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Keywords = global ship analysis

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48 pages, 2506 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Ship Propulsion Efficiency Predictions with Integrated Physics and Machine Learning
by Hamid Reza Soltani Motlagh, Seyed Behbood Issa-Zadeh, Md Redzuan Zoolfakar and Claudia Lizette Garay-Rondero
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081487 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 165
Abstract
This research develops a dual physics-based machine learning system to forecast fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a 100 m oil tanker across six operational scenarios: Original, Paint, Advanced Propeller, Fin, Bulbous Bow, and Combined. The combination of hydrodynamic calculations with Monte [...] Read more.
This research develops a dual physics-based machine learning system to forecast fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a 100 m oil tanker across six operational scenarios: Original, Paint, Advanced Propeller, Fin, Bulbous Bow, and Combined. The combination of hydrodynamic calculations with Monte Carlo simulations provides a solid foundation for training machine learning models, particularly in cases where dataset restrictions are present. The XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance compared to Support Vector Regression, Gaussian Process Regression, Random Forest, and Shallow Neural Network models, achieving near-zero prediction errors that closely matched physics-based calculations. The physics-based analysis demonstrated that the Combined scenario, which combines hull coatings with bulbous bow modifications, produced the largest fuel consumption reduction (5.37% at 15 knots), followed by the Advanced Propeller scenario. The results demonstrate that user inputs (e.g., engine power: 870 kW, speed: 12.7 knots) match the Advanced Propeller scenario, followed by Paint, which indicates that advanced propellers or hull coatings would optimize efficiency. The obtained insights help ship operators modify their operational parameters and designers select essential modifications for sustainable operations. The model maintains its strength at low speeds, where fuel consumption is minimal, making it applicable to other oil tankers. The hybrid approach provides a new tool for maritime efficiency analysis, yielding interpretable results that support International Maritime Organization objectives, despite starting with a limited dataset. The model requires additional research to enhance its predictive accuracy using larger datasets and real-time data collection, which will aid in achieving global environmental stewardship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning for Prediction of Ship Motion)
21 pages, 2089 KiB  
Article
Assessing Port Connectivity from the Perspective of the Supply Chain: A Bayesian Network-Based Integrated Approach
by Yuan Ji, Jing Lu, Wan Su and Danlan Xie
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6643; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146643 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Maritime transportation is the backbone of global trade, with ports acting as pivotal nodes for the efficient and resilient movement of goods in international supply chains. However, most existing studies lack a systematic and integrated framework for assessing port connectivity. To address this [...] Read more.
Maritime transportation is the backbone of global trade, with ports acting as pivotal nodes for the efficient and resilient movement of goods in international supply chains. However, most existing studies lack a systematic and integrated framework for assessing port connectivity. To address this gap, this study develops an integrated Bayesian Network (BN) modeling approach that, for the first time, simultaneously incorporates international connectivity, port competitiveness, and hinterland connectivity within a unified probabilistic framework. Drawing on empirical data from 26 major coastal countries in Asia, the model quantifies the multi-layered and interdependent determinants of port connectivity. The results demonstrate that port competitiveness and hinterland connectivity are the dominant drivers, while the impact of international shipping links is comparatively limited in the current Asian context. Sensitivity analysis further highlights the critical roles of rail transport development and trade facilitation in enhancing port connectivity. The proposed BN framework supports comprehensive scenario analysis under uncertainty and offers targeted, practical policy recommendations for port authorities and regional planners. By systematically capturing the interactions among maritime, port, and inland factors, this study advances both the theoretical understanding and practical management of port connectivity. Full article
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16 pages, 2549 KiB  
Article
An Engine Load Monitoring Approach for Quantifying Yearly Methane Slip Emissions from an LNG-Powered RoPax Vessel
by Benoit Sagot, Raphael Defossez, Ridha Mahi, Audrey Villot and Aurélie Joubert
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071379 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasingly used as a marine fuel due to its capacity to significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter, sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), compared to conventional fuels. In addition, LNG combustion produces less [...] Read more.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasingly used as a marine fuel due to its capacity to significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter, sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), compared to conventional fuels. In addition, LNG combustion produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) than conventional marine fuels, and the use of non-fossil LNG offers further potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this benefit can be partially offset by methane slip—the release of unburned methane in engine exhaust—which has a much higher global warming potential than CO2. This study presents an experimental evaluation of methane emissions from a RoPax vessel powered by low-pressure dual-fuel four-stroke engines with a direct mechanical propulsion system. Methane slip was measured directly during onboard testing and combined with a year-long analysis of engine operation using an Engine Load Monitoring (ELM) method. The yearly average methane slip coefficient (Cslip) obtained was 1.57%, slightly lower than values reported in previous studies on cruise ships (1.7%), and significantly lower than the default values specified by the FuelEU (3.1%) Maritime regulation and IMO (3.5%) LCA guidelines. This result reflects the ship’s operational profile, characterized by long crossings at high and stable engine loads. This study provides results that could support more representative emission assessments and can contribute to ongoing regulatory discussions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emission Characteristics of Marine Engines)
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27 pages, 1677 KiB  
Article
The Impact of IMO Market-Based Measures on Korean Shipping Companies: A Focus on the GHG Levy
by Hanna Kim and Sunghwa Park
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6524; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146524 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
This study examines the effects of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) market-based measures, with a particular focus on the greenhouse gas (GHG) levy and on the financial and operational performance of Korean shipping companies. The analysis estimates that these companies, which play a [...] Read more.
This study examines the effects of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) market-based measures, with a particular focus on the greenhouse gas (GHG) levy and on the financial and operational performance of Korean shipping companies. The analysis estimates that these companies, which play a vital role in global trade, consume approximately 9211 kilotons of fuel annually and emit 28.5 million tons of carbon dioxide. Under the lowest proposed carbon tax scenario, the financial burden on these companies is estimated at approximately KRW 1.07 trillion, resulting in an 8.8% reduction in net profit, a 2.4% decrease in return on equity (ROE), and a 1.1% decline in return on assets (ROA). Conversely, under the highest carbon tax scenario, costs rise to KRW 4.89 trillion, leading to a significant 40.2% decrease in net profit, thereby posing a serious threat to the financial stability and competitiveness of these firms. These findings underscore the urgent need for strategic policy interventions to mitigate the financial impact of carbon taxation while promoting both environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the maritime sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Shipping, Ports and Logistics)
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35 pages, 2044 KiB  
Review
Overview of Sustainable Maritime Transport Optimization and Operations
by Lang Xu and Yalan Chen
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6460; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146460 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
With the continuous expansion of global trade, achieving sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations has become a key strategic direction for transforming maritime transport companies. To summarize the current state of research and identify emerging trends in sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations, [...] Read more.
With the continuous expansion of global trade, achieving sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations has become a key strategic direction for transforming maritime transport companies. To summarize the current state of research and identify emerging trends in sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations, this study systematically examines representative studies from the past decade, focusing on three dimensions, technology, management, and policy, using data sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Building on this analysis, potential avenues for future research are suggested. Research indicates that the technological field centers on the integrated application of alternative fuels, improvements in energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies in the shipping and port sectors. At the management level, green investment decisions, speed optimization, and berth scheduling are emphasized as core strategies for enhancing corporate sustainable performance. From a policy perspective, attention is placed on the synergistic effects between market-based measures (MBMs) and governmental incentive policies. Existing studies primarily rely on multi-objective optimization models to achieve a balance between emission reductions and economic benefits. Technological innovation is considered a key pathway to decarbonization, while support from governments and organizations is recognized as crucial for ensuring sustainable development. Future research trends involve leveraging blockchain, big data, and artificial intelligence to optimize and streamline sustainable maritime transport operations, as well as establishing a collaborative governance framework guided by environmental objectives. This study contributes to refining the existing theoretical framework and offers several promising research directions for both academia and industry practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Optimization of Sustainable Maritime Transportation System)
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24 pages, 1517 KiB  
Article
Developing a Competency-Based Transition Education Framework for Marine Superintendents: A DACUM-Integrated Approach in the Context of Eco-Digital Maritime Transformation
by Yung-Ung Yu, Chang-Hee Lee and Young-Joong Ahn
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146455 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework [...] Read more.
Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions. Full article
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24 pages, 2671 KiB  
Review
Navigational Safety Hazards Posed by Offshore Wind Farms: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
by Vice Milin, Ivica Skoko, Željana Lekšić and Zlatko Boko
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071330 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
As global energy production progressively turns toward a green environment and economy, one of the safety challenges to the maritime industry that has arisen lies within offshore wind farms (OWFs). As renewable sources of energy whose numbers are rapidly expanding, their impact to [...] Read more.
As global energy production progressively turns toward a green environment and economy, one of the safety challenges to the maritime industry that has arisen lies within offshore wind farms (OWFs). As renewable sources of energy whose numbers are rapidly expanding, their impact to the safety of navigation of the ships that navigate in their vicinity ought to be examined further. An ever-growing number of OWFs has led to safety concerns that have never been taken into consideration before. This article gives a structured quantitative analysis and an in-depth review of the literature connected to the safety of navigation, collision probability, and risk assessment that OWFs pose to all maritime industry agents. In this article, the main concerns of the impact of OWFs to the safety of navigation are analyzed using a combination of both the PRISMA and PICOC methodologies. Various types of scientific papers such as journal articles, conference proceedings, MSc theses, PhD theses, and online works of research are collated into a detailed bibliometric analysis and categorized by the most relevant parameters providing valuable perspectives on the current state of art in the field. The findings of this research emphasize the need for a further and more thorough analysis on the theoretical installment of OWFs and their inevitable impact on increasing maritime traffic complexity. The results of this article can form a strong basis for further scientific development in the field and can give useful insights to all maritime industry stakeholders dealing with OWFs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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30 pages, 15347 KiB  
Article
Research on Optimization Design of Ice-Class Ship Form Based on Actual Sea Conditions
by Yu Lu, Xuan Cao, Jiafeng Wu, Xiaoxuan Peng, Lin An and Shizhe Liu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071320 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
With the natural evolution of the Arctic route and advancements in related technologies, the development of new green ice-class ships is becoming a key technological breakthrough for the global shipbuilding industry. As a special vessel form that must perform icebreaking operations and undertake [...] Read more.
With the natural evolution of the Arctic route and advancements in related technologies, the development of new green ice-class ships is becoming a key technological breakthrough for the global shipbuilding industry. As a special vessel form that must perform icebreaking operations and undertake long-distance ocean voyages, an ice-class ship requires sufficient icebreaking capacity to navigate ice-covered water areas. However, since such ships operate for most of their time under open water conditions, it is also crucial to consider their resistance characteristics in these environments. Firstly, this paper employs linear interpolation to extract wind, wave, and sea ice data along the route and calculates the proportion of ice-covered and open water area in the overall voyage. This provides data support for hull form optimization based on real sea state conditions. Then, a resistance optimization platform for ice-class ships is established by integrating hull surface mixed deformation control within a scenario analysis framework. Based on the optimization results, comparative analysis is conducted between the parent hull and the optimized hull under various environmental resistance scenarios. Finally, the optimization results are evaluated in terms of energy consumption using a fuel consumption model of the ship’s main engine. The optimized hull achieves a 16.921% reduction in total resistance, with calm water resistance and wave-added resistance reduced by 5.92% and 27.6%, respectively. Additionally, the optimized hull shows significant resistance reductions under multiple wave and floating ice conditions. At the design speed, calm water power and hourly fuel consumption are reduced by 7.1% and 7.02%, respectively. The experimental results show that the hull form optimization process in this paper can take into account both ice-region navigation and ice-free navigation. The design ideas and solution methods can provide a reference for the design of ice-class ships. Full article
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31 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Alternative Fuels in the Maritime Industry: Emissions Evaluation of Bulk Carrier Ships
by Diego Díaz-Cuenca, Antonio Villalba-Herreros, Teresa J. Leo and Rafael d’Amore-Domenech
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071313 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 773
Abstract
The maritime industry remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this article, a systematic study has been performed on the alternative fuel emissions of large cargo ships under different route scenarios and propulsion systems. For this purpose, a set [...] Read more.
The maritime industry remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this article, a systematic study has been performed on the alternative fuel emissions of large cargo ships under different route scenarios and propulsion systems. For this purpose, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) are evaluated, including total equivalent CO2 emissions (CO2eq), CO2eq emissions per unit of transport mass and CO2eq emissions per unit of transport mass per distance. The emissions analysis demonstrates that Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) paired with Marine Gas Oil (MGO) emerges as the most viable short-term solution in comparison with the conventional fuel oil propulsion. Synthetic methanol (eMeOH) paired with synthetic diesel (eDiesel) is identified as the most promising long-term fuel combination. When comparing the European Union (EU) emission calculation system (FuelEU) with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission metrics, a discrepancy in emissions reduction outcomes has been observed. The IMO approach appears to favor methanol (MeOH) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) over conventional fuel oil. This is attributed to the fact that the IMO metrics do not consider unburned methane emissions (methane slip) and emissions in the production of fuels (Well-to-Tank). Full article
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25 pages, 5231 KiB  
Article
Using AI for Optimizing Packing Design and Reducing Cost in E-Commerce
by Hayder Zghair and Rushi Ganesh Konathala
AI 2025, 6(7), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6070146 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to optimize packaging design, reduce operational costs, and enhance sustainability in e-commerce. As packaging waste and shipping inefficiencies grow alongside global online retail demand, traditional methods for determining box size, material use, and [...] Read more.
This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to optimize packaging design, reduce operational costs, and enhance sustainability in e-commerce. As packaging waste and shipping inefficiencies grow alongside global online retail demand, traditional methods for determining box size, material use, and logistics planning have become economically and environmentally inadequate. Using a three-phase framework, this study integrates data-driven diagnostics, AI modeling, and real-world validation. In the first phase, a systematic analysis of current packaging inefficiencies was conducted through secondary data, benchmarking, and cost modeling. Findings revealed significant waste caused by over-packaging, suboptimal box-sizing, and poor alignment between product characteristics and logistics strategy. In the second phase, a random forest (RF) machine learning model was developed to predict optimal packaging configurations using key product features: weight, volume, and fragility. This model was supported by AI simulation tools that enabled virtual testing of material performance, space efficiency, and damage risk. Results demonstrated measurable improvements in packaging optimization, cost reduction, and emission mitigation. The third phase validated the AI framework using practical case studies—ranging from a college textbook to a fragile kitchen dish set and a high-volume children’s bicycle. The model successfully recommended right-sized packaging for each product, resulting in reduced material usage, improved shipping density, and enhanced protection. Simulated cost-saving scenarios further confirmed that smart packaging and AI-generated configurations can drive efficiency. The research concludes that AI-based packaging systems offer substantial strategic value, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and alignment with regulatory and consumer expectations—providing scalable, data-driven solutions for e-commerce enterprises such as Amazon and others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section AI Systems: Theory and Applications)
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21 pages, 1044 KiB  
Article
Container Traffic in the Colombian Caribbean: A Competitiveness Analysis of the Port of Santa Marta Through a Technical–Economic Combination Framework
by Adriana del Socorro Pabón Noguera, María del Mar Cerbán Jiménez and Juan Jesús Ruiz Aguilar
Logistics 2025, 9(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9030084 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Background: The Port of Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, plays a vital role in the country’s maritime trade, particularly in the export of agricultural and perishable goods. This raises the question: how competitive is Santa Marta’s container terminal compared to [...] Read more.
Background: The Port of Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, plays a vital role in the country’s maritime trade, particularly in the export of agricultural and perishable goods. This raises the question: how competitive is Santa Marta’s container terminal compared to national and regional ports, and what strategic factors shape its performance within the Colombia and Latin American maritime logistics system? Methods: This study evaluates the port’s competitiveness by applying Porter’s Extended Diamond Model. A mixed-methods ap-proach was employed, combining structured surveys and interviews with port stakeholders and operational data analysis. A competitiveness matrix was developed and examined using standardized residuals and L1 regression to identify critical performance gaps and strengths. Results: The analysis reveals several competitive advantages, including the port’s strategic location, natural deep-water access, and advanced infrastructure for refrigerated cargo. It also benefits from skilled labour and proximity to global shipping routes, such as the Panama Canal. Nonetheless, challenges remain in storage capacity, limited road connectivity, and insufficient public investment in hinterland infrastructure. Conclusions: While the Port of Santa Marta shows strong maritime capabilities and spe-cialized services, addressing its land-side and institutional constraints is essential for positioning it as a resilient, competitive logistics hub in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Full article
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18 pages, 1109 KiB  
Article
Economic Feasibility and Operational Performance of Rotor Sails in Maritime Transport
by Kristine Carjova, Olli-Pekka Hilmola and Ulla Tapaninen
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135909 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
The maritime sector is under pressure to increase ship energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a part of global decarbonization goals. Various innovative technologies are being adopted in recent years, raising concerns not only about technological feasibility but also about [...] Read more.
The maritime sector is under pressure to increase ship energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a part of global decarbonization goals. Various innovative technologies are being adopted in recent years, raising concerns not only about technological feasibility but also about the economic viability of such technologies in the context of sustainable maritime practices. This study evaluates the operational performance, potential to increase energy efficiency, and economic feasibility of wind-assisted propulsion technologies such as rotor sails across different vessel types and operational profiles. As a contribution to cleaner and more efficient shipping, energy savings produced by rotor thrust were analyzed in relation to vessel dimensions and rotor configuration. The results derived from publicly available industry data including shipowner reports, manufacturer case studies, and classification society publications on 25 confirmed rotor sail installations between 2010 and 2025 indicate that savings typically range between 4% and 15%, with isolated cases reporting up to 25%. A simulation model was developed to assess payback time based on varying fuel consumption, investment cost, CO2 pricing, and operational parameters. Monte Carlo analysis confirmed that under typical assumptions rotor sail investments can reach payback in three to six years (as the ship is also liable for CO2 payments). These findings offer practical guidance for shipowners and operators evaluating wind-assisted propulsion under current and emerging environmental regulations and contribute to advancing sustainability in maritime transport. The research contributes to bridging the gap between simulation-based and real-world performance evaluations of rotor sail technologies. Full article
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25 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Analysis of Multi-Purpose Heavy-Lift Vessels Using Methanol as Fuel
by Qingguo Zheng, Liping Sun, Shengdai Chang and Hui Xing
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071234 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
With the global maritime industry accelerating toward carbon neutrality, the adoption of alternative marine fuels has emerged as a pivotal pathway for achieving net-zero emissions. To identify the most promising fuel transition solution for multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels (MPHLVs), which are widely used for [...] Read more.
With the global maritime industry accelerating toward carbon neutrality, the adoption of alternative marine fuels has emerged as a pivotal pathway for achieving net-zero emissions. To identify the most promising fuel transition solution for multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels (MPHLVs), which are widely used for transporting large and complex industrial equipment and have specialized structural requirements, this study conducted a comprehensive techno-economic analysis based on a fleet of 12 MPHLVs. An eight-dimensional technical adaptability framework was established, and six types of marine fuel were evaluated. Concurrently, a total cost assessment model was developed using 2024 operational data of the fleet, incorporating the fuel procurement, the carbon allowances under the EU ETS, the FuelEU Maritime compliance costs, and the IMO Net-Zero penalties. The results show that methanol as an alternative fuel is the most compatible decarbonization pathway for this specialized vessel type. A case study of a 38,000 DWT methanol-fueled MPHLV further demonstrates engineering feasibility with minimal impact on cargo capacity, and validates methanol’s potential as a technically viable and strategically transitional fuel for MPHLVs, particularly in the context of stricter international decarbonization regulations. The proposed evaluation framework and engineering application offer practical guidance for fuel selection, ship design, and retrofit planning, supporting the broader goal of accelerating low-carbon development in heavy-lift shipping sector. Full article
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17 pages, 938 KiB  
Article
Status Quo and Future Prospects of China’s Weather Routing Services for Ocean-Going Business Vessels
by Hao Zhang, Guanjun Niu, Tao Liu, Chuanhai Qian, Wei Zhao, Xiaojun Mei and Hao Wu
Oceans 2025, 6(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans6030038 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 524
Abstract
The global shipping industry is evolving towards deep integration of digital transformation, intelligent upgrading, and green development. Meanwhile, recent geopolitical shifts have introduced heightened uncertainties into international shipping, compounding the challenges and escalating the demands for weather routing services for ocean-going ships. This [...] Read more.
The global shipping industry is evolving towards deep integration of digital transformation, intelligent upgrading, and green development. Meanwhile, recent geopolitical shifts have introduced heightened uncertainties into international shipping, compounding the challenges and escalating the demands for weather routing services for ocean-going ships. This paper provides a systematic review and expert perspective on China’s current status and key challenges in ocean-going weather routing services. Based on operational insights from China’s national meteorological service synthesized with a review of current trends and the literature, it further explores the future development of China’s ocean-going weather routing services and technologies from multiple dimensions: enhancing maritime weather observation capabilities, developing advanced weather routing service models, upgrading autonomous and controllable global satellite communication systems, promoting intelligent navigation technologies to facilitate shipping’s low-carbon transition, and expanding meteorological support capabilities for Arctic shipping routes. The analysis identifies critical gaps and proposes strategic directions, offering a unique contribution to understanding the trajectory of weather routing services within China’s specific national context from the perspective of its primary national service provider. Full article
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22 pages, 3923 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Fuel Efficiency and Emissions of Marine Diesel Engines When Using Biodiesel Mixtures Under Diverse Load/Temperature Conditions: Predictive Model and Comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis
by Kwang-Sik Jo, Kyeong-Ju Kong and Seung-Hun Han
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(6), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061192 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 428
Abstract
Marine transportation contributes approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While previous studies have examined biodiesel effects on automotive engines, research on marine applications reveals critical gaps: (1) existing studies focus on single-parameter analysis without considering the complex interactions between biodiesel ratio, engine [...] Read more.
Marine transportation contributes approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While previous studies have examined biodiesel effects on automotive engines, research on marine applications reveals critical gaps: (1) existing studies focus on single-parameter analysis without considering the complex interactions between biodiesel ratio, engine load, and operating conditions; (2) most research lacks comprehensive lifecycle assessment integration with real-time operational data; (3) previous optimization models demonstrate insufficient accuracy (R2 < 0.80) for practical marine applications; and (4) no adaptive algorithms exist for dynamic biodiesel ratio adjustment based on operational conditions. These limitations prevent effective biodiesel implementation in maritime operations, necessitating an integrated multi-parameter optimization approach. This study addresses this research gap by proposing an integrated optimization model for fuel efficiency and emissions of marine diesel engines using biodiesel mixtures under diverse operating conditions. Based on extensive experimental data from two representative marine engines (YANMAR 6HAL2-DTN 200 kW and Niigatta Engineering 6L34HX 2471 kW), this research analyzes correlations between biodiesel blend ratios (pure diesel, 20%, 50%, and 100% biodiesel), engine load conditions (10–100%), and operating temperature with nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions. Multivariate regression models were developed, allowing prediction of emission levels with high accuracy (R2 = 0.89–0.94). The models incorporated multiple parameters, including engine characteristics, fuel properties, and ambient conditions, to provide a comprehensive analytical framework. Life cycle assessment (LCA) results show that the B50 biodiesel ratio achieves optimal environmental efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases by 15% compared to B0 while maintaining stable engine performance across operational profiles. An adaptive optimization algorithm for operating conditions is proposed, providing detailed reference charts for ship operators on ideal biodiesel ratios based on load conditions, ambient temperature, and operational priorities in different maritime zones. The findings demonstrate significant potential for emissions reduction in the maritime sector through strategic biodiesel implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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