New insights into shallow-water manoeuvring are improving predictions of ship handling performance. Using URANS simulations of horizontal planar motion tests, researchers quantified how hydrodynamic derivatives change with water depth and developed a new regression model. The findings support more accurate navigation, design, and safety assessments for vessels operating near coastlines.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion projects depend heavily on selecting suitable supporting structures to achieve technical and economic viability. This review examines structural concepts, loading conditions, and critical failure areas across existing studies, highlighting knowledge gaps and guiding future design standards for resilient, efficient, scalable offshore renewable energy infrastructure worldwide today.

Linear Engine Generators could offer a flexible route to maritime decarbonisation. Fuelled by ammonia or hydrogen, the technology combines simple mechanical architecture with adaptability to multiple energy sources. Simulation-led sensitivity studies and prototype development demonstrate potential for efficient electric propulsion, supporting lower-emission shipping and offshore energy operations globally today ahead.

Solar-assisted fishing boats offer a practical pathway to reducing fuel dependence and operating costs for small-scale fisheries. Integrating photovoltaic panels, onboard power systems, radar, AIS, and emergency backup generation, the concept enhances safety and efficiency while cutting diesel consumption. The design highlights renewable energy’s growing role in sustainable maritime livelihoods.

Ferrocement patrol vessels could offer a cost-effective solution to maritime security capability gaps. Using Design for Six Sigma methods, researchers developed a concept vessel tailored to Indonesian Coast Guard requirements for Natuna Sea operations. The approach highlights affordable construction, material accessibility, and sustainable fleet expansion supporting law enforcement objectives effectively.

Optimising Ro-Ro ferry service speed requires balancing energy efficiency with seakeeping performance. Combining resistance modelling, CFD analysis, and motion assessments, researchers identified operational trade-offs affecting propulsion requirements and vessel behaviour. The approach provides practical guidance for selecting speeds that reduce energy demand while maintaining safety, comfort, and reliability at sea.

LNG-fuelled vessels can unlock additional efficiency by recovering both engine waste heat and cryogenic energy. Using regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle and direct-expansion technologies, researchers identified high-performing working fluids and quantified efficiency gains. The results reveal significant decarbonisation potential while highlighting safety-related trade-offs associated with fire-retardant refrigerant mixtures today at sea.

China’s shipbuilding industry has transformed dramatically through decades of expansion, becoming a cornerstone of national industrial development. Yet rising demands for digitalisation, sustainability, and global competitiveness are reshaping its future. The analysis examines growth drivers, emerging structural challenges, and strategic choices that will determine long-term success in the green era.

Data-driven analytics is helping container terminals tackle congestion and operational inefficiencies. By applying data-mining techniques to daily terminal reports and examining container dwell times within straddle-carrier operations, researchers uncovered performance insights that support smarter yard management. The approach demonstrates how digital technologies can improve throughput, resource utilization, and competitiveness worldwide.

Optimising ballast water drainage can significantly improve cargo-handling efficiency and vessel profitability. Through hydraulic modelling and experimental analysis, researchers identified design strategies to shorten drainage times and minimise residual water in ballast tanks. The findings provide practical guidance for improving deadweight utilisation, reducing delays, and enhancing operational performance globally today.

Analysis of longline fishing vessels reveals significant fuel inefficiency and associated emissions, highlighting a need for improved operational practices and data quality. By linking fuel consumption to catch and income, the assessment provides a clearer emissions benchmark, supporting informed policy decisions, sustainability initiatives, and fleet performance improvements worldwide globally ahead.

Enhanced unsinkable passenger boat technology is demonstrating improved survivability under severe flooding conditions. Through redesign of buoyancy systems, air bags, and centralized air supply, full-scale sea trials confirmed continued flotation, stability, and operability with complete onboard flooding. The results provide practical guidance for safer small passenger vessel design worldwide today.