Autonomous ship control systems are advancing safer navigation in shallow and confined waterways. Demonstrated through transit analysis for the Port of Antwerp, the technology delivers precise route control and operational insights under varying tidal conditions. Validated through specialised towing-tank testing, it also supports future multi-vessel interaction modelling and autonomy advancements.

As autonomous vessels take on greater responsibility for navigation, the industry needs objective and reliable ways to assess collision risk. This research evaluates SMART safety indicators for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, comparing established measures with emerging alternatives to support automated decision-making. The findings offer a practical framework for enhancing navigation safety, risk management, and future autonomous operations.

Digitalisation is transforming ship commissioning, one of the most complex and time-intensive phases of vessel delivery. By combining textual and geometric component data into intelligent digital models, this approach automates the creation of commissioning tests, reducing planning effort, minimising errors, and enabling more efficient, scalable, and reliable shipbuilding processes.

A new modelling framework is redefining how wind-assisted ship retrofits are evaluated. By combining manoeuvring dynamics and integrated energy-system analysis, engineers revealed hidden efficiency trade-offs and optimisation opportunities for Flettner rotor installations. The approach enables more realistic performance assessments, supporting smarter decarbonisation strategies and future vessel design innovations globally today.

A smartphone-based stability monitoring tool could significantly improve safety for Indonesia’s fishing communities. By using built-in motion sensors to assess vessel stability through roll analysis and real-time monitoring, the system provides simple, actionable guidance to help prevent capsizing. The approach demonstrates how accessible digital technology can enhance maritime safety, risk awareness, and decision-making at sea.

Digital transformation is reshaping maritime engineering through data-driven and data-centric approaches. Drawing on applications spanning AI, IoT, intelligent towing tanks, simulation, and optimisation, the work highlights measurable gains in productivity and decision-making. It also explores adoption challenges while revealing new opportunities to accelerate innovation and competitiveness across the sector today.

Interceptor technology is proving to be an effective tool for enhancing high-speed craft performance. Using CFD simulations in OpenFOAM, researchers demonstrated that optimised interceptor configurations, particularly those incorporating angle-of-attack adjustments, can improve lift-to-drag ratios, reduce trim angles, and lower resistance. The findings offer valuable insights for improving vessel efficiency, fuel economy, and hydrodynamic performance through smarter trim-control solutions.

Quiescent Period Prediction is enhancing the safety and efficiency of complex maritime operations by forecasting vessel motions before critical tasks begin. Using wave radar, deterministic sea-state modelling, and advanced simulation techniques, the system identifies optimal recovery windows for motion-sensitive operations, reducing operational risk while enabling smarter decision-making and improved capability in challenging sea conditions.

Autonomous mobile robots are helping transform modern shipyards by automating inspections, material transport, and production support activities. Integrated through a cloud-based digital ecosystem, the solution enables seamless collaboration between workers and robots, improving efficiency, quality control, and traceability while demonstrating how advanced automation can accelerate shipyard digitalisation and competitiveness.

Ammonia-fuelled hydrogen systems could offer a viable route to maritime decarbonisation, but significant engineering trade-offs remain. By modelling ammonia cracking, hydrogen purification, fuel cells, and onboard storage across multiple vessel profiles, researchers quantified operational demands and infrastructure requirements. The findings reveal important comparisons with liquid hydrogen, informing future propulsion investment and design decisions.

A new decision-support system could transform Ro-Ro vessel operations by reducing reliance on ballast water during loading and unloading. Using three-dimensional cargo stowage optimisation to counter trim and list before they occur, the approach improves port efficiency, supports environmental protection, and creates a foundation for future AI-driven automation and operational optimisation.

A lightweight route-planning system tailored for small coastal vessels is demonstrating how advanced navigation algorithms can enhance maritime safety and efficiency. By combining electronic chart data, Quadtree modelling, and Hierarchical Pathfinding A* techniques, the solution rapidly generates practical routes with minimal computing demands, making intelligent navigation more accessible for smaller operators.