations ahead.

Floating wind’s rapid expansion is creating unprecedented demand for specialised offshore vessels. With more than 60 GW forecast by 2035, aging fleets, oil and gas competition, and complex mooring operations are exposing critical capacity gaps. Emerging vessel concepts promise solutions, but challenging economics could reshape the industry’s next phase ahead.

Decarbonising naval small craft requires balancing operational capability with ambitious net-zero goals. Evaluating ammonia, hydrogen, battery-hybrid and synthetic fuel options, the study examines critical design trade-offs involving payload, speed, range, and logistics. Its findings provide strategic guidance for future defence procurement, innovation, research priorities, and sustainable maritime capability development pathways.

Maintaining maritime integrity is a defining challenge for floating offshore installations operating in harsh environments. From watertight integrity and stability to mooring ballast and station-keeping systems effective risk management demands integrated engineering approaches. The review highlights emerging industry practices and strategies that strengthen reliability safety and long-term operational performance today.

New engineering solutions are improving the safe dry-docking of aluminium vessels. Using finite element analysis to evaluate reinforced bulkhead frames and support structures, researchers identified ways to reduce risks from keel block misalignment. The findings enhance structural resilience, operational flexibility, and maintenance efficiency while addressing longstanding shipyard challenges today effectively.

Maritime safety in the North Atlantic and Arctic faces growing challenges from extreme weather, ice, remoteness, and limited rescue infrastructure. This concept explores a high-speed, optionally crewed rescue vessel designed to loiter near risk zones, accelerating emergency response and enhancing coordination with existing search-and-rescue assets while reducing casualties at sea.

Roll-stabilising gyroscopes are expanding the possibilities for improving vessel comfort and operability, particularly at low speeds. By introducing advanced seakeeping models that capture nonlinear gyroscope behaviour and mechanical limits, researchers achieved strong correlation with full-scale trials. The work offers valuable insights for enhancing motion control, passenger experience, and future vessel design.