You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.

Search for Articles:

Title / Keyword

Author / Affiliation / Email

Journal

Article Type

Advanced Search

Section

Special Issue

Volume

Issue

Number

Page

Logical OperatorOperator

Search Text

Search Type

Time Series Changes of Surficial Sediments on Eastern Ship Shoal, Louisiana Shelf
Attentive Neural Processes for Few-Shot Learning Anomaly-Based Vessel Localization Using Magnetic Sensor Data
CAD Model Reconstruction by Generative Design of an iQFoil Olympic Class Foiling Windsurfing Wing

Journal Description

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on marine science and engineering, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society (ANZMBS) is affiliated with JMSE and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed with Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Marine) / CiteScore - Q2 (Ocean Engineering)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 1.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Journal Clusters of Water Resources: Water, Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Hydrology, Resources, Oceans, Limnological Review, Coasts.

Impact Factor: 2.8 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 2.8 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2077-1312

Latest Articles

27 pages, 11541 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal SAR and Oil Spill Recovery Vessel Concept for Baltic Sea Operations

by Justas Žaglinskis

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010012 (registering DOI) - 19 Dec 2025

The Baltic Sea region presents challenging environmental and operational conditions for search and rescue (SAR) and oil spill recovery activities, including strong winds, high waves, seasonal ice, and low water temperatures. The current Lithuanian search and rescue and oil pollution response capabilities, particularly [...] Read more.

The Baltic Sea region presents challenging environmental and operational conditions for search and rescue (SAR) and oil spill recovery activities, including strong winds, high waves, seasonal ice, and low water temperatures. The current Lithuanian search and rescue and oil pollution response capabilities, particularly the existing vessel “Šakiai”, are insufficient to meet modern operational and safety requirements. This study aims to determine the optimal concept and technical characteristics of a new vessel capable of operating effectively in Lithuanian maritime responsibility area. The research combines hydrometeorological data analysis, review of international regulatory frameworks, evaluation of equipment requirements, and bridge simulator modelling of two reference vessel concepts: patrol-type and supply-type. Additional oil spill dispersion modelling was performed using the simulation tool. Findings show that search and rescue tasks prioritize speed, while spill response operations require stability and maneuverability. Simulations indicate that patrol-type vessels reach search and rescue zones faster, while supply-type vessels provide superior station maintenance and equipment deployment in adverse conditions. The optimal vessel concept should be based on a supply-type hull with dynamic positioning, ≥15 kn speed, ≥113 t bollard pull, ≥6-day endurance and oil recovery arms with ≥40 m sweep width. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil Spills in the Marine Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1847 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fixed-Time Preset Performance Sliding Mode Control for Underwater Manipulators Considering Input Saturation

by Ran Wang, Weiquan Huang, Zixuan Li, Yanjie Song and He Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010011 - 19 Dec 2025

This paper addresses the trajectory tracking problem for a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) underwater manipulator subject to complex disturbances and input saturation. It proposes a fixed-time preset performance sliding mode control method considering input saturation (FT-PP-SMC-IS), aiming to achieve rapid and stable tracking performance under [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the trajectory tracking problem for a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) underwater manipulator subject to complex disturbances and input saturation. It proposes a fixed-time preset performance sliding mode control method considering input saturation (FT-PP-SMC-IS), aiming to achieve rapid and stable tracking performance under these constraints. Firstly, to improve modeling accuracy, the Newton–Euler method and Morison’s equation are integrated to establish a more precise dynamic model of the underwater manipulator. Secondly, to balance dynamic and steady-state performance, a preset performance function is designed to constrain the tracking error boundaries. Based on dual-limit homogeneous theory, a fixed-time sliding mode surface is constructed, significantly enhancing the convergence speed and fixed-time stability. Furthermore, to suppress the effects of input saturation, a fixed-time auxiliary system is designed to compensate in real-time for deviations caused by actuator saturation. By separately constructing the sliding mode reaching law and equivalent control law, global fixed-time convergence of the system states is ensured. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously proven. Finally, comparative simulation experiments verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

18 pages, 3844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Ship-Related Pollution Transported into Klaipeda City

by Paulius Rapalis, Giedrius Šilas, Vygintas Daukšys, Lukas Šaparnis, Karolina Dukanauskaitė and Austėja Lileikytė

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010010 - 19 Dec 2025

Global shipping generates substantial emissions that can adversely affect air quality in port cities, yet the detectability of ship-related pollution by urban monitoring locations remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to identify the meteorological conditions under which ship exhaust plumes can be detected [...] Read more.

Global shipping generates substantial emissions that can adversely affect air quality in port cities, yet the detectability of ship-related pollution by urban monitoring locations remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to identify the meteorological conditions under which ship exhaust plumes can be detected at a stationary air-quality monitoring station located 1.4 km from the Port of Klaipeda. Night-time particulate matter and NO measurements from an AQMesh station were synchronized with Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship-tracking data, and an artificial neural network was applied to determine the environmental parameters most strongly associated with detectable pollution peaks. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was used to map the spatial patterns of ship activity by vessel type. The results indicate that plume detection is most likely to be detected with moderate wind speeds (8–12.5 m/s for PM and 7.5–9.6 m/s for NO), elevated humidity (>84%), and higher-pressure ranges for particulate matter. Warmer night-time conditions further enhance pollutant transport by reducing atmospheric stability. KDE analysis shows that potential pollutant accumulation zones differ by vessel type, with the most intense hotspots forming near anchorage locations rather than along transit routes. Overall, the findings demonstrate that ship-related pollution can be detected at distances exceeding 1 km under specific meteorological conditions and highlight the parameters that most strongly govern plume penetration into the urban environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Pollution)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4617 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Indirect Foot-End Touchdown Detection Method for the Underwater Hexapod Robot

by Zonglin Liu, Meng Wang, Tong Ge, Rui Miao and Gangtai Lu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010009 - 19 Dec 2025

The underwater hexapod robot has advantages such as lower energy consumption and reduced environmental interference compared to ROVs and AUVs. The foot-end contact detection with the seabed is the key technology for adapting to complex terrains. This paper focuses on the ‘Dragon Crab’ [...] Read more.

The underwater hexapod robot has advantages such as lower energy consumption and reduced environmental interference compared to ROVs and AUVs. The foot-end contact detection with the seabed is the key technology for adapting to complex terrains. This paper focuses on the ‘Dragon Crab’ underwater hexapod robot developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and proposes an indirect detection method that does not require foot-end contact sensors. By establishing the kinematic and dynamic models of the robot’s legs, combined with multi-order polynomial trajectory planning to reduce non-contact force interference, the foot-contact determination condition is defined. Through simulation experiments and force analysis of the legs, the contact detection parameters are estimated. Then, single-leg contact tests are conducted to obtain joint motor torque variation curves and foot-end height variation curves through the kinematic model, verifying the proposed contact detection conditions and parameters. Finally, the method is applied to underwater obstacle-crossing experiments of the underwater hexapod robot using triangular and wave gait patterns. Experimental results show that the method can accurately identify the foot-end contact state and has high applicability in complex underwater terrains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underwater Robots)

30 pages, 16381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Ship Hull Hybrid Surface Mesh Generation Algorithm Based on Ship Surface Curvature Features

by Wenyang Duan, Peixin Zhang, Kuo Yang, Limin Huang, Yuanqing Sun and Jikang Chen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010008 - 19 Dec 2025

Mesh generation is a critical preprocessing step in Computational Fluid Dynamics. In ship hydrodynamics, existing mesh generation methods lack adaptability to complex hull surface geometries, necessitating repeated optimization. To address these issues, a new hybrid mesh generation strategy was proposed, integrating Non-Uniform Rational [...] Read more.

Mesh generation is a critical preprocessing step in Computational Fluid Dynamics. In ship hydrodynamics, existing mesh generation methods lack adaptability to complex hull surface geometries, necessitating repeated optimization. To address these issues, a new hybrid mesh generation strategy was proposed, integrating Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline surface interpolation, advancing front technique, hull surface curvature features, and mesh quality evaluation parameters. Firstly, the ship hull surface was partitioned into multiple regions, and each region was assigned a specific mesh type. Subsequently, the adaptively sized mesh was generated based on local curvature variations. Finally, the angle skewness was employed as an objective function to improve the mesh quality. In addition, considering the actual ship model as an example, the mesh generated by our method and conventional Laplacian smoothing method were used to perform first-order potential flow simulations, and the results were compared against the convergence values. The results indicated that our method has lower root mean square errors in computing the total non-viscous force, steady drift force and ship hull free floating Response Amplitude Operator. This method is applicable to numerical simulations of the ship potential flow, providing high-quality hull meshes for hydrodynamic analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 4351 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Taxonomic Insights into Paradraconema (Nematoda: Draconematidae) from Korea: Valid Establishment of P. tamraense sp. nov. from Jeju Island and Description of P. gangchii sp. nov. from Dokdo Island

by Seungyeop Han and Hyun Soo Rho

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010007 - 19 Dec 2025

We describe two new species of Paradraconema from subtidal sediments of Korean waters: P. tamraense sp. nov. from Jeju Island and P. gangchii sp. nov. from Dokdo Island. Although the epithet tamraense had appeared previously in the literature, it was treated as a [...] Read more.

We describe two new species of Paradraconema from subtidal sediments of Korean waters: P. tamraense sp. nov. from Jeju Island and P. gangchii sp. nov. from Dokdo Island. Although the epithet tamraense had appeared previously in the literature, it was treated as a nomen nudum and therefore lacked nomenclatural availability under the ICZN. In this study, the species is newly and validly established based on a critical reassessment of the original material, supported by new line drawings and detailed observations using differential interference contrast (DIC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Paradraconema amraense sp. nov. is characterized by a slender body; pharyngeal annules bearing weakly developed longitudinal bars with smooth margins; a narrow lateral field at midbody; abundant and relatively long somatic setae; a head capsule partially covered with vacuolated ornamentation; an amphidial fovea that is elongate loop-shaped in males and circular, unispiral in females; eleven cephalic adhesion tubes (CAT); and comparatively long sublateral adhesion tubes (SlAT) and subventral adhesion tubes (SvAT). Paradraconema gangchii sp. nov. is characterized by a slender body; cuticle ornamentation with numerous longitudinal bars bearing finely crenulated margins in the pharyngeal region; sparse and short somatic setae; a head capsule fully covered with vacuolar ornamentation (reticulate under SEM); an amphidial fovea that is elongate loop-shaped in males and circular, unispiral, slightly over one coil in females; relatively short spicules (36–46 µm); eleven CAT; and relatively short SlAT and SvAT. SEM revealed several fine morphological features not previously documented in the genus, including the precise number and arrangement of CAT and detailed structures of the cuticle ornamentation and lip region. This study provides comprehensive SEM-based documentation for Paradraconema, increases the number of valid species in the genus to thirteen, and enhances our understanding of draconematid diversity in the northwestern Pacific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Diversity and Taxonomy of Marine Nematodes)

23 pages, 1469 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wave Direction Classification for Advancing Ships Using Artificial Neural Networks Based on Motion Response Spectra

by Taehyun Yoon, Young Il Park, Won-Ju Lee and Jeong-Hwan Kim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010006 - 19 Dec 2025

This study proposes a novel artificial neural network-based methodology for classifying the incident wave direction during ship navigation using the heave–roll–pitch motion response spectra as input. The proposed model demonstrated a balanced performance with an overall accuracy of approximately 0.888, effectively classifying the [...] Read more.

This study proposes a novel artificial neural network-based methodology for classifying the incident wave direction during ship navigation using the heave–roll–pitch motion response spectra as input. The proposed model demonstrated a balanced performance with an overall accuracy of approximately 0.888, effectively classifying the wave direction into three major categories: head-sea, beam-sea, and following-sea. The methodology utilizes Response Amplitude Operators derived from linear potential flow theory to generate motion response spectra, which are then used to classify the incident wave direction. The model effectively learns the frequency-distribution characteristics of the response spectrum, enabling wave direction classification without the need for complex inverse analysis procedures. This approach is significant in that it allows wave direction recognition solely based on measurable ship motion responses, without the need for additional external sensors or mathematical modeling. This data-driven approach has strong potential for integration into autonomous ship situational awareness modules and real-time wave monitoring technologies. However, the study simplified the directional domain into three representative groups, and the model was validated primarily using a numerically generated dataset, indicating the need for future improvements. Future research will expand the dataset to include a broader range of sea states, improve directional resolution, and explore continuous wave direction prediction. Additionally, further validation using field-measured data will be conducted to assess the real-time applicability of the proposed model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous Ship and Harbor Maneuvering: Modeling and Control)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 14987 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Modeling of Storm Surge Response to Typhoon Doksuri (2023) in Fujian, China: Impacts of Wind Field Fusion, Parameter Sensitivity, and Sea-Level Rise

by Ziyi Xiao and Yimin Lu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010005 - 19 Dec 2025

To quantitatively assess the storm surge induced by Super Typhoon Doksuri (2023) along the complex coastline of Fujian Province, a high-resolution Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) was developed, driven by a refined Holland–ERA5 hybrid wind field with integrated physical corrections. The hybrid approach [...] Read more.

To quantitatively assess the storm surge induced by Super Typhoon Doksuri (2023) along the complex coastline of Fujian Province, a high-resolution Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) was developed, driven by a refined Holland–ERA5 hybrid wind field with integrated physical corrections. The hybrid approach retains the spatiotemporal coherence of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 reanalysis in the far field, while incorporating explicit inner-core adjustments for quadrant asymmetry, sea-surface-temperature dependency, and bounded decay after landfall. A series of numerical experiments were conducted, including paired tidal-only and full storm-forcing simulations, along with a systematic sensitivity ensemble in which bottom-friction parameters were perturbed and the anomalous (typhoon-related) wind component was scaled by factors ranging from 0.8 to 1.2. Static sea-level rise (SLR) scenarios (+0.3 m, +0.5 m, +1.0 m) were imposed to evaluate their influence on extreme water levels. Storm surge extremes were analyzed using a multi-scale coastal buffer framework, comparing two extreme extraction methods: element-mean followed by time-maximum, and node-maximum then assigned to elements. The model demonstrates high skill in reproducing astronomical tides (Pearson r = 0.979–0.993) and hourly water level series (Pearson r > 0.98) at key validation stations. Results indicate strong spatial heterogeneity in the sensitivity of surge levels to both bottom friction and wind intensity. While total peak water levels rise nearly linearly with SLR, the storm surge component itself exhibits a nonlinear response. The choice of extreme-extraction method significantly influences design values, with the node-based approach yielding peak values 0.8% to 4.5% higher than the cell-averaged method. These findings highlight the importance of using physically motivated adjustments to wind fields, extreme-value analysis across multiple coastal buffer scales, and uncertainty quantification in future SLR-informed coastal risk assessments. By integrating analytical, physics-based inner-core corrections with sensitivity experiments and multi-scale analysis, this study provides an enhanced framework for storm surge modeling suited to engineering and coastal management applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3079 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Coastal Trapped Waves Generated by Typhoon ‘Soudelor’ in the Northwestern South China Sea

by Xuefeng Cao, Lunyu Wu, Chuanxi Xing, Maochong Shi and Peifang Guo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010004 - 19 Dec 2025

Coastal Trapped Waves (CTWs) represent an important class of mesoscale fluctuations in nearshore shelf regions and play a crucial role in modulating coastal circulation. The South China Sea (SCS), the largest semi-enclosed marginal sea in the western Pacific Ocean, features a continental shelf [...] Read more.

Coastal Trapped Waves (CTWs) represent an important class of mesoscale fluctuations in nearshore shelf regions and play a crucial role in modulating coastal circulation. The South China Sea (SCS), the largest semi-enclosed marginal sea in the western Pacific Ocean, features a continental shelf approximately 200 km wide. During summer, the SCS is frequently impacted by typhoons, which often trigger significant CTWs. This study investigates the characteristics of CTWs generated by Typhoon ‘Soudelor’ (No. 1513) in the northwestern SCS, based on current observations and numerical model simulations. Under the influence of Soudelor, CTWs characterized by elevated water levels nearshore and depressed water levels offshore were initially generated by wind-induced Ekman transport in the Taiwan Strait. These waves subsequently propagated southwestward along the coastline with phase velocities ranging from 7.2 to 18.3 m/s. Model results indicate that the CTW influenced current fields up to 160 km offshore, with a maximum CTW-induced current velocity exceeding 0.7 m/s. The vertical structure of the CTW-induced current field exhibited a barotropic characteristic. The influence of CTWs on current fields diminished with propagation distance, accompanied by a reduction in the induced current velocity. This attenuation was particularly pronounced between Xiamen (XM) and Shanwei (SW). Sensitivity experiments further revealed that the slowed propagation phase velocity of CTWs between XM and SW was attributable to strong reflection, scattering, and nonlinear effects caused by the abrupt topographic changes of the Taiwan Bank. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4915 KB

Open AccessArticle

A U-Net-Based Prediction of Surface Pressure and Wall Shear Stress Distributions for Suboff Hull Form Family

by Yongmin Seok, Jeongbeom Seo and Inwon Lee

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010003 - 19 Dec 2025

Recent developments in machine learning have enabled prediction models that estimate not only hydrodynamic force coefficients but also full CFD fields. Unlike conventional surrogate models that focus primarily on integrated quantities, such approaches can provide real-time predictions of pressure and wall shear stress [...] Read more.

Recent developments in machine learning have enabled prediction models that estimate not only hydrodynamic force coefficients but also full CFD fields. Unlike conventional surrogate models that focus primarily on integrated quantities, such approaches can provide real-time predictions of pressure and wall shear stress distributions, making them highly promising for applications in ship hydrodynamic design where detailed surface flow characteristics are essential. In this study, we address the low prediction accuracy observed near protruding appendages in U-Net-based field prediction models by introducing a positional encoding (PE)-enhanced data processing scheme and evaluating its performance across a dataset of 500 SUBOFF variants. While PE enhances prediction accuracy, especially for the sail, its effectiveness is constrained by the boundary discontinuity introduced at the 12 o’clock seam. To resolve this structural limitation and ensure consistent accuracy across components, the projection seam is relocated to the 6 o’clock position, where high-gradient flow features are less concentrated. This modification produces clear quantitative gains: the drag-integrated MAPE decreases from 3.61% to 1.85%, and the mean field-level errors of

∆ C_{p}

and

∆ C_{f}

are reduced by approximately 5.6% across the dataset. These results demonstrate that combining PE with seam relocation substantially enhances the model’s ability to reconstruct fine-scale flow features, improving the overall robustness and physical reliability of U-Net-based surface field prediction for submarine hull forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Ship Hydrodynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4485 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Modeling Approach to Aggregated Noise Effects of Offshore Wind Farms in the Canary and North Seas

by Ion Urtiaga-Chasco and Alonso Hernández-Guerra

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010002 - 19 Dec 2025

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) represent an increasingly important renewable energy source, yet their environmental impacts, particularly underwater noise, require systematic study. Estimating the operational source level (SL) of a single turbine and predicting sound pressure levels (SPLs) at sensitive locations can be challenging. [...] Read more.

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) represent an increasingly important renewable energy source, yet their environmental impacts, particularly underwater noise, require systematic study. Estimating the operational source level (SL) of a single turbine and predicting sound pressure levels (SPLs) at sensitive locations can be challenging. Here, we integrate a turbine SL prediction algorithm with open-source propagation models in a Jupyter Notebook (version 7.4.7) to streamline aggregated SPL estimation for OWFs. Species-specific audiograms and weighting functions are included to assess potential biological impacts. The tool is applied to four planned OWFs, two in the Canary region and two in the Belgian and German North Seas, under conservative assumptions. Results indicate that at 10 m/s wind speed, a single turbine’s SL reaches 143 dB re 1 µPa in the one-third octave band centered at 160 Hz. Sensitivity analyses indicate that variations in wind speed can cause the operational source level at 160 Hz to increase by up to approximately 2 dB re 1 µPa²/Hz from the nominal value used in this study, while differences in sediment type can lead to transmission loss variations ranging from 0 to on the order of 100 dB, depending on bathymetry and range. Maximum SPLs of 112 dB re 1 µPa are predicted within OWFs, decreasing to ~50 dB re 1 µPa at ~100 km. Within OWFs, Low-Frequency (LF) cetaceans and Phocid Carnivores in Water (PCW) would likely perceive the noise; National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) marine mammals’ auditory-injury thresholds are not exceeded, but behavioral-harassment thresholds may be crossed. Outside the farms, only LF audiograms are crossed. In high-traffic North Sea regions, OWF noise is largely masked, whereas in lower-noise areas, such as the Canary Islands, it can exceed ambient levels, highlighting the importance of site-specific assessments, accurate ambient noise monitoring and propagation modeling for ecological impact evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underwater Acoustics: Advances in Modelling, Measurement, and Technological Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 10847 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Adaptive Nudging Scheme with Spatially Varying Gain for Improving the Ability of Ocean Temperature Assimilation in SPEEDY-NEMO

by Yushan Wang, Fei Zheng, Changxiang Yan and Muhammad Adnan Abid

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Nudging remains a cost-effective data assimilation technique in coupled climate models, yet conventional schemes with fixed spatial strengths struggle to represent heterogeneous ocean processes. This study introduces an adaptive nudging framework in which a spatially varying gain matrix dynamically balances model and observational [...] Read more.

Nudging remains a cost-effective data assimilation technique in coupled climate models, yet conventional schemes with fixed spatial strengths struggle to represent heterogeneous ocean processes. This study introduces an adaptive nudging framework in which a spatially varying gain matrix dynamically balances model and observational errors, providing a more physically consistent determination of nudging coefficients. Implemented in the SPEEDY-NEMO coupled model, the method is systematically evaluated against a traditional latitude-dependent scheme. Results show substantial improvements in subsurface temperature assimilation across key regions, including the Niño3.4, tropical Indian Ocean, North Pacific, North Atlantic, and northeastern Pacific. The most pronounced gains occur above and within the thermocline, where strong stratification renders fixed nudging strengths inadequate, yielding a 20–30% reduction in RMSE and a 30–50% increase in correlation. In mid- to high-latitude regions, improvements extend to greater depths, consistent with deeper thermocline structures. The adaptive framework corrects both systematic bias and variance, enhancing not only the mean state but also variability representation. Additional benefits are found in salinity, currents, and sea surface height, demonstrating that spatially adaptive nudging provides a more effective and practical alternative for improving ocean state estimation in coupled models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 12050 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of the Angle of Repose of Coral Sands

by Zhen Yao, Jie Chen, Changbo Jiang, Zhiyuan Wu, Bin Deng, Yuannan Long, Hongtao Zou, Jinwei Zhang and Runze Bai

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122410 - 18 Dec 2025

The angle of repose is a fundamental parameter for assessing the stability of coral reefs. However, predictive models for this angle are currently lacking. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were undertaken to investigate the angle of repose by varying moisture [...] Read more.

The angle of repose is a fundamental parameter for assessing the stability of coral reefs. However, predictive models for this angle are currently lacking. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were undertaken to investigate the angle of repose by varying moisture content, particle shape, and particle size. Based on our experimental data, variation in the angle of repose with moisture content is classified into five distinct zones. It is demonstrated that the range of moisture content for each zone varies with particle size. Coral sands of dendrite, flake, rod, and block particles have a descending order of angle of repose, as demonstrated for a sieve size of 4.5 mm. The angle of repose for dry, submerged, and steady coral sands exhibits a correlation with the nominal diameter of particle size. Finally, extended models are proposed for predicting the angle of repose of coral sands (R² = 0.8, D_n₅₀ = 0.317−5.470). To facilitate use of these models, a linear relationship between sieve particle size diameter, nominal particle size diameter, and Corey shape factor, allowing for conversion among these parameters, is established. This study thereby helps to enhance our understanding of how moisture content affects angle of repose and improve our ability to predict the angle for coral grains with intricate geometries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

21 pages, 10472 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Submesoscale Motions on Upper-Ocean Chlorophyll: Case of Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME)

by Ekoué Ewane Blaise Arnold, Richard Kindong, Ebango Ngando Narcisse, Pandong Njomoue Achile and Song Hu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122409 - 18 Dec 2025

Submesoscale dynamics are critical modulators of upper-ocean biogeochemistry, yet their net influence on chlorophyll concentrations across seasonal to interannual timescales, particularly within productive regions like the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME), remains poorly understood. This study quantifies these complex relationships by analyzing [...] Read more.

Submesoscale dynamics are critical modulators of upper-ocean biogeochemistry, yet their net influence on chlorophyll concentrations across seasonal to interannual timescales, particularly within productive regions like the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME), remains poorly understood. This study quantifies these complex relationships by analyzing 22 years (2001–2022) of physical and biological data. We examined the link between surface chlorophyll (CHL) and key physical drivers: sea level anomaly (SLA) and submesoscale intensity, quantified by the Rossby number (Ro). Using both cross-correlation analysis and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs), our analyses reveal a multi-scale set of spatially dependent and time-lagged biogeochemical responses. At the basin scale, a key finding from cross-correlation is a significant positive correlation where high SLA precedes a rise in CHL by approximately six months, indicating a delayed ecosystem response to large-scale physical forcing. At the event scale, GLMs show the specific impact of eddies is critical: short-lived cyclonic eddies correlate with a significant increase in CHL (~4.6%) in the southern zone, while anticyclonic eddies are associated with a pronounced decrease in CHL (~97.7%) in the central zone during the austral winter. These findings demonstrate that both large-scale preconditions and localized submesoscale features are essential drivers of vertical nutrient transport and the distribution of primary productivity within the BCLME. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5574 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Shoreline Change, Environmental Forcings, and Sedimentological Resilience in Nourished Beaches of Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, USA: A Multi-Decadal Synthesis

by Divomi Balasuriya and Greg Pope

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122408 - 18 Dec 2025

Beach nourishment is a widely used strategy to mitigate coastal erosion, yet its long-term geological impacts remain poorly understood. This study provides a multi-decadal synthesis of shoreline change and sedimentological evolution on the nourished beaches of Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, USA. [...] Read more.

Beach nourishment is a widely used strategy to mitigate coastal erosion, yet its long-term geological impacts remain poorly understood. This study provides a multi-decadal synthesis of shoreline change and sedimentological evolution on the nourished beaches of Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, USA. Using shoreline positions from 1991 to 2024, we identify contrasting trajectories: Wildwood exhibits ‘persistent transition’ with severe northern erosion (EPR: −10.0 m/yr) feeding southwards accretion, while Cape May demonstrates a ‘managed equilibrium’ with widespread accretion (mean EPR: +1.15 m/yr). Wave energy correlations account for less than 15% of shoreline variability, indicating natural drivers have been superseded by human sediment inputs. Direct sediment comparison shows substantial textural transformation, with median grain sizes increasing from 153 to 435 μm to 467–982 μm and sorting degrading from very well to moderately well sorted, reflecting sustained disequilibrium. These findings are synthesized into a conceptual model where nourishment initiates feedback cycles that create human-dependent morphodynamic trajectories. This study concludes that the long-term resilience of developed coasts will depend on a strategic evolution from managing ‘sand as volume’ toward stewarding ‘sediment as a system,’ where textural compatibility is a primary determinant of success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Environmental Science)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis Comparison Between ANSYS AQWA and OrcaFlex for a Hollow Box-Shaped Floating Structure

by Se Hwan Park, Sang Gyu Cheon and Woo Chul Chung

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2407; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122407 - 18 Dec 2025

This study presents a numerical comparison between ANSYS AQWA (2023 R2) and the OrcaFlex package (OrcaWave + OrcaFlex) for a 10 × 10 × 2 m rectangular floating structure. The hydrodynamic coefficients and displacement/load RAOs obtained from the two solvers exhibit nearly identical [...] Read more.

This study presents a numerical comparison between ANSYS AQWA (2023 R2) and the OrcaFlex package (OrcaWave + OrcaFlex) for a 10 × 10 × 2 m rectangular floating structure. The hydrodynamic coefficients and displacement/load RAOs obtained from the two solvers exhibit nearly identical behavior, with deviations below 1% across all six motion modes. Under irregular wave conditions (Hs = 7 m, Tp = 8 s, 0° heading) and three mooring line lengths (145, 150, and 155 m), both solvers produced comparable mean surge motions and mean mooring tensions. However, OrcaFlex predicted 40–50% higher peak tensions due to its fully dynamic representation of slack–taut transitions and snap loading effects, whereas AQWA’s quasi-static catenary formulation filtered out these short-duration peaks. These findings confirm that although the two solvers are highly consistent in frequency-domain hydrodynamics, their time-domain predictions diverge when nonlinear mooring behavior becomes dominant. The study provides a transparent and reproducible benchmarking framework for cross-validation of potential-flow-based tools used in floating offshore structure design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous Ship and Harbor Maneuvering: Modeling and Control)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3125 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improve Initial Field Estimation with Deep Learning in Data Assimilation for Climate Models

by Jiakuan Wang, Liang Zhang, Yi Lin and Xuefeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122406 - 18 Dec 2025

In marine and coastal climate prediction, the integration of multiple imperfect models can improve accuracy by leveraging their complementary strengths. This study investigates this potential by developing a hybrid data assimilation framework that couples a biased physical model with a deep learning model. [...] Read more.

In marine and coastal climate prediction, the integration of multiple imperfect models can improve accuracy by leveraging their complementary strengths. This study investigates this potential by developing a hybrid data assimilation framework that couples a biased physical model with a deep learning model. A neural network learns an optimal fitting coefficient to weight the contributions of both models throughout the assimilation process. We evaluated the framework in twin experiments based on a five-variable coupled climate model and a trained LSTM. Evaluations using root-mean-square error, frequency histograms, and probability density functions consistently demonstrated that the multi-model synthesis achieves superior assimilation performance compared to the single-model approach. Furthermore, when employing different analysis values for prediction, the overall prediction error of the multi-model coupled scheme is reduced to approximately 50% of that from single-model predictions. The promising results from this conceptual model study preliminarily validate the potential of the multi-model coupling approach, offering valuable insights into its potential application to more realistic oceanographic models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean and Global Climate)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 33025 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two New Species of Tricoma (Tricoma) (Nematoda: Desmoscolecidae) from Korean Subtidal Sediments, with Notes on Labial Ultrastructure

by Hyo Jin Lee, Heegab Lee, Seungyeop Han and Hyun Soo Rho

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122405 - 18 Dec 2025

This paper reports two newly discovered species of Tricoma (Tricoma)—T. (T.) discrepans sp. nov. and T. (T.) parasetosa sp. nov.—obtained from the subtidal sediments at a depth of 13 m around Jindo Island, Korea. Tricoma [...] Read more.

This paper reports two newly discovered species of Tricoma (Tricoma)—T. (T.) discrepans sp. nov. and T. (T.) parasetosa sp. nov.—obtained from the subtidal sediments at a depth of 13 m around Jindo Island, Korea. Tricoma (T.) discrepans sp. nov. differs from its congeners in possessing 40–41 main rings, an uncovered first main ring, large vesicular amphidial fovea, and a distinctly thickened tail cuticle that is densely covered with secretions and adhering particles. Somatic setae in males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, with the subventral setae more than twice as thick as the subdorsal setae, a morphological feature documented here for the first time within the subgenus Tricoma (Tricoma). Tricoma (T.) parasetosa sp. nov. can be recognized by 31 (rarely 32) main rings, two pairs of long, thick posterior somatic setae inserted on massive peduncles, a vesicular amphidial fovea extending to the second main ring, and a gubernaculum proximal end gently curved ventrally. Although the labial region is indistinct, the species bears two conspicuous lateral labial projections and a prominent cephalic concretion. Together, these results broaden the current understanding of Tricoma diversity in the northwestern Pacific and emphasize additional morphological variation within Desmoscolecida based on detailed Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Diversity and Taxonomy of Marine Nematodes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 7487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulations of Propulsion Performance of Hull–Propeller–Rudder–Coupled System with Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCFs)

by Xiaoqing Tian, Haoliang Zhao, Jinliang Ma, Ming Lv, Hooi-Siang Kang, Junting Wang, Huachen Pan, Du Lin, Songkai Ren and Chizhong Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2404; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122404 - 18 Dec 2025

Ship propulsion performance is important for navigating. This study aims to enhance the propulsion performance of a 9500 DWT ship by integrating PBCFs into the hull–rudder–propeller–coupled system. A total of 27 PBCF models with different fin installation angles, radius ratio, and tilt angles [...] Read more.

Ship propulsion performance is important for navigating. This study aims to enhance the propulsion performance of a 9500 DWT ship by integrating PBCFs into the hull–rudder–propeller–coupled system. A total of 27 PBCF models with different fin installation angles, radius ratio, and tilt angles are designed in the study. The computational fluid dynamics method is employed and a propeller open-water test is also performed to optimize the PBCF design, which is integrated into different coupled systems. The numerical results show that the PBCFs exhibit differential enhancements of propeller performance across system configurations with their efficiency changing from 4.05% to 2.87%. Moreover, the reliability of ship self-propulsion simulation is mutually validated through the combined BF (body force) and MRF (multi-reference frame) methods. Then, simulations were conducted using these two methods for the self-propulsion of a 9500 DWT ship at three different speeds. Finally, the results from using the MRF method show that the incorporation of PBCFs can reduce delivered power to propeller by 1.32% at different F_r. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Ship Hydrodynamics)

14 pages, 2577 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Ship Oblique Motion in Floating Ice of Different Concentrations

by Qiaosheng Zhao, Jiyu Ma, Zhifu Li and Wei Guo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122403 - 18 Dec 2025

This study presents a model experiment on the oblique maneuvering of a ship in a floating ice environment. A series of captive model tests was conducted in both open-water and synthetic ice fields at concentrations of 60%, 70%, and 80%. The model was [...] Read more.

This study presents a model experiment on the oblique maneuvering of a ship in a floating ice environment. A series of captive model tests was conducted in both open-water and synthetic ice fields at concentrations of 60%, 70%, and 80%. The model was tested in a conventional towing tank using non-refrigerated polypropylene ice floes to simulate a broken ice field. Surge force, sway force, and yaw moment on the hull were measured under various drift angles and three speeds. Results show that in oblique motion, ice floes around the hull experience significant overturning and piling up, especially on the drift side, leading to random collisions with the hull. These interactions markedly affect the hydrodynamic forces. As the drift angle increases, the surge, sway, and yaw forces on the hull increase nonlinearly. The comparison between open-water and ice conditions indicates that floating ice can significantly increase the resistance and maneuvering forces. Higher ice concentrations lead to more frequent and more extensive contact between the hull and the ice floes, thereby further amplifying all components of the hydrodynamic forces. This work provides experimental data for validating calculation methods of ship resistance and maneuvering in broken ice. It demonstrates a feasible experimental approach for studying ship maneuvers in a floating ice channel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigation Performance and Experimental Research of Ships in Ice-Covered Areas (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

More Articles...

Submit to JMSE Review for JMSE

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

View More...

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

E-Mail Alert

News

6 November 2025
MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Pioneering Contributions in Computational Physical Science

1 October 2025
2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers

11 December 2025
Article Layout and Template Revised for Future Volumes

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Propose a Topic

Topic in Applied Sciences, Climate, Ecologies, JMSE, Water, Sustainability

Climate Change and Aquatic Ecosystems: Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation Topic Editors: Helena Veríssimo, Tiago Verdelhos
Deadline: 31 December 2025

Topic in Atmosphere, JMSE, Sustainability, Water

Sustainable River and Lake Restoration: From Challenges to Solutions Topic Editors: Yun Li, Hong Yang, Xiaogang Wang, Zhengxian Zhang, Boran Zhu
Deadline: 31 January 2026

Topic in Applied Sciences, Energies, Geosciences, JMSE, Minerals

Formation Mechanism and Quantitative Evaluation of Deep to Ultra-Deep High-Quality Reservoirs Topic Editors: Jianhua He, Andrew D. La Croix, Jim Underschultz, Hucheng Deng, Hao Xu, Ruyue Wang, Rui Liu
Deadline: 31 March 2026

Topic in Clean Technol., Energies, JMSE, Processes, Sustainability

Marine Energy Topic Editors: Hongsheng Dong, Xiang Sun, Zeshao You
Deadline: 30 April 2026

More Topics

Conferences

Propose a Conference Collaboration

2–4 September 2026 Meet Us Virtually at the 1st International Online Conference on Earth Science, 2–4 September 2026

9–11 September 2026 4th International Aquatic Biotechnology Symposium

More Conferences...

Special Issues

Propose a Special Issue

Special Issue in JMSE

Ship Manoeuvring and Control Guest Editor: Weiwei Bai
Deadline: 20 December 2025

Special Issue in JMSE

Maritime Ports Energy Infrastructure Guest Editors: Emmanuel Daniel, Seyedvahid Vakili
Deadline: 20 December 2025

Special Issue in JMSE

Marine Alien Species Guest Editor: Alan Deidun
Deadline: 20 December 2025

Special Issue in JMSE

Advances in Marine Gas Hydrate Exploration and Discovery—2nd Edition Guest Editors: Wei Zhang, Pibo Su, Jiliang Wang, Qianyong Liang
Deadline: 20 December 2025

More Special Issues

Back to TopTop