Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Ocean Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 4651

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Marine Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Interests: ship mechatronics; smart sensor technology; ship pollution prevention and control technology; microfluidic chip technology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine engineering is at the forefront of digitalization, intelligentization, and green energy transformation. The research directions in marine engineering discussed in this Special Issue have rapidly developed since the early 21st century.

The development of green energy and power systems is pivotal for improving ship performance while concurrently reducing their ecological footprint. Innovations in intelligent perception and autonomous control systems are also high on our agenda, as they promise to automate ship operations, thereby enhancing safety and operational proficiency. Furthermore, the integration of robotics and unmanned systems into ship maintenance, detection, and marine exploration is an area that is rapidly gaining traction. Through such advancements, we can ensure the longevity and reliability of our maritime assets. Equally significant are the efforts directed toward environmental restoration and pollution control, which are fundamental to preserving the integrity of our marine ecosystems. Research into engine combustion and emission control technologies is another critical area for mitigating ship emissions' environmental impact. In addition, the design and manufacturing of novel ships and ocean engineering equipment, as well as the exploration of new energy sources for the ocean, are the focus of innovative marine engineering technologies.

These directions showcase the industry's commitment to technological innovation and environmental sustainability. This Special Issue encourages scholars to contribute their groundbreaking work to the above-evolving field.

Prof. Dr. Hongpeng Zhang
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.

Keywords

  • green energy and power systems
  • intelligent perception
  • autonomous control
  • unmanned systems
  • unmanned vessel technology
  • pollution control
  • environmental restoration
  • advanced combustion technology
  • intelligent monitoring and maintenance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

41 pages, 20958 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of the Applicability of Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation Combined with Variable Compression Ratio in a Marine Two-Stroke Dual-Fuel Engine and Performance Optimization Based on RSM-PSO
by Haosheng Shen and Daoyi Lu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040765 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
In this paper, a novel technical route, namely combining the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) and variable compression ratio (VCR), is proposed to address the inferior fuel economy for marine dual-fuel engines of low-pressure gas injection in diesel mode. To validate the applicability [...] Read more.
In this paper, a novel technical route, namely combining the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) and variable compression ratio (VCR), is proposed to address the inferior fuel economy for marine dual-fuel engines of low-pressure gas injection in diesel mode. To validate the applicability of the proposed technical route, firstly, a zero-dimensional/one-dimensional (0-D/1-D) engine simulation model with a predictive combustion model DI-Pulse is established using GT-Power. Then, parametric investigations on two LP-EGR schemes, which is implemented with either a back-pressure valve (LP-EGR-BV) or a blower (LP-EGR-BL), are performed to qualitatively identify the combined impacts of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and compression ratio (CR) on the combustion process, turbocharging system, and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) trade-offs. Finally, an optimization strategy is formulated, and an optimization program based on response surface methodology (RSM)–particle swarm optimization (PSO) is designed with the aim of improving fuel economy while meeting Tier III and various constraint conditions. The results of the parametric investigations reveal that the two LP-EGR schemes exhibit opposite impacts on the turbocharging system. Compared with the LP-EGR-BV, the LP-EGR-BL can achieve a higher in-cylinder pressure level. NOx-BSFC trade-offs are observed for both LP-EGR schemes, and the VCR is confirmed to be a viable approach for mitigating the penalty on BSFC caused by EGR. The optimization results reveal that for LP-EGR-BV, compared with the baseline engine, the optimized BSFC decreases by 10.16%, 11.95%, 10.32%, and 9.68% at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% maximum continuous rating (MCR), respectively, whereas, for the LP-EGR-BL scheme, the optimized BSFC decreases by 10.11%, 11.93%, 9.93%, and 9.58%, respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding NOx emissions level improves from meeting Tier II regulations (14.4 g/kW·h) to meeting Tier III regulations (3.4 g/kW·h). It is roughly estimated that compared to the original engine, both LP-EGR schemes achieve an approximate reduction of 240 tons in annual fuel consumption and save annual fuel costs by over USD 100,000. Although similar fuel economy is obtained for both LP-EGR schemes, LP-EGR-BV is superior to LP-EGR-BL in terms of structure complexity, initial cost, maintenance cost, installation space requirement, and power consumption. The findings of this study provide meaningful theoretical supports for the implementation of the proposed technical route in real-world engines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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27 pages, 17284 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Development of a Novel Salvage Catamaran and Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Performance
by Wenzheng Sun, Yongjun Gong and Kang Zhang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040680 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 177
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of the marine economy, conventional salvage equipment has become increasingly inadequate in meeting the operational demands of complex aquatic environments and deep-sea salvage operations. This study presents the preliminary design of a novel salvage catamaran and proposes a multi-level [...] Read more.
With the rapid advancement of the marine economy, conventional salvage equipment has become increasingly inadequate in meeting the operational demands of complex aquatic environments and deep-sea salvage operations. This study presents the preliminary design of a novel salvage catamaran and proposes a multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation framework for hydrodynamic performance under multi-sea-state and multi-operational conditions. A hydrodynamic performance evaluation indicator system was established, integrating resistance and seakeeping criteria. Computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulations with overset grids were employed to calculate the resistance characteristics. Potential flow-theory-based analysis quantified motion responses under irregular waves. The framework effectively distinguishes performance variations across five sea states and two sets of loading conditions through composite scoring. Key findings demonstrate that wave-added resistance coefficients increase proportionally with a significant wave height (Hs) and spectral peak period (Tp), while payload variations predominantly influence heave amplitudes. A fuzzy mathematics-driven model assigned entropy–Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) hybrid weights, revealing operational trade-offs: Case1-Design achieved optimal seakeeping and resistance, whereas Case5-Light exhibited critical motion thresholds. Adaptive evaluation strategies were proposed, including dynamic weight adjustments for long/short-wave-dominated regions via sliding window entropy updates. This work advances the systematic evaluation of catamarans, offering a validated methodology for balancing hydrodynamic efficiency and operational safety in salvage operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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25 pages, 374 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Optimization for Artificial Island Construction Scheduling Using Cooperative Differential Evolution
by Tianju Zheng, Liping Sun, Jifeng Chen, Xinyuan Cui and Shuqi Li
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030492 - 2 Mar 2025
Viewed by 796
Abstract
The construction of artificial islands is a complex engineering challenge requiring precise scheduling to optimize resource utilization, manage costs, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impacts in dynamic marine settings. In this paper, we present a multi-objective artificial island construction scheduling optimization model. This [...] Read more.
The construction of artificial islands is a complex engineering challenge requiring precise scheduling to optimize resource utilization, manage costs, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impacts in dynamic marine settings. In this paper, we present a multi-objective artificial island construction scheduling optimization model. This model considers many crucial factors that influence artificial island construction from 5 aspects: construction time, construction cost, project quality, resource utilization efficiency, and environmental impact. To optimize the proposed model, we propose an algorithm called Multi-objective Cooperative Differential Evolution (MOCDE). MOCDE integrates Cooperative Co-evolutionary Algorithms, and Differential Evolution to efficiently obtain the optimal schedules. To explore the performance of this model and the algorithm, extensive experiments are conducted based on real-world project data. Comparing MOCDE with established algorithms, results indicate that MOCDE improvements over previous SOTA models, achieving a reduction of 0.56% in Total Time, a decrease of 0.43% in Total Cost, and an enhancement of 7.38% in Total Quality. Besides, it also could adhere to ensure the environmental requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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13 pages, 1425 KiB  
Article
Design and Detection Performance of Metal Contaminant Sensor with Triple Coil Structure
by Changzhi Gu, Zuo Zhang, Shaoxuan Zhang, Hongliang Zhao, Shukui Hu, Wenbo Zhang, Chenzhao Bai, Hongpeng Zhang and Chenyong Wang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13010059 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 784
Abstract
In marine engineering, the daily management of mechanical equipment needs to ensure that the oil is normal. Oil plays the role of sealing, cooling, lubrication, and other functions in the equipment, and can also be used as hydraulic fluid to transfer energy. By [...] Read more.
In marine engineering, the daily management of mechanical equipment needs to ensure that the oil is normal. Oil plays the role of sealing, cooling, lubrication, and other functions in the equipment, and can also be used as hydraulic fluid to transfer energy. By analyzing the state of the oil, it is possible to obtain information about the operation of the equipment, such as judging the wear or failure of the equipment by detecting impurities in the oil. This paper proposes and designs a wireless triple-coil structure oil detection sensor for detecting metal particles in the oil circuit. The sensor consists of three coils placed concentrically with the same parameters. When the sensor detects metal particles in the oil, the ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic particles flowing through the sensor produce magnetization and eddy current effects, resulting in variable inductive signals that complete the detection of metal particles. This paper firstly explains the sensing principle of this triple coil sensor detection by formula derivation. Secondly, the simulation model of the sensor was established by using COMSOL 6.0 simulation software according to the scale of 1:1, and the magnetic field strength distribution law inside the coil of the triple-coil sensor was simulated. The experimental results showed that the sensor was able to detect iron particles at 73 µm and copper particles at 220 µm, moreover the obtained signal characteristics are obvious, with high detection sensitivity. The sensor is wireless and performs contactless detection of metal particles. This is important for the detection of metal particle contaminants in oil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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23 pages, 5755 KiB  
Article
Optimization-Based Energy Management Algorithm for 2-Stroke Hybrid Ship with Controllable Pitch Propeller
by Nikolaos Aletras, Apostolos Karvountzis-Kontakiotis, Nikolaos Kefalas, Achilleas Grigoriadis, Zissis Samaras and Leonidas Ntziachristos
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122331 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1075
Abstract
This paper examines the fuel consumption savings of a hybrid ship powertrain with 2-stroke main engine by implementing a novel adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy that utilizes a controllable pitch propeller. A non-hybrid powertrain model was developed as a demonstrator and real-world data [...] Read more.
This paper examines the fuel consumption savings of a hybrid ship powertrain with 2-stroke main engine by implementing a novel adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy that utilizes a controllable pitch propeller. A non-hybrid powertrain model was developed as a demonstrator and real-world data were used for fuel consumption and efficiency maps. The baseline powertrain model was extended to a hybrid by introducing a shaft generator, a battery, a controllable pitch propeller, and the supervisory control algorithm. The potential benefits of the proposed powertrain are examined over different operation phases including port stay, open sea sailing, and port approach. The result showed that the energy efficiency gains can reach up to 6% under the open sea sailing phase. Furthermore, the controllable pitch propeller offers additional energy efficiency benefits of 2% under the port approach phase, utilizing the proposed algorithm. If the proposed powertrain is produced and the implemented algorithm is adopted, this could lead to substantial carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption savings at sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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29 pages, 2212 KiB  
Article
A Robust Multi-Objective Evolutionary Framework for Artificial Island Construction Scheduling Under Dynamic Constraints
by Tianju Zheng, Liping Sun, Mingwei Li, Guangyao Yuan and Shuqi Li
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(11), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12112008 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Artificial island construction is a multifaceted engineering endeavor that demands precise scheduling to optimize resource allocation, control costs, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impact within dynamic marine environments. This study introduces a comprehensive multi-objective optimization model that integrates critical factors such as resource [...] Read more.
Artificial island construction is a multifaceted engineering endeavor that demands precise scheduling to optimize resource allocation, control costs, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impact within dynamic marine environments. This study introduces a comprehensive multi-objective optimization model that integrates critical factors such as resource limitations, task dependencies, environmental variability, safety risks, and regulatory compliance. To effectively address the complexities of this model, we develop and employ the Multi-Objective Adaptive Cooperative Evolutionary Marine Genetic Algorithm (MACEMGA). MACEMGA combines cooperative coevolution, adaptive dynamic weighting, dynamic penalty functions, and advanced genetic operators to navigate the solution space efficiently and identify Pareto optimal schedules. Through extensive computational experiments using data from the Dalian Bay Cross-Sea Traffic Engineering project, MACEMGA is benchmarked against algorithms such as NSGA-II, SPEA2, and MOEA/D. The results demonstrate that MACEMGA achieves a reduction in construction time from 32.8 to 23.5 months and cost savings from CNY 4105.3 million to CNY 3650.0 million while maintaining high-quality outcomes and compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, MACEMGA shows improvements in hypervolume by up to 15% over existing methods and a Convergence Rate that is 8% faster than MOEA/D. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Recent Marine Engineering Technology)
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