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.

Japanese shipbuilding faces mounting pressure from workforce retirements, global competition, and growing demand for innovative vessel designs. This analysis explores how digital transformation can preserve expertise, modernise processes, and strengthen competitiveness. By advancing a practical DX framework, shipyards can reduce institutional risk, accelerate innovation, enhance delivery performance, and secure growth.

Japanese shipbuilding faces mounting pressure from workforce retirements, global competition, and growing demand for innovative vessel designs. This analysis explores how digital transformation can preserve expertise, modernise processes, and strengthen competitiveness. By advancing a practical DX framework, shipyards can reduce institutional risk, accelerate innovation, enhance delivery performance, and secure growth.

Advanced sensor fusion is accelerating the development of automated inland navigation. By integrating RTK-GNSS positioning, lidar, cameras, inertial measurement units, and AIS data into a unified demonstrator, researchers evaluated real-world vessel operations on Berlin’s waterways. The findings reveal how multi-sensor systems can enhance situational awareness, improve navigation reliability, and support the next generation of autonomous inland shipping.

A new fire-risk management approach aims to strengthen safety on Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax, and car-carrier vessels before cargo is even loaded. Using historical incident data, the system optimises cargo placement to minimise ignition risks, integrating with existing stowage processes and software. The innovation highlights how data-driven decision support can enhance maritime safety and operational resilience.

Remote and underwater friction stir welding could transform ship repair by enabling in-situ maintenance without dry-docking. This digital-platform approach allows experts to monitor welding parameters and condition indicators in real time, reducing specialist labour demands while improving quality assurance. Centralised data analytics further support weld integrity assessment, offering a scalable pathway for smarter, cost-effective maritime maintenance.