Simulation-Based Design Optimization in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Advancements in computational modelling and optimization techniques have ushered in a new era in naval architecture and offshore engineering. As marine systems face increasing demands for performance, efficiency, and environmental compliance, simulation-based design optimization (SBDO) has become a transformative tool for tackling the complex hydrodynamic challenges associated with ships and offshore structures.

This Special Issue, ‘Simulation-Based Design Optimization in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics’, aims to bring together cutting-edge research that advances the state of the art in hydrodynamic analysis, design, and performance optimization using numerical modelling and intelligent design frameworks.

We invite original research articles and reviews that address simulation-driven approaches to hydrodynamic design and analysis across a wide range of marine applications. Our focus is on improving the design and operation of ships, floating platforms, and offshore installations using integrated simulation and optimization techniques.

Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Resistance and propulsion optimization: Application of CFD and optimization algorithms to minimize total resistance, enhance propulsive efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption.
2. Wave–structure interaction modelling: Numerical approaches to optimize the hydrodynamic behaviour of floating and fixed offshore structures in extreme sea states.
3. Hydroelasticity and fluid–structure interactions: Simulation and optimization of structures subject to wave-induced vibrations, slamming, and dynamic loading.
4. Design of high-performance marine vehicles: Simulation-led hull-form optimization for high-speed crafts, autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and energy-efficient ship designs.
5. Offshore floating systems: Optimization of mooring layouts, dynamic positioning systems, and motion response characteristics of floating platforms and renewable energy devices.
6. Multi-objective and robust design frameworks: Integration of uncertainty quantification, surrogate modelling, and data-driven approaches for robust and efficient marine system design.
7. Hybrid methods and AI integration: Use of machine learning to enhance simulation accuracy, speed up optimization loops, and support real-time decision-making in hydrodynamic design.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions that demonstrate innovation in the use of simulations and optimizations for ship and offshore hydrodynamics. Submissions should present validated methodologies or practical insights with clear implications for marine engineering practice. All manuscripts will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process to ensure high scientific and technical quality.

Dr. José Miguel Rodrigues
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• simulation-based design optimization (SBDO)
• computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• marine hydrodynamics
• offshore structure optimization
• wave–structure interaction
• fluid–structure interaction (FSI)
• hydroelasticity
• machine learning in naval engineering
• multi-objective optimization
• marine renewable energy systems