Advances in computational fluid dynamics are transforming the prediction of ship performance, offering the potential to reduce reliance on traditional scale-model extrapolation methods and improve understanding of full-scale resistance. Continued research into scale effects, correlation allowances, and surface roughness representation is enhancing confidence in CFD-based performance assessment, supporting more accurate and reliable prediction of vessel efficiency during design and operation.

Preliminary ship design is increasingly recognised as a collaborative and iterative process that extends beyond traditional numerical synthesis to include architectural configuration, operational effectiveness, affordability, and stakeholder engagement. Growing adoption of Design Building Block approaches is enabling designers to explore complex ship arrangements more effectively, supporting requirements elucidation, improving communication between designers and customers, and providing a stronger foundation for evaluating innovative vessel concepts during the earliest design stages.

Understanding how ship motions affect human performance at sea is becoming increasingly important as vessel operators seek to improve safety, productivity, and crew wellbeing in challenging environments. Advances in motion-induced interruption modelling are providing greater insight into the relationship between vessel motions, task execution, and operator stability, supporting the development of more realistic seakeeping assessment criteria and enhancing the design of ships and working environments to reduce operational risk.

The design of modern warships is increasingly shaped by systems engineering principles as naval programmes become more complex, technology-driven, and focused on whole-life capability. Growing integration of multidisciplinary design methods, digital technologies, and lifecycle thinking is enabling designers to balance operational performance, cost, risk, and adaptability, supporting more effective naval ship acquisition and the development of increasingly sophisticated naval platforms.

Advances in podded propulsion technology are driving continued efforts to improve manoeuvrability and propulsive efficiency across a wide range of vessel types. Growing understanding of the influence of hub geometry on hydrodynamic performance is supporting the refinement of podded propulsor designs, with particular attention being given to performance under off-design and manoeuvring conditions where flow interactions become increasingly significant.

Understanding the seakeeping performance of high-speed rigid inflatable boats is essential for ensuring safe and effective operation in demanding sea conditions, where excessive motions and slamming can affect both crew performance and vessel integrity. Experimental investigations into the influence of wave conditions, operating speed, and tube pressure are improving understanding of motion responses, while the development of alternative motion severity measures is supporting more realistic assessment of ride quality and operational limits