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Determining the Minimum Detection Limit of Methane Hydrate Using Associated Alpha Particle Technique
Novel Hybrid Aquatic–Aerial Vehicle to Survey in High Sea States: Initial Flow Dynamics on Dive and Breach
Use of Machine-Learning Techniques to Estimate Long-Term Wave Power at a Target Site Where Short-Term Data Are Available
Strategizing Artificial Intelligence Transformation in Smart Ports: Lessons from Busan’s Resilient AI Governance Model
Visualization of Coastal Carbonate Lithosomes: Color-Intensity Patterns and Georadar Imaging of a Semi-Lithified Strandplain, Eleuthera Island, The Bahamas

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 monthly online by MDPI. The Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society (ANZMBS) is affiliated with JMSE and their 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

28 pages, 5663 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quasi-Infinite Horizon Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Cooperative Formation Tracking of Underactuated USVs with Four Degrees of Freedom

by Meng Yang, Ruonan Li, Hao Wang, Wangsheng Liu and Zaopeng Dong

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091812 (registering DOI) - 19 Sep 2025

To address the issues of external unknown disturbances and roll motion in the tracking control of underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) formation, a cooperative formation control method based on nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm and finite-time disturbance observer is proposed. Initially, a [...] Read more.

To address the issues of external unknown disturbances and roll motion in the tracking control of underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) formation, a cooperative formation control method based on nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm and finite-time disturbance observer is proposed. Initially, a tracking error model for the USV formation is established within a leader–follower framework, utilizing a four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) dynamic model to simultaneously account for roll motion and trajectory tracking. This error model is then approximately linearized and discretized. To mitigate the initial non-smoothness in the desired trajectories of the follower USVs, a tracking differentiator is designed to smooth the heading angle of the leader USV. Thereafter, a quasi-infinite horizon NMPC algorithm is developed, in which a terminal penalty function is constructed based on quasi-infinite horizon theory. Furthermore, a finite-time disturbance observer is developed to facilitate real-time estimation and compensation for unknown marine disturbances. The proposed method’s effectiveness is validated both mathematically and in simulation. Mathematically, closed-loop stability is rigorously guaranteed via a Lyapunov-based proof of the quasi-infinite horizon NMPC design. In simulations, the algorithm demonstrates superior performance, reducing steady-state tracking errors by over 80% and shortening convergence times by up to 75% compared to a conventional PID controller. These results confirm the method’s robustness and high performance for complex USV formation tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous Marine Vehicle Operations—3rd Edition)

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14 pages, 4070 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Calibration Methods and Experiments for Six-Component Force Sensors

by Hongyang Zhao, Bowen Zhao, Xu Liang and Qianbin Lin

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091811 (registering DOI) - 18 Sep 2025

The measurement accuracy of six-component force sensors is crucial for reliable hydrodynamic model test results. To enhance data precision, this study presents an efficient calibration device based on a dual-axis rotational mechanism, enabling multi-degree-of-freedom attitude adjustment of the sensor. By applying known forces [...] Read more.

The measurement accuracy of six-component force sensors is crucial for reliable hydrodynamic model test results. To enhance data precision, this study presents an efficient calibration device based on a dual-axis rotational mechanism, enabling multi-degree-of-freedom attitude adjustment of the sensor. By applying known forces and moments through various loading conditions and employing the least squares method to obtain a 6 × 6 calibration coefficient matrix, we effectively reduce system errors and external disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed calibration method is validated using rotational arm tests with a KCS standard ship model. The results indicate that most calibration point errors are below 1%, with the maximum error not exceeding 7%, and the measured data show good agreement with international standards. This method offers high calibration efficiency and accuracy, making it well-suited for the calibration of multi-component force sensors and for use in hydrodynamic, wind tunnel, and other multi-disciplinary experimental applications, promising potential for wider use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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32 pages, 20395 KB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Controlling the Formation and Evolution of the Beach Zone in a Semi-Enclosed Tideless Embayment: The Case of the North Coast of the Messiniakos Gulf (Eastern Mediterranean)

by Serafeim E. Poulos, Stelios Petrakis, Aikaterini Karditsa, Sylvia-Vasiliki Koumpou and Vasileios Kapsimalis

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091810 - 18 Sep 2025

This study examines the evolution of a beach formed along the coastline of a semi-enclosed, essentially tideless, embayment in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The analysis revealed that the primary factors influencing its recent evolution are the terrestrial sediment influxes, current nearshore oceanographic conditions, [...] Read more.

This study examines the evolution of a beach formed along the coastline of a semi-enclosed, essentially tideless, embayment in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The analysis revealed that the primary factors influencing its recent evolution are the terrestrial sediment influxes, current nearshore oceanographic conditions, and the existence of coastal constructions. The beach zone is exposed to waves approaching from the south with extreme values of height and period of 7 m and 4.3 s, respectively. Associated morphodynamic characteristics include a closure depth of 7 m, a breaking depth of 4.3 m, and a maximum run-up of 2.4 m. Since the mid-1900s, the shoreline has evolved through an accretional phase from 1960 to 1988, followed by a retreating phase from 1989 to 1997, except in the central part, where progradation has continued. The most recent period (1998–2017) has been relatively stable, though with a slight retreating trend. During storm events, changes to the beach are not uniform along-shore. Gross estimates of beach retreat due to sea level rise induced by climate change threaten the existence of the entire beach (for moderate and extreme IPCC Special Report Emissions Scenarios); however, this does not seem to be the case if riverine sediment influx continues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)

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16 pages, 9887 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Mesozoic–Cenozoic Structural Deformation Between the Northern and Southern Parts of the East China Sea Shelf Basin and Their Dynamic Mechanisms

by Chuansheng Yang, Junlan Song, Yanqiu Yang, Luning Shang, Jing Liao and Yamei Zhou

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091809 - 18 Sep 2025

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) and its adjacent areas, as key regions of the ocean–continent transition zone, have been affected by multiple complex plate collisions, subduction, and back-arc tension since the Mesozoic Era. The structural deformation provides a large amount of [...] Read more.

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) and its adjacent areas, as key regions of the ocean–continent transition zone, have been affected by multiple complex plate collisions, subduction, and back-arc tension since the Mesozoic Era. The structural deformation provides a large amount of geological information on the ocean–continent transition zone. There are significant spatiotemporal differences in the structural deformation within the basin. However, the research remains insufficient and understanding is inconsistent, especially regarding the systematic study of the differences and dynamic mechanisms of north–south structural deformation, which is relatively lacking. This study is based on two-dimensional multi-channel deep reflection seismic profiles spanning the southern and northern basin. Through an integrated re-analysis of gravity, magnetic, and OBS data, the deformation characteristics and processes of the Meso-Cenozoic structures in the basin are analyzed. The differences in structural deformation between the southern and northern basin are summarized, and the controlling effects of deep crust–mantle activity and the influencing factors of shallow structural deformation are explored. Based on deep reflection seismic profiles, the structural deformation characteristics of the Yushan–Kume fault are revealed for the first time, and it is proposed that NW faults, represented by the Yushan–Kume fault, have important tuning effects on the north–south structural differential deformation in the ECSSB. The thermal subsidence of the lithosphere is the direct cause of the development of the Mesozoic ECSSB, while the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate is one of the important factors contributing to it. The combined effect of the two has led to significant differences between the northern and southern Mesozoic basin. During the Cenozoic Era, the alternating subduction and changes in the direction of subduction of the Pacific Plate led to spatiotemporal differences in structural deformation within the ECSSB. The development of NW faults was a key factor in the differences in structural deformation between the northern and southern basin. The study of structural deformation differences in the ECSSB not only deepens our understanding of the tectonic evolution in the East Asian continental margin region, but also has important significance for the exploration and evaluation of deep hydrocarbon resources in the ECSSB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geological Oceanography)

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27 pages, 6764 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy Storage Configuration and Dispatch in Diesel-Electric Propulsion Ships

by Fupeng Sun, Yanlin Liu, Huibing Gan, Shaokang Zang and Zhibo Lei

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091808 - 18 Sep 2025

This study investigates the configuration of an energy storage system (ESS) and the optimization of energy management strategies for diesel-electric hybrid ships, with the goal of enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. An integrated mathematical model of the diesel generator set and the [...] Read more.

This study investigates the configuration of an energy storage system (ESS) and the optimization of energy management strategies for diesel-electric hybrid ships, with the goal of enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. An integrated mathematical model of the diesel generator set and the battery-based ESS is established. A rule-based energy management strategy (EMS) is proposed, in which the ship operating conditions are classified into berthing, maneuvering, and cruising modes. This classification enables coordinated power allocation between the diesel generator set and the ESS, while ensuring that the diesel engine operates within its high-efficiency region. The optimization framework considers the number of battery modules in series and the upper and lower bounds of the state of charge (SOC) as design variables. The dual objectives are set as lifecycle cost (LCC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, optimized using the Multi-Objective Coati Optimization Algorithm (MOCOA). The algorithm achieves a balance between global exploration and local exploitation. Numerical simulations indicate that, under the LCC-optimal solution, fuel consumption and GHG emissions are reduced by 16.12% and 13.18%, respectively, while under the GHG-minimization solution, reductions of 37.84% in fuel consumption and 35.02% in emissions are achieved. Compared with conventional algorithms, including Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO), Non-dominated Sorting Dung Beetle Optimizer (NSDBO), and Multi-Objective Sparrow Search Algorithm (MOSSA), MOCOA exhibits superior convergence and solution diversity. The findings provide valuable engineering insights into the optimal configuration of ESS and EMS for hybrid ships, thereby contributing to the advancement of green shipping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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35 pages, 6323 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Broad-Scale Summer Spatial Structure of Pelagic Fish Schools as Acoustically Assessed Along the Turkish Aegean Coast

by Erhan Mutlu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091807 - 18 Sep 2025

Fish stocks and their management are paramount for sustainable fisheries under the ongoing changes in atmosphere–sea interactions. The Aegean Sea, one of the composite seas influenced by different water masses, is characterized by a diverse ecosystem. Small pelagic fish are abundant and tend [...] Read more.

Fish stocks and their management are paramount for sustainable fisheries under the ongoing changes in atmosphere–sea interactions. The Aegean Sea, one of the composite seas influenced by different water masses, is characterized by a diverse ecosystem. Small pelagic fish are abundant and tend to form schools that vary in size. One of the most efficient and rapid techniques for sampling fish schools over a large area is the use of acoustic methods. Therefore, an acoustic survey was conducted in the coastal areas along the entire Turkish Aegean waters between June and August 2024, using a scientific quantitative echosounder equipped with a split-beam transducer operating at 206 kHz. During the survey, environmental parameters, including water physics, optics, and bathymetry, were measured at 321 stations. Additionally, satellite data were used to obtain water primary production levels for each sampling month across the entire study area. Using a custom computer algorithm written during the present study in MATLAB (2021a), fish schools were automatically detected to measure various morphological and acoustic features. Through a series of statistical analyses, three optimal clusters, validated with the total silhouette sum of distances (1317.38), were identified, each characterized by specific morphological, acoustic, and environmental variables associated with different areas of the study. School morphology and acoustic properties also varied with bottom depth. Cluster 1 was mostly found in open and relatively deep waters. Cluster 2 appeared in areas impacted by anthropogenic sources. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the first component (PCA1) was correlated with school height from the bottom (HFB) and overall school height (SH), followed by minimum depth (MnD), maximum depth (MxD), and volume backscattering strength at the school edge (SvE). The second component (PCA2) was associated with school width (SW) and area (A). Cluster 1 was characterized by schools with large SW and A, and relatively high HFB and SH. Cluster 2 showed low HFB and SH, while Cluster 3 had high MnD and MxD and low SvE. Based on the descriptors for these clusters, each cluster could be attributed to fish species at different life stages inferred based on target strength (TS), namely sardine, horse mackerel, and chub mackerel, distributed along the entire Turkish Aegean coast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)

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14 pages, 4490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Intra-Annual Spatial Distribution of Amphioctopus fangsiao in the East China Sea and Southern Yellow Sea Using Ensemble Models

by Yan Cui, Xiaodi Gao, Shaobo Yang, Shengfa Li and Linlin Yang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091806 - 18 Sep 2025

Understanding the distribution pattern and its drivers of species is crucial for developing effective and sustainable management strategies. Amphioctopus fangsiao is the octopus of significant commercial and ecological value along the coast of China, with multiple distinct populations. However, research on their ecological [...] Read more.

Understanding the distribution pattern and its drivers of species is crucial for developing effective and sustainable management strategies. Amphioctopus fangsiao is the octopus of significant commercial and ecological value along the coast of China, with multiple distinct populations. However, research on their ecological dynamics remains limited and requires further investigation. Here, ensemble models were constructed to examine the spatio-temporal distribution and inter-populational differentiation in environmental adaptability of A. fangsiao in the East China Sea (ECS) and the South Yellow Sea (SYS). Specifically, we generated the ensemble models by integrating Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Generalized Linear Models (GLMs), and Maximum Entropy Models (MaxEnt) for the different populations across four seasons, using fishery-independent data collected from 2015 to 2021. The results revealed two hotspots of A. fangsiao in the ECS and SYS: one is the area of SYS along the coastal waters, with latitudes 33° N–34° N and longitudes 120° E–122° E (northern population, NP); the other one is near the Kuroshio-adjacent area with latitudes 28.5° N–29° N and longitudes 123° E–124.5° E (southern population, SP). Both NP and SP exhibited distinct seasonal habitat preferences, with key environmental drivers showing seasonal variations. The NP tended to inhabit coastal waters with lower sea surface heights (SSHs), shallower water depth, and a narrower sea bottom salinity range (SBS). In contrast, SP preferred marine environments with a thicker mixed layer thickness (MLT) and higher concentrations of bottom chlorophyll-a (Chl_b). The environmental characterization of suitable habitats revealed distinct patterns in resource utilization and environmental adaptation strategies between the two populations. This study provides fundamental data for understanding A. fangsiao population dynamics and underscores the importance of considering population-specific habitat preferences within dynamic marine environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Ecological Ranch, Fishery Remote Sensing, and Smart Fishery)

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26 pages, 4820 KB

Open AccessReview

Variable-Stiffness Underwater Robotic Systems: A Review

by Peiwen Lu, Busheng Dong, Xiang Gao, Fujian Zhang, Yunyun Song, Zhen Liu and Zhongqiang Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091805 - 18 Sep 2025

Oceans, which cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, are home to vast biological and mineral resources. Deep-sea exploration encounters significant challenges due to harsh environmental factors, including low temperatures, high pressure, and complex hydrodynamic forces. These constraints have led to the widespread [...] Read more.

Oceans, which cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, are home to vast biological and mineral resources. Deep-sea exploration encounters significant challenges due to harsh environmental factors, including low temperatures, high pressure, and complex hydrodynamic forces. These constraints have led to the widespread use of underwater robots as essential tools for deep-sea resource exploration and exploitation. Conventional underwater robots, whether rigid with fixed stiffness or fully flexible, fail to achieve the propulsion efficiency observed in biological fish. To overcome this limitation, researchers have developed adjustable stiffness mechanisms for robotic fish designs. This innovation strikes a balance between structural rigidity for stability and flexible adaptability to dynamic environments. By dynamically adjusting localized stiffness, these bio-inspired robots can alter their mechanical properties in real time. This capability improves propulsion efficiency, energy utilization, and resilience to external disturbances during operation. This paper begins by reviewing the evolution of underwater robots, from fixed-stiffness systems to adjustable-stiffness designs. Next, existing methods for stiffness adjustment are categorized into two approaches: offline component replacement and online real-time adaptation. The principles, implementation strategies, and comparative advantages of each approach are then analyzed. Finally, we identify the current challenges in adjustable-stiffness underwater robotics and propose future directions, such as advancements in intelligent sensing, autonomous stiffness adaptation, and enhanced performance in extreme environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Application of Underwater Vehicles)

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16 pages, 7159 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Numerical Simulations of Propeller Open-Water Performance with Cavitation for High-Speed Planing Hulls

by Sungtek Park, Zhaoyuan Wang, Frederick Stern, Andrew Gunderson and John Scherer

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1804; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091804 - 18 Sep 2025

Numerical simulations of an open-water propeller are performed using CFDShip-Iowa. The propeller, originally designed by Mercury Marine for a 21 feet high-speed planing hull, is scaled to match a 42 feet hull configuration. Three advance ratios (

J

= 0.8, 1.1, and 1.4) [...] Read more.

Numerical simulations of an open-water propeller are performed using CFDShip-Iowa. The propeller, originally designed by Mercury Marine for a 21 feet high-speed planing hull, is scaled to match a 42 feet hull configuration. Three advance ratios (

J

= 0.8, 1.1, and 1.4) and two cavitation numbers (σ = 0.274 and 1.095) are considered in the computations, and the results are compared with those obtained from the commercial CFD solver STAR-CCM+. For the fully wetted conditions without cavitation, the overall trends of the computed thrust (

K_{t}

), torque (

K_{q}

), and propeller efficiency (

η

) with respect to the advance ratios are similar. The computed

K_{t}

,

K_{q}

, and

η

with cavitations generally agree with the STAR-CCM+ results except for

η

at

σ

= 0.274, where the latter shows a much higher value for J = 1.4. For

σ

= 1.095, the cavitation patterns and overall pressure distributions are similar for both codes. For

σ

= 0.274, the cavitation is more violent for CFDShip-Iowa than STAR-CCM+. CFDShip-Iowa shows better preservation of the cavities and blade-to-blade interactions, which are not captured in the simulations using STAR-CCM+, since a single blade with periodic boundary conditions are used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Marine Propulsion)

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5 pages, 185 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Adaptation of Marine Animals to Extreme Environments

by Taewon Kim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091803 - 18 Sep 2025

The Earth’s oceans are vast, mysterious, and replete with environments that test the limits of biological survival [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation of Marine Animals to Extreme Environments)

18 pages, 5592 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Collapse Behaviour of a Cracked Box Girder Under Bidirectional Cyclic Bending Moments

by Lei Ao, Fuyou Li, Bin Liu, Nan Zhao and Junlin Deng

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091802 - 17 Sep 2025

This study presents an integrated experimental and numerical investigation into the collapse characteristics of a cracked box girder subjected to bidirectional cyclic bending moments. An experimental test involving a box girder specimen with a prefabricated transverse crack on the deck panel is conducted [...] Read more.

This study presents an integrated experimental and numerical investigation into the collapse characteristics of a cracked box girder subjected to bidirectional cyclic bending moments. An experimental test involving a box girder specimen with a prefabricated transverse crack on the deck panel is conducted under four-point bending to evaluate the influence of cracking on ultimate strength under cyclic loading. The findings are reported through load–displacement curves, strain measurements, and observations of both global and localised structural failure modes, demonstrating strong consistency with finite element simulations conducted using ABAQUS software (version 2022). The results reveal that cyclic loading prior to ultimate capacity induces negligible stiffness reduction in the box girder structure, consistent with the structural behaviour under monotonic loading. The initial failure mechanism is attributed to local buckling of the deck plate, subsequently followed by significant plastic deformation around the crack tips, ultimately leading to global collapse. Parametric studies are carried out to evaluate the influence of key variables on the girder’s residual strength, such as crack length, cyclic load amplitude and pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Marine Mechanical and Structural Engineering—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 6296 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Weather Routing Method in Coastal and Island-Rich Waters Guided by Ship Trajectory Big Data

by Yinfei Zhou, Lihua Zhang, Shuaidong Jia and Zeyuan Dai

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091801 - 17 Sep 2025

Weather routing is a critical guarantee for the safe and economical navigation of ships. Existing methods for weather routing still face challenges in selecting the appropriate planning granularity. A granularity that is overly coarse may result in routes passing through coastal and island-rich [...] Read more.

Weather routing is a critical guarantee for the safe and economical navigation of ships. Existing methods for weather routing still face challenges in selecting the appropriate planning granularity. A granularity that is overly coarse may result in routes passing through coastal and island-rich waters, such as coastal zones and reefs, thus compromising navigational safety. Conversely, a granularity that is excessively fine leads to an exponential increase in computational complexity, rendering the problem intractable. To address this issue, this paper proposes an efficient method for weather routing in coastal and island-rich waters, guided by ship trajectory big data: First, an adaptive quadtree is used to partition the navigable space into an adaptive grid, based on which a route network is constructed using ship trajectory big data. Next, a ship motion model is introduced to build both static and dynamic marine environmental fields, which are used to dynamically update the time weights of the route network. Finally, using the updated route network as a guide, the method aims to minimize voyage time and employs an improved time-varying A* algorithm for weather routing. Experimental results show that the proposed method effectively adapts to coastal and island-rich waters, outperforming the baseline SIMROUTE in safety, optimization, and efficiency. Unlike SIMROUTE, which crosses restricted areas, it avoids such risks entirely. It achieves average reductions of 6.8% in route length and 4.3% in navigation time and is 5.8 times faster than SIMROUTE for fine-grained planning. This balances voyage time, safety, and efficiency, offering a practical weather routing solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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27 pages, 5220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ship Motion Control Methods in Confined and Curved Waterways Combining Good Seamanship

by Liwen Huang and Jiahao Chen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091800 - 17 Sep 2025

For the motion control of ships in confined and curved waterways, from broad coastal channels to narrow river bends, conventional methods often struggle to ensure both tracking accuracy and navigational safety. A key deficiency is the inability of standard algorithms to incorporate the [...] Read more.

For the motion control of ships in confined and curved waterways, from broad coastal channels to narrow river bends, conventional methods often struggle to ensure both tracking accuracy and navigational safety. A key deficiency is the inability of standard algorithms to incorporate the nuanced principles of good seamanship. To address this, a novel, hierarchical adaptive control framework is proposed. The core novelty of this framework lies in its versatile and adaptive guidance rules, which embed maritime practice into the control loop for different navigating scenarios. In general maritime channels with wind and current, these rules function to ensure robust, high-fidelity route tracking. For the most challenging inland river curved channels, it is further enhanced to generate a strategic, non-centerline trajectory that replicates the crucial inland navigational practice of “holding high and taking low”. This is complemented by a reinforcement learning-based strategy at the control layer, which performs real-time tuning of PID gains to adapt to the vessel’s dynamics. The framework’s dual capabilities were systematically validated. The core adaptive algorithms proved effective for robust control in curved channels under wind and current disturbances. Furthermore, the full framework, including the seamanship-informed strategy, demonstrated superior performance in the most complex inland river scenarios. Compared to a conventional controller, the proposed method reduced the peak cross-track error by over 40% and increased the minimum safety margin from the bank by more than 49% under a strong 3 m/s cross-current. An effective solution for motion control is thus provided, bridging the gap between modern control theory and the context-dependent expertise of practical pilotage. Full article

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15 pages, 7162 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of an Accelerated Deterioration Method for Subsea Tunnel RC Linings via Electromigration and Its Associated Test Parameters

by Jiguo Liu, Qinglong Cui, Shengbin Zhang, Xin Li, Longhai Wei, Huimin Gong, Yiguo Xue and Min Han

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091799 - 17 Sep 2025

Appropriate accelerated deterioration methods are crucial for studying the deterioration behavior of reinforced concrete linings in subsea tunnels. To investigate the deterioration mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in marine environments, this study employed the electromigration method to simulate accelerated chloride-induced corrosion of [...] Read more.

Appropriate accelerated deterioration methods are crucial for studying the deterioration behavior of reinforced concrete linings in subsea tunnels. To investigate the deterioration mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in marine environments, this study employed the electromigration method to simulate accelerated chloride-induced corrosion of steel reinforcement. The results demonstrate that under a direct current (DC) electric field, chloride ions migrate directionally and accumulate on the side of the steel facing the chloride source, successfully inducing non-uniform corrosion features that closely resemble those in natural environments. The side facing chloride ingress exhibited severe corrosion and significant cross-sectional loss, while the shielded side remained largely intact. The experimental process clearly reveals that the applied electric field does not directly initiate corrosion of the steel reinforcement before chloride ions migrate to its surface. Furthermore, analysis of experimental parameters showed that symmetrical perforations on electrode plates are crucial for a uniform electric field, while perforation ratio and electrode–specimen distance have a minor influence. The average chloride penetration depths corresponding to electrode plate perforation areas of 5.5%, 15%, 25.5%, and 38.1% were measured as 1.63 cm, 1.67 cm, 1.57 cm, and 1.57 cm, respectively. This research confirms electromigration as an efficient and reliable technique for accelerated corrosion testing, providing a significant theoretical basis for assessing and predicting the long-term durability of marine engineering structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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15 pages, 1853 KB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Invasive Alien Species Reshape Small-Scale Fisheries: Case Study in Greek Coastal Waters

by Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos, Nikoletta Sidiropoulou, Ioannis Vekris, Nikolaos Doumpas and Ioannis Giovos

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091798 - 17 Sep 2025

The spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean poses complex challenges for coastal fisheries, yet the perceptions and adaptive responses of small-scale fishers remain poorly understood. This study surveyed 70 professional fishers across Greek insular and mainland ports to assess fishers’ local [...] Read more.

The spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean poses complex challenges for coastal fisheries, yet the perceptions and adaptive responses of small-scale fishers remain poorly understood. This study surveyed 70 professional fishers across Greek insular and mainland ports to assess fishers’ local ecological knowledge, awareness, and operational strategies related to eleven established marine NIS. Semi-structured interviews recorded demographic and effort profiles, recognition rates, perceived environmental and economic impacts, catch frequencies, gear damage, injury incidents, and behavioral changes. Fishers in the study area demonstrated high overall awareness (~95%), but variable recognition of less familiar taxa (e.g., bigfin reef squid, squirrelfish). Venomous and gear-damaging species (pufferfish, lionfish, rabbitfish) were predominantly viewed negatively, with significant reported gear losses (EUR 600–1345 yr⁻¹) and avoidance of high-incidence areas (25–30% of respondents). Conversely, commercially valuable NIS received more positive appraisals and are increasingly targeted. Spatial heterogeneity in perceptions and adaptations underscores the need for regionally tailored management that integrates fishers’ knowledge, promotes safe handling and selective exploitation of marketable NIS, and supports adaptive governance to mitigate ecological risks while enhancing socioeconomic resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Ecology)

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19 pages, 2806 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping the Landscape of Marine Giant Virus Research: A Scientometric Perspective (1996–2024)

by Kang Eun Kim, Man Deok Seo, Sukchan Lee and Taek-Kyun Lee

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091797 - 17 Sep 2025

Although giant viruses have introduced new perspectives on the definition and evolution of viruses and are increasingly recognized for their significant biological roles within marine ecosystems, systematic evaluations of development trends and scientific contributions in this research field remain limited. This study conducted [...] Read more.

Although giant viruses have introduced new perspectives on the definition and evolution of viruses and are increasingly recognized for their significant biological roles within marine ecosystems, systematic evaluations of development trends and scientific contributions in this research field remain limited. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of the global academic literature on marine giant viruses (MGVs), focusing on nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs), from 1996 to 2024. Using the Web of Science Core Collection, 1544 publications related to giant viruses were identified. After filtering using marine-related keywords and manual review, 300 studies specifically addressing marine giant viruses were selected for the final analysis. This study comprehensively examined the structural characteristics and evolutionary trends in this field by analyzing annual publication productivity, citation patterns, contributions by countries and institutions, author collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. The results show that research on MGVs has steadily increased since the mid-2000s, with a notable surge after 2018 driven by advancements in metagenomics, next-generation sequencing technologies, and global ocean exploration initiatives. The United States and France have taken leading positions in terms of research productivity and impact, with key institutions such as the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and Aix-Marseille Université playing central roles. A multipolar network of international collaborations between countries and institutions has been formed. Research topics have evolved from an early focus on virus classification and genome analysis to more diverse themes, including interactions with marine microbiota, viral ecological functions, infection dynamics, virophage research, and metagenome-based ecosystem-level studies. This study provides an overview of the chronological and structural evolution of the marine giant virus research field by systematically presenting key research themes and collaborative networks. The results provide a valuable foundation for determining future academic directions and planning strategic research initiatives. Furthermore, it is expected to facilitate interdisciplinary research in marine biology, environmental science, systems biology, and artificial intelligence-based functional predictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)

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19 pages, 1056 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Delphi-AHP Study on the Systematic Improvement of Sea Anchors for Fishing Operations

by Namgu Kim, Youngjae Yu, Yoo-Won Lee and Kyung-Jin Ryu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091796 - 17 Sep 2025

Sea anchors for fishing operations are essential equipment to enhance catch efficiency and ensure operational stability at sea. However, previous studies have mainly focused on theoretical modeling or experiments under restricted conditions, which have not sufficiently reflected the complex operating environments and practical [...] Read more.

Sea anchors for fishing operations are essential equipment to enhance catch efficiency and ensure operational stability at sea. However, previous studies have mainly focused on theoretical modeling or experiments under restricted conditions, which have not sufficiently reflected the complex operating environments and practical needs of real-world fisheries. To address this gap, this study derived key factors to improve the design and operation of sea anchors and quantitatively analyze the relative importance and rank of these factors. An expert panel was formed from 25 participants, including jigging vessel captains, recreational fishing boat captains, sea anchor manufacturers, and research institute workers. Using a three-round Delphi process followed by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis, we distilled an initial list of 52 improvement suggestions into 15 prioritized items, quantitatively ranked by relative importance based on expert consensus. The highest-ranked factor was ‘Enhancement of fabric drying performance’, followed by ‘Application of low-cost, high-efficiency materials’, ‘Improvement of recovery’, ‘Enhancement of UV resistance’, and ‘Product quality certification’. The highest-weighted metric was ‘Improvement of usability’, followed by ‘Enhanced durability’ and ‘Improvement of functionality’. The consistency ratio (CR) of the pairwise-comparison matrix was 0.0014 (AHP acceptability criterion: CR ≤ 0.1), confirming the reliability and consistency of the analysis. By reflecting real-world priorities through a robust and systematic analytical process, this study offers a foundation for evidence-based improvements in sea anchor design and operation, overcoming the limitations of earlier approaches rooted in subjective judgment or trial-and-error experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Fishing Gear and Aquacultural Engineering)

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21 pages, 4368 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Ship Fuel Sulfur Content Monitoring—From Exhaust Gas Measurement to AI-Driven Comprehensive Analysis

by Fan Zhou, Yuxuan Wang and Yinghan Zhou

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091795 - 17 Sep 2025

To address the limitations of traditional single-point detection methods in monitoring the sulfur content of ship fuel (FSC), which are inadequate in meeting the regulatory demands of high-traffic ports, this study proposes an integrated analytical approach based on artificial intelligence. This approach synthesizes [...] Read more.

To address the limitations of traditional single-point detection methods in monitoring the sulfur content of ship fuel (FSC), which are inadequate in meeting the regulatory demands of high-traffic ports, this study proposes an integrated analytical approach based on artificial intelligence. This approach synthesizes multi-source heterogeneous data, including historical fuel testing records, Automatic Identification System (AIS) trajectory data, ship and operator profiles, technical specifications, fuel supply chain documentation, fundamental ship attributes and so on. Following rigorous data cleaning and preprocessing procedures, a refined dataset comprising 3046 records collected between 2017 and 2024 from the Port of Ningbo was utilized. Initially, multiple linear regression analysis was con-ducted to identify key factors influencing sulfur emissions, resulting in an R² value of 0.67. Based on these findings, a deep neural network model was developed using TensorFlow to enable real-time estimation of FSC and classification of compliance risk levels. The results indicate that the proposed method exhibits high estimated accuracy and robustness. An AI-based intelligent monitoring module, developed based on this research, has been integrated into the ship exhaust gas detection system at the Port of Ningbo. This module enables real-time analysis of inbound ships and intelligent identification of potentially non-compliant ships, thereby significantly improving the precision and efficiency of port regulatory operations. This study not only contributes to the theoretical framework for ship fuel compliance monitoring but also provides a practical and scalable technical solution for intelligent port governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Transport and Port Intelligence)

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25 pages, 11426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Disciplinary Design and Acoustic–Fluid Coupling Optimization of Acoustic Matching Structures for Underwater Gliders

by Lin Zhang, Bowen Chen, Pengfei Li, Shuzeng Zhou and Qindong Sun

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091794 - 17 Sep 2025

To address the trade-off between acoustic stealth and hydrodynamic efficiency in underwater glider design, this study proposes a coupled multi-physics parametric design framework for acoustic matching structures. Using the “Dolphin” glider as a case, geometric effects on acoustic scattering were analyzed by comparing [...] Read more.

To address the trade-off between acoustic stealth and hydrodynamic efficiency in underwater glider design, this study proposes a coupled multi-physics parametric design framework for acoustic matching structures. Using the “Dolphin” glider as a case, geometric effects on acoustic scattering were analyzed by comparing spherical, capsule, and ellipsoidal structures under acoustic incidence. The ellipsoid configuration showed a superior performance and was further optimized through parameterized Myring profiles with length-to-diameter ratios (1.8–1.875) and sharpness factors (n = 1–5). Integrated CFD-BEM simulations revealed that the optimal design (ratio 1.875, n = 2) reduces the scattering sound pressure level by 1.8 dB at 1 kHz and drag coefficient by 14.2%. At 3 m/s, bow-direction target strength decreased by 6 dB, with 4.4 dB flow noise reduction. This methodology effectively resolves acoustic–fluid conflicts, advancing low-noise underwater vehicle design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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6 pages, 191 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Smart and Low Carbon Emission-Oriented Maritime Traffic Management and Controlling

by Xinqiang Chen and Salvatore Antonio Biancardo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091793 - 17 Sep 2025

As the global shipping industry faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, AI-powered intelligent shipping systems are playing a pivotal role in optimizing vessel routes, fuel consumption, and port operations [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Low Carbon Emission-Oriented Maritime Traffic Management and Controlling)

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