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Article

Simulation-Based Energy Optimization Through Maneuvering Prediction for Complex Passenger Ships: Results from the SimPleShip-SigMa Project

by
Georg Finger
1,
Michael Gluch
1,
Michael Baldauf
1,*,
Gerd Milbradt
1,
Sandro Fischer
1 and
Matthias Kirchhoff
2
1
Department of Maritime Studies, Systems Engineering and Logistics (ISSIMS), Hochschule Wismar, R.-Wagner-Str. 31, 18119 Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany
2
Innovative Ship Simulation and Maritime Systems GmbH (ISSIMS GmbH), Sonnenblumenweg 107, 18119 Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(4), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040387
Submission received: 21 November 2025 / Revised: 15 January 2026 / Accepted: 19 January 2026 / Published: 18 February 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Development of Green Ship Energy)
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Abstract

The decarbonization of shipping and the transformation towards digitally assisted or automated ship operation require new methods to analyze, predict, and optimize energy demand during maneuvering. The SimPleShip-SigMa sub-project of Hochschule Wismar developed and validated a comprehensive simulation-based framework combining real-time capable fast-time simulation of ship motion, detailed thermodynamic engine modeling, and hybrid data exchange via Functional Mock-up Units (FMU/FMI). The approach enables consistent coupling between navigation-related and machinery-related simulations and supports energy-optimized decision-making on the bridge. Operational relevance and validation of use cases were supported through collaboration with Carnival Maritime GmbH, providing practical feedback on large passenger-ship operations. The study presents the architecture of the simulation environment, the implementation of energy- and emission-prediction models, and the result of validation runs and simulator-based trials. The developed method was applied to a virtual cruise-ship scenario representing a confined coastal environment similar to the Geiranger Fjord. The work builds upon earlier research on simulation-augmented maneuvering and extends it toward a modular digital-twin concept linking hydrodynamic and thermodynamic models. The paper concludes with an outlook on applying the system for crew training, on-board support, and gradual automation of sustainable ship operations.
Keywords: simulation-based energy demand optimization; maneuvering prediction; digital twin; Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI); hybrid propulsion systems; maritime decarbonization simulation-based energy demand optimization; maneuvering prediction; digital twin; Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI); hybrid propulsion systems; maritime decarbonization

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MDPI and ACS Style

Finger, G.; Gluch, M.; Baldauf, M.; Milbradt, G.; Fischer, S.; Kirchhoff, M. Simulation-Based Energy Optimization Through Maneuvering Prediction for Complex Passenger Ships: Results from the SimPleShip-SigMa Project. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14, 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040387

AMA Style

Finger G, Gluch M, Baldauf M, Milbradt G, Fischer S, Kirchhoff M. Simulation-Based Energy Optimization Through Maneuvering Prediction for Complex Passenger Ships: Results from the SimPleShip-SigMa Project. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2026; 14(4):387. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040387

Chicago/Turabian Style

Finger, Georg, Michael Gluch, Michael Baldauf, Gerd Milbradt, Sandro Fischer, and Matthias Kirchhoff. 2026. "Simulation-Based Energy Optimization Through Maneuvering Prediction for Complex Passenger Ships: Results from the SimPleShip-SigMa Project" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 14, no. 4: 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040387

APA Style

Finger, G., Gluch, M., Baldauf, M., Milbradt, G., Fischer, S., & Kirchhoff, M. (2026). Simulation-Based Energy Optimization Through Maneuvering Prediction for Complex Passenger Ships: Results from the SimPleShip-SigMa Project. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 14(4), 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040387

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