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.

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.

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.

Hydrogen propulsion is emerging as a practical pathway to decarbonise high-speed crew boats. Evaluating dual-fuel engines with containerised compressed hydrogen storage, the design demonstrates significant diesel savings while enabling retrofit integration. The findings highlight a realistic transition strategy, balancing emissions reduction, operational performance, and commercial feasibility for operators worldwide today.

Dynamic ballast systems are helping naval architects improve safety and performance in high-speed craft. Through simulation of a 13m RIB, the research examines how ballast-driven trim control, added mass, vessel speed, and hull geometry influence ride quality. The findings provide practical guidance for reducing crew injury risks and enhancing operation.

Hydrofoil-supported catamarans could redefine sustainable regional ferry transport. Using advanced CFD simulations, foil optimisation, and resistance analysis, researchers developed a high-efficiency passenger vessel concept for Mediterranean routes. The integration of hydrofoils reduced drag and improved performance, highlighting promising opportunities to lower emissions while maintaining high-speed operational capability for future fleets.

Reimagining cruise travel through sustainability and passenger comfort, this concept proposes a new generation of low-impact cruise vessels informed by market analysis and environmental expectations. Integrating alternative materials, greener onboard systems, and design lessons from ships and yachts, the approach balances luxury, affordability, and reduced ecological footprint for future travellers.

As maritime rescue organisations pursue net-zero ambitions, researchers are evaluating hybrid propulsion systems combining fuel cells and batteries for small lifeboats. By assessing weight, volume, emissions, cost, and safety, the work addresses critical engineering constraints and offers a framework for selecting practical, low-carbon energy solutions for future search-and-rescue fleets worldwide.

New research is revealing how modest operational changes can significantly improve safety aboard high-speed craft. Combining advanced simulator trials with the WaveReader real-time motion sensing platform, engineers quantified reductions in shock and vibration exposure, showing that small speed adjustments can lower crew risk, enhance efficiency, and support smarter decision-making onboard.

Methanol-fuelled leisure vessels could offer a practical route to long-range maritime decarbonisation. This design study explores propulsion options, safety considerations, and vessel architecture for offshore operations, highlighting methanol’s advantages over competing fuels. The findings reveal how alternative fuel technologies may balance environmental performance, operational capability, and future readiness at sea.