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17 pages, 307 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Quantifying Risk Factors of Violence in Maritime Piracy Incidents Using Categorical Association Measures

by Sonia Rozbiewska

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041001 - 8 Jan 2026

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Maritime piracy remains a persistent security challenge across several global regions, with violent incidents posing the greatest threat to crew safety and vessel operations. This study investigates the relationship between violent escalation in piracy incidents and a set of contextual and operational variables [...] Read more.

Maritime piracy remains a persistent security challenge across several global regions, with violent incidents posing the greatest threat to crew safety and vessel operations. This study investigates the relationship between violent escalation in piracy incidents and a set of contextual and operational variables using classical categorical data statistics. A dataset comprising reported maritime piracy and armed robbery events from 2015–2024 was compiled from IMB, OBP, and IMO sources and analysed through chi-square tests of independence, followed by Cramér’s V to quantify the strength of association. The results demonstrate that violence is not randomly distributed across incident characteristics. Geographic region exhibits the strongest measurable association with violent outcomes, reflecting the influence of regional security dynamics and the presence of organized criminal networks. Attack type and weapon type show additional, though weaker, associations, indicating that close-range engagement and the presence of firearms increase the likelihood of escalation. Vessel type, flag state, and seasonal timing display only marginal effects. Overall, the findings highlight that the probability of violence during piracy events is primarily shaped by spatial context and tactical execution. The study confirms that chi-square and Cramér’s V offer a transparent, interpretable framework for identifying key risk factors and can serve as a foundation for operational threat assessments and maritime security planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

9 pages, 688 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Engineering Sustainable Escape Lighting Systems for Marine Vessels: A Photovoltaic and ATS-Based Approach

by Luis García Rodríguez, Laura Castro Santos and María Isabel Lamas Galdo

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041002 - 3 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Ships are highly advanced marine structures that incorporate state-of-the-art technologies. Nevertheless, they still depend on outdated systems in certain critical areas, such as escape lighting. Escape lighting systems are vital components of shipboard safety infrastructure. However, conventional systems rely heavily on decentralized battery-powered [...] Read more.

Ships are highly advanced marine structures that incorporate state-of-the-art technologies. Nevertheless, they still depend on outdated systems in certain critical areas, such as escape lighting. Escape lighting systems are vital components of shipboard safety infrastructure. However, conventional systems rely heavily on decentralized battery-powered luminaires and manual testing, leading to high maintenance costs and environmental burdens. This study addresses these challenges through an engineering-driven redesign of escape lighting systems. A novel system architecture was developed, integrating photovoltaic energy sources with centralized battery storage and Automatic Testing Systems (ATSs) compliant with the IEC 62034 standard. The system interfaces with both main and emergency power networks, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing battery usage. Engineering simulations and operational data indicate a 20% reduction in fuel oil consumption per escape light and a threefold decrease in maintenance costs over a vessel’s lifecycle. For a standard vessel equipped with 350 luminaires, the system demonstrates significant operational efficiency and environmental benefits, including reduced emissions and hazardous waste. This work exemplifies how ocean engineering innovations can enhance vessel safety while promoting sustainability. The integration of renewable energy and automated diagnostics into critical shipboard systems represents a forward-looking approach to marine engineering, aligning with global goals for greener maritime operations. Moreover, the proposed system supports compliance with evolving maritime regulations and offers a scalable solution adaptable to various vessel types and operational profiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

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12 pages, 1805 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Evidences of Tropicalization of Infralittoral Communities in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean)

by Nuria R. de la Ballina, José Antonio Caballero-Herrera, Yulimar González-Rodríguez, Francesco Maresca, Alejandro Martín-Arjona, Sergio Moreno-Borges, Jaime Ezequiel Rodríguez-Riesco, Ignacio Baena-Vega, David Díaz, Susana Díez and Sandra Mallol

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041003 - 28 Feb 2026

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Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity and climate change hotspot. The increase in seawater temperature affects marine ecosystems causing marine species to change their distribution and abundance. Such changes lead to alterations in community composition, often characterized by an increase in warm-affinity species [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity and climate change hotspot. The increase in seawater temperature affects marine ecosystems causing marine species to change their distribution and abundance. Such changes lead to alterations in community composition, often characterized by an increase in warm-affinity species over time, known as tropicalization of temperate seas. Monitoring programmes are useful for understanding the consequences of the ongoing transformations driven by ocean warming. In this study, underwater visual censuses (UVC) were conducted for fish and benthic communities at 24 stations of the Balearic Archipelago in 2022 and 2025. The comparison between both periods revealed an increase in the frequency of warm-affinity species, including the fishes Sparisoma cretense (Teleostea, Scaridae) and Caranx crysos (Teleostea, Carangidae); the invertebrates Telmatactis cricoides (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) and Hermodice carunculata (Annelida, Polychaeta, Amphinomidae) and the algae Penicillus capitatus (Chlorophyta, Ulvophyceae). Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring programmes to identify evidence of processes such as tropicalization and to provide timely information to respond to shifting marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

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12 pages, 5977 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Analysis of the Main Physical Properties of Seawater Along the Coast of Angola

by Fernão Guilherme, Maria C. Neves and Paulo Relvas

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041004 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 660

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal and latitudinal variability of the key physical properties of seawater along the Angolan coast, focusing on temperature, salinity, density, and dissolved oxygen. Vertical profile data from the World Ocean Database (2005–2020) were analyzed using Ocean Data View to [...] Read more.

This study investigates the seasonal and latitudinal variability of the key physical properties of seawater along the Angolan coast, focusing on temperature, salinity, density, and dissolved oxygen. Vertical profile data from the World Ocean Database (2005–2020) were analyzed using Ocean Data View to examine stratification patterns and their relationship with regional circulation features, including the Angola–Benguela Front and coastal upwelling. The results reveal a pronounced south–north gradient, with colder, saltier, and denser surface waters in the southern sector during the cold season, indicative of intensified upwelling influence. The vertical structure is characterized by a surface mixed layer extending to approximately 20–30 m underlain by a sharp thermocline, halocline, and pycnocline between 25 m and 50 m. Dissolved oxygen profiles show the presence of an oxygen minimum layer below the thermocline, particularly pronounced in the central and southern regions, reflecting limited ventilation of subsurface waters. These findings highlight the combined role of stratification, regional circulation, and upwelling dynamics in shaping the physical structure of the Angolan coastal ocean and provide a baseline for future studies in a region that remains poorly documented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

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39 pages, 431 KB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025)

by Charitha Pattiaratchi and Carlos Guedes Soares

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041005 - 19 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025) was held virtually from 24 to 26 November 2025 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

9 pages, 1496 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Automated Tsunami Hazard and Exposure Reporting Using Numerical Simulations and WebGIS Visualization

by Carlos Davila, Angel Quesquen, Jhianpiere Salinas, Julian Palacios, Luz Tinco, Fernando Garcia, Jean Cueva, Lorena Marquez and Miguel Estrada

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041006 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 554

Abstract

The availability of tsunami hazard and exposure information is crucial to support effective emergency response in coastal areas. This study presents an automated framework that integrates tsunami numerical simulation, geospatial exposure analysis, and WebGIS-based visualization to generate standardized hazard and exposure reports for [...] Read more.

The availability of tsunami hazard and exposure information is crucial to support effective emergency response in coastal areas. This study presents an automated framework that integrates tsunami numerical simulation, geospatial exposure analysis, and WebGIS-based visualization to generate standardized hazard and exposure reports for decision support. Using a parallel implementation of the TUNAMI-N2 model, a 6-h tsunami simulation for the Peruvian coast can be completed in ~45 min, with hazard and exposure reports automatically published on a WebGIS platform within ~3 min. Application to the historical 1746 Lima tsunami demonstrates the system’s capability to quantify hazard and exposure for operational decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

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10 pages, 11069 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Simplified Methodology for Tsunami Casualty Estimation Using Geospatial Analysis and Numerical Simulation

by Angel Quesquen, Carlos Davila, Fernando Garcia, Marcello Palomino, Jorge Morales, Erick Mas, Bruno Adriano, Erika Flores and Miguel Estrada

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 41(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026041007 - 21 May 2026

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Abstract

Robust tsunami casualty estimation is vital for Peru’s central coast. While static maps ignore evacuation dynamics, precise agent-based models (ABMs) are often too computationally demanding for rapid screening. To bridge this gap, we propose an efficient geospatial workflow coupling TUNAMI-N2 simulations with shortest-path [...] Read more.

Robust tsunami casualty estimation is vital for Peru’s central coast. While static maps ignore evacuation dynamics, precise agent-based models (ABMs) are often too computationally demanding for rapid screening. To bridge this gap, we propose an efficient geospatial workflow coupling TUNAMI-N2 simulations with shortest-path routing. Evaluating four subduction scenarios across Chorrillos and Villa El Salvador, the model tracks census-block evacuation progress. By intersecting evacuation trajectories with tsunami arrival times, casualties are calculated using empirical depth-dependent fragility functions. Results highlight that delayed reaction times significantly increase mortality. Furthermore, a counterintuitive dynamic emerges in spatially constrained corridors lacking vertical evacuation: higher walking speeds can paradoxically increase fatalities by advancing evacuees into deeper inundation zones before being overtaken. This highlights that behavioral preparedness must be coupled with structural urban interventions. Ultimately, our scalable approach enables DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) managers to rapidly map mortality hotspots and prioritize critical infrastructure improvements in highly exposed coastal zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Marine Science and Engineering (IOCMSE 2025))

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