Search Results (94)

One of the key problems humanity faces in this age of profound digitalization is globalization-related threats, which no longer affect just one country but pose a threat to a very large area, encompassing several or even a dozen countries, or, in the case of global warming, a threat to all of humanity worldwide. This topic inspired the investigation and verification of this threat in the Baltic Sea, along with other threats operating in the Baltic Sea region. This topic is highly topical, as estimates from maritime institutions indicate that the rate of sea level rise is an irreversible process, which, when combined with other threats, could lead to the degradation of the sea and the population living in the coastal zone. This led to the delegation clarifying the main objective of the article: to demonstrate the impact of potential global threats on the investment process in the Polish coastal belt. Based on this, an analysis of threats in the Baltic Sea region was conducted, preceded by a review of the literature and data from online resources, including data from industry portals in the maritime sector. This article presents a simulation of erosion-accumulation changes in selected areas of Poland’s Southern Baltic coast, focusing on the coastal real estate market and indicating the propensity to invest in these areas. Simulating erosion changes, using a cartographic base with a generated digital terrain model and interpolation tools to visualize the changes, represents an innovative approach to issues related to the outflow of investment land in the real estate market. This emphasizes the directionality of land changes, thus providing a predictive tool for decision-making and spatial planning in the coastal area. Full article

Background: The maritime industry, vital for global trade, faces escalating cyber threats in 2025. Critical port infrastructures are increasingly vulnerable due to rapid digitalization and the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) systems. Methods: Using 112 incidents from the Maritime Cyber Attack Database (MCAD, 2020–2025), we developed a novel quantitative risk assessment model based on a Threat-Vulnerability-Impact (T-V-I) framework, calibrated with MITRE ATT&CK techniques and validated against historical incidents. Results: Our analysis reveals a 150% rise in incidents, with OT compromise identified as the paramount threat (98/100 risk score). Ports in Poland and Taiwan face the highest immediate risk (95/100), while the Panama Canal is assessed as the most probable next target (90/100). State-sponsored actors from Russia, China, and Iran are responsible for most high-impact attacks. Conclusions: This research provides a validated, data-driven framework for prioritizing defensive resources. Our findings underscore the urgent need for engineering-grade solutions, including network segmentation, zero-trust architectures, and proactive threat intelligence integration to enhance maritime cyber resilience against evolving threats. Full article

Over the past fifteen years, ship manoeuvring has evolved from a highly specialised branch of marine hydrodynamics into a key enabler within multidisciplinary research, integrating seakeeping and intact stability, and paving the way for digital twins and autonomous maritime systems. The scope of this review is to examine the existing literature in a way that paves the way forward for integration with robotics, aerial and surface drones, digital-twin (DT) ecosystems, and other interconnected autonomous platforms. This paper reviews the published articles during this period, tracing the field’s progression from classical hydrodynamic models to intelligent, data-centric, and regulation-aware maritime systems. Drawing on a structured bibliometric dataset covering 2010–2025, this study organises the literature into interconnected themes spanning physics-based manoeuvring models, adaptive and predictive control, machine learning and digital-twin (DT) technologies, collision-avoidance and regulatory reasoning, environmental performance, and cooperative autonomy. The analysis reveals the transition from static empirical modelling toward hybrid physics, artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks capable of capturing nonlinear dynamics, uncertainty, and multi-vessel interactions. At the same time, this review highlights the growing influence of Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), the Second-Generation Intact Stability Criteria, and emissions-reduction targets in shaping technical developments. While learning-enabled prediction, model predictive control (MPC)-based regulatory compliance, and real-time DT synchronisation show increasing maturity, this study identifies unresolved challenges, including domain shift, model interpretability, certification barriers, multi-agent safety guarantees, and DT divergence under sparse data. By mapping both demonstrated capabilities and conceptual frontiers, this review presents manoeuvring as a central pillar of future Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) operations and sustainable shipping. The findings outline a research agenda toward integrated, explainable, and environmentally aligned manoeuvring intelligence that can support safe, efficient, and regulation-compliant autonomous maritime systems. Full article

The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, in which predictive maintenance and intelligent diagnostics play a crucial role in enhancing operational safety and efficiency. This paper investigates the application of infrared thermography (IRT) for fault detection and condition monitoring of ship machinery, with particular emphasis on its integration within condition-based and predictive maintenance frameworks. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 methodology, analyzing 210 publications retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify prevailing technological trends and research gaps. The results indicate that IRT enables early detection of critical faults such as overheating, insulation degradation, and poor electrical connections, thereby reducing unplanned downtime and improving system reliability. When integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), diagnostic accuracy can be automated through enhanced data interpretation. Despite its proven effectiveness, standardized protocols and real-world validation of IRT–AI systems remain limited in the maritime sector. IRT is therefore recognized as a key enabler of safer, smarter, and more sustainable ship maintenance within the broader maritime digitalization framework. Full article

This study examines how gender dynamics shape greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and carbon accountability in a Mediterranean maritime agency. It adopts an interpretive single-case study design with ethnographic elements, combining interviews, document analysis, and direct observations derived from insider access. The results reveal that digitalization strengthens the technical capacity for carbon accounting, particularly for Scopes 1 and 2, by making data more traceable and auditable through ERP and principal-mandated systems. Empirically, the study finds that women perform most of the carbon data work, compiling, reconciling, and uploading approximately 80% of emissions-related information, yet hold limited decision rights over strategic boundary setting and KPI definition. This imbalance highlights how operational reliability depends on gendered divisions of labor, while strategic accountability remains constrained by hierarchical decision structures. The study reframes carbon accountability as a gendered organizational practice, advancing debates on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) in shipping. It also proposes a gender-inclusive accountability framework, including a Responsible–Accountable–Consulted–Informed (RACI) matrix with gender overlays, contractual/Application Programming Interface (API) exchanges for Scope 3, and participatory system design, and discusses implications for principals and port authorities. The findings contribute to critical and interpretive accounting by distinguishing operational from strategic accountability and demonstrating how the distribution of voice and authority conditions decarbonization credibility and effectiveness. Full article

Amid the urgent demands for global trade transformation and zero-carbon transition, sustainable maritime supply chains face challenges of high costs and complex coordination, necessitating the elimination of “isolated decision-making” to achieve sustainable development goals. This study constructs a profit analysis model under centralized and decentralized decision-making scenarios and various intelligent omni-channel models, exploring the profit composition, optimal pricing, and operational strategies of carriers and forwarders. Case analysis validates that collaborative optimization, particularly when forwarders leverage online channels and customer proximity, enables sustainable maritime transport and significantly enhances overall profits and efficiency in sustainable maritime supply chains. This research provides a theoretical and practical framework for collaborative optimization strategies contributing to sustainable maritime transport and port intelligence in marine engineering contexts. By this framework, it will be possible to advance green transformation, smart operations management, and digital innovation in the global maritime and marine industries. Full article

Modern ports are pivotal to global trade, facing increasing pressures from operational demands, resource optimization complexities, and urgent decarbonization needs. This study highlights the critical importance of digital model adoption within the maritime industry, particularly in the port sector, while integrating sustainability principles. Despite a growing body of research on digital models, industrial simulation, and green transition, a specific gap persists regarding the intersection of port management, hydrogen energy integration, and Digital Twin (DT) applications. Specifically, a bibliometric analysis provides an overview of the current research landscape through a study of the most used keywords, while the document analysis highlights three primary areas of advancement: optimization of hydrogen storage and integrated energy systems, hydrogen use in propulsion and auxiliary engines, and DT for management and validation in maritime operations. The main outcome of this research work is that while significant individual advancements have been made across critical domains such as optimizing hydrogen systems, enhancing engine performance, and developing robust DT applications for smart ports, a major challenge persists due to the limited simultaneous and integrated exploration of them. This gap notably limits the realization of their full combined benefits for green ports. By mapping current research and proposing interdisciplinary directions, this work contributes to the scientific debate on future port development, underscoring the need for integrated approaches that simultaneously address technological, environmental, and operational dimensions. Full article

Shore power systems, also known as cold ironing or shore-to-ship (STS) connections, are increasingly recognized as a viable solution to reduce emissions and noise from ships during berthing operations. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of shore power technology, with a focus on typical onboard energy consumption profiles across different types of ship, the main electrical architectures used in shore-side systems, and the compatibility challenges related to frequency, voltage, and control integration. The paper reviews international standards, particularly the ISO/IEC/IEEE 80005 series, that define technical requirements for interoperability and safety. A detailed analysis of recent patents highlights technological innovations in mobility, conversion topologies, and high-voltage integration. In addition, commercially available shore power solutions from major manufacturers are surveyed, with comparative data on power ratings, voltage levels, and converter topologies. Finally, the study discusses current limitations and outlines development directions for Onshore Power Supply systems, including regulatory developments, digital integration, and grid support functionalities. The insights presented aim to support the design, standardization, and deployment of efficient and scalable STS systems in line with global maritime decarbonization goals. Full article

The introduction of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the accelerating digitalization of ports require precise and dynamic analysis of traffic conditions. However, conventional marine traffic analyses have been limited to low-resolution grids and static density visualizations without fully integrating vessel direction and speed. To address this limitation, this study proposes a traffic flow visualization model that incorporates dynamic maritime traffic structure. The model integrates density, dominant direction, and average speed into a single symbol, thereby complementing the limitations of static analyses. In addition, high-resolution grids of approximately 90 m were applied to enable detailed analysis. AIS data collected between 2022–2023 from the coastal waters of Mokpo, South Korea, were preprocessed, aggregated into grid cells, and analyzed to estimate representative directions (at 10° intervals) as well as average speeds. These results were visualized through color, thickness, length, and direction of arrows. The analysis showed high-density, low-speed traffic patterns and starboard-passage behavior in port approaches and narrow channels, while irregular directions with low density were observed in non-standard routes. The proposed model provides a visual representation of dynamic traffic structures that cannot be revealed by density maps alone, thus offering practical applicability for MASS route planning, VTS operation support, and risk assessment. Full article

This study evaluates the environmental impacts of shipbuilding materials through life cycle assessment (LCA) and assesses potential exposure under the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Three representative vessel types, a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), a bulk carrier, and a container ship, were analyzed across scenarios reflecting different steelmaking routes, recycling rates, and regional energy mixes. Results show that structural steel (AH36, EH36, DH36, A/B grades) overwhelmingly dominates embedded emissions, while aluminium and copper contribute secondarily but with high sensitivity to recycling and energy pathways. Coatings, polymers, and yard processes add smaller but non-negligible effects. Scenario-based CBAM cost estimates for 2026–2030 indicate rising liabilities, with container vessels facing the highest exposure, followed by bulk carriers and PCTCs. The findings highlight the strategic importance of steel sourcing, recycling strategies, and verifiable supply chain data for reducing embedded emissions and mitigating financial risks. While operational emissions still dominate the life cycle, the relative importance of construction-phase emissions will grow as shipping decarbonizes. Current EU-level discussions on extending CBAM to maritime services, together with recognition of domestic carbon pricing as a potential pathway to reduce liabilities, underscore regulatory uncertainty and emphasize the need for harmonized methods, transparent datasets, and digital integration to support decarbonization. Full article

Smart routing has emerged as a critical enabler of sustainable shipping, addressing the growing demand for energy-efficient, safe, and adaptive vessel navigation in both maritime and inland waterborne transport. This review examines the current landscape of trajectory optimization approaches by analyzing selected peer-reviewed studies and categorizing them into six thematic areas: AI/ML-based prediction, optimization and path planning algorithms, data-driven methods using AIS and GIS, weather routing and environmental modeling, digital platforms and decision support systems, and hybrid or rule-based frameworks for autonomous navigation. The analysis highlights recent advances in deep learning for trajectory forecasting, multi-objective and heuristic optimization techniques, and the use of real-time environmental data in routing decisions. Supplemental review using Scopus-based topic mapping confirms the centrality of integrated digital strategies, high-performance computing, and physics-informed modeling in emerging research. Despite notable progress, the field remains fragmented, with limited real-time integration, underexplored regulatory alignment, and a lack of explainable AI applications. The review concludes by outlining future directions, including the development of hybrid and interpretable optimization frameworks, and expanding research tailored to inland navigation with its distinct operational challenges. These insights aim to support the design of next-generation navigation systems that are robust, intelligent, and environmentally compliant. Full article

In response to mounting regulatory and environmental pressures, the maritime sector must urgently improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, conventional operational interfaces often fail to deliver real-time, actionable insights needed for informed decision-making onboard. This work presents an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) interface integrated with an established shipboard data collection system to enhance real-time monitoring and operational decision-making on commercial vessels. The baseline data acquisition infrastructure is currently installed on over 800 vessels across various ship types, providing a robust foundation for this development. To validate the AR interface’s feasibility and performance, a field trial was conducted on a representative dry bulk carrier. Through hands-free AR smart glasses, crew members access real-time overlays of key performance indicators, such as fuel consumption, engine status, emissions levels, and energy load balancing, directly within their field of view. Field evaluations and scenario-based workshops demonstrate significant gains in energy efficiency (up to 28% faster decision-making), predictive maintenance accuracy, and emissions awareness. The system addresses human–machine interaction challenges in high-pressure maritime settings, bridging the gap between complex sensor data and crew responsiveness. By contextualizing IoT data within the physical environment, the AR-IoT platform transforms traditional workflows into proactive, data-driven practices. This study contributes to the emerging paradigm of digitally enabled sustainable operations and offers practical insights for scaling AR-IoT solutions across global fleets. Findings suggest that such convergence of AR and IoT not only enhances vessel performance but also accelerates compliance with decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Full article

Maritime transportation requires reliable navigational safety communications to ensure vessel safety and operational efficiency. The Maritime Single Window (MSW) enables vessels to submit all maritime data digitally without human intervention. NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) messages provide navigational warnings, meteorological warnings and forecasts, piracy, and search and rescue information that require integration into automated MSW system. However, NAVTEX transmissions experience message corruption when Forward Error Correction (FEC) mechanisms fail, marking unrecoverable characters with asterisks. Current standards require discarding messages exceeding 4% error rates, resulting in safety information loss. Traditional human interpretation of corrupted messages creates limitations that prevent automated MSW integration. This paper presents the application of Masked Language Modeling (MLM) with Transformer encoders for automated NAVTEX message restoration. Our approach treats asterisk characters as masked tokens, enabling bidirectional context processing to reconstruct corrupted characters. We evaluated MLM against dictionary-matching and n-gram models using 69,658 NAVTEX messages with corruption ranging from 1% to 33%. MLM achieved 85.4% restoration rate versus 44.4–64.0% for statistical methods. MLM maintained residual error rates below the 4% threshold for initial corruption up to 25%, while statistical methods exceeded this limit at 10%. This automated restoration capability supports MSW integration while preserving critical safety information during challenging transmission conditions. Full article

In recent years, there has been a fast expansion in the usage of renewable energy sources (RESs) in power distribution systems. Numerous advantages result from this advancement, such as environmental friendliness, cost-effective power generation, easier maintenance, and energy sustainability and reliability. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are of significant environmental concern, and increasing energy efficiency are two benefits of integrating RESs into maritime systems, such as port microgrids. As a result, ports are implementing several programs to increase energy efficiency using various RESs that are supported by power electronic converters. To highlight the most recent developments in seaport electrification and infrastructure, this work conducts a systematic review. It addresses important issues like energy efficiency enhancements, environmental concerns, the integration of renewable energy sources, the Internet of Things (IoT), and regulatory and legal compliance. The study also discusses technology strategies like digitization, electrification, onshore power supply systems, and port energy storage options. Operational tactics, including peak-shaving methods and energy-efficient operations, are also covered. Additionally, an infrastructure framework—which includes port microgrids and smart seaport microgrids—that is intended to enhance energy efficiency in contemporary ports is examined. Full article

With the growing integration of digital technologies on modern vessels, ranging from satellite links and mobile networks to onboard Wi-Fi, the exposure of maritime systems to cyber threats has become a pressing concern. Wireless networks on ships, although essential for operations and crew welfare, often lack sufficient protection and are frequently overlooked in broader cybersecurity strategies. This article explores vulnerabilities linked to Man-in-the-Middle attacks and rogue access points, particularly in port areas where attackers may exploit signal range and proximity. A simulation carried out in a public setting near the Port of Rijeka demonstrated how standard crew devices could be lured into connecting to a counterfeit Wi-Fi network, resulting in traffic interception and potential data leaks. Although practical limitations, such as signal attenuation and distance, reduce the feasibility of such intrusions at sea, the risk remains significant while in port. Insecure configurations and common user behaviors were identified as key enablers. The article outlines a series of countermeasures aligned with international guidelines ranging from segmentation and encryption to crew training and intrusion detection. Addressing these wireless vulnerabilities is essential for building resilience and ensuring that digital transformation efforts in the maritime sector do not come at the expense of security. Full article