Search Results (135)

The adoption of technological innovations in the maritime industry is of interest to business, policy, and academic communities. In the last group, this interest has translated into the publication of a large but scattered literature, making it difficult to compare findings and identify the dynamics, structures, and patterns that might inform future research. A comprehensive review of past research on this topic might help achieve this. To date, no such review has been carried out, which is an important gap in the literature that this paper contributes to bridging. Two bibliometric review techniques—co-citation analysis of cited references and bibliographic coupling of documents—are applied to 171 journal articles published between 1999 and February 2025 to answer the following questions: 1. What is the knowledge base of this literature? 2. What are the recent research trends (research fronts) in this literature? The analysis reveals that research on “shore power” dominates both the knowledge base and research fronts. Other key research themes centre on “autonomous shipping”, “blockchain”, and “alternative fuels”. Based on these results, implications for future research are drawn. Full article

The maritime sector faces urgent decarbonisation pressures due to regulatory instruments, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which mandates reductions in greenhouse gas emissions per transport work. This paper investigates the challenge of identifying CII-compliant strategies that are also financially viable for UK shipowners. To address this, operational and technical data from UK-flagged vessels over 5000 GT are analysed using a capital budgeting framework. This includes scenario-based evaluation of speed reduction, payload limitation, and retrofitting with dual-fuel LNG and methanol engines. The analysis integrates carbon taxation, and pilot fuel use to assess impacts on emissions and profitability. The findings reveal that while the short-term operational measures examined offer modest gains, long-term compliance and financial performance are best achieved through targeted retrofitting supported by carbon taxes and favourable market conditions. The study provides actionable insights for shipowners and policymakers seeking to align commercial viability with regulatory obligations under the evolving CII framework. Full article

Waterway tunnels, a novel type of infrastructure designed for inland waterways in mountainous gorge regions, have seen rapid development in recent years. However, their unique structural characteristics and specific shipping activities pose significant risks in the event of an accident. To enhance the scientific rigor and efficiency of emergency responses to vessel incidents in tunnels, this study focuses on fire accidents in waterway tunnels. Considering the unique challenges of emergency response in such scenarios, we propose an emergency response framework using Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). The framework is mapped into a Petri net model encompassing three key stages: detection and early warning, emergency response actions, and recovery. A Colored Hierarchical Timed Petri Net (CHTPN) emergency response model is then developed based on fire incident data and emergency response time functions. Furthermore, a homomorphic Markov chain is employed to assess the network’s validity and performance. Finally, optimization strategies are proposed to improve the emergency response process. The results indicate that the emergency response network demonstrates strong accessibility, effectively mitigating information bottlenecks in critical stages of the response process. The network provides accurate and rapid decision support for different tunnel ship fire scenarios, efficiently and reasonably allocating emergency resources and response teams, and monitoring the operation of key emergency response stages. This enhances the efficiency of emergency operations and provides robust support for decision-making in waterway tunnel fire emergencies. Full article

To address the challenge of multimodal anomaly data governance in ship maintenance-cost prediction, this study proposes a three-stage hybrid data-cleansing framework integrating physical constraints and intelligent optimization. First, we construct a multi-dimensional engineering physical constraints rule base to identify contradiction-type anomalies through ship hydrodynamics validation and business logic verification. Second, we develop a Feature-Weighted Isolation Forest Algorithm (W-iForest) algorithm that dynamically optimizes feature selection strategies by incorporating rule triggering frequency and expert knowledge, thereby enhancing detection efficiency for discrete-type anomalies. Finally, we create a Genetic Algorithm-Ant Colony Optimization Collaborative Random Forest (GA-ACO-RF) to resolve local optima issues in high-dimensional missing data imputation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a physical compliance rate of 88.2% on ship-maintenance datasets, with a 25% reduction in RMSE compared to conventional prediction methods, validating its superior data governance capability and prediction accuracy under complex operating conditions. This research establishes a reliable data preprocessing paradigm for maritime operational assurance, exhibiting substantial engineering applicability in real-world maintenance scenarios. Full article

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

The world is facing unprecedented sustainability challenges, and the circular economy (CE) can provide some solutions to promote more sustainable practices among companies. This study aimed at exploring, discovering, analyzing and synthetizing approaches related to the 10R principles, the CE principles and CE business models in the shipping sector in Finland. The research approach was based on qualitative research that aimed at identifying approaches related to the selected three main elements: (1) the 10R principles; (2) the CE principles; and (3) CE business models. The findings of this study suggest that most approaches that were identified were related to the following 10R principles: (1) replacement of products or making of products redundant (R0); (2) rethinking of products (R1); and (3) reduction in the use of resources in the manufacturing and use of products (R2). Only a few approaches could be identified that were related to the reuse of products (R3), the recycling of materials (R8) and recovery of materials (R9). There were typically no or only a few approaches identified that were related to the repair of products (R4), refurbishment of products (R5), remanufacturing of products (R6) and repurposing of products and their parts (R7). For many companies, there were no identified approaches related to the R3–R7 principles. Regarding the CE principles, the findings of this study suggest that quite a number of approaches were identified that were related to the circulation of products and materials and that many approaches were identified that were related to the elimination of waste and pollution. Typically only a few approaches were identified for the regeneration of nature. Regarding the CE business models, the findings suggest that quite a number of approaches were identified that were related to the circular supply models, supply chains and inputs, and there were many approaches for resource recovery. Only a few approaches were identified that were related to product use/life extension, sharing and sharing platforms, and product-as-a-service and product-service systems. Full article

The shipping industry employs various strategies for outsourcing between freight forwarders and ocean shipping (OS) companies, including consignment and turnkey strategies. Freight forwarders often have a competitive edge in cargo canvassing, but many OS companies still engage in this practice. With China’s new policy liberalizing coastal shipping rights, OS companies are presented with two coastal shipping tactics: coastal transition and coastal piggyback (CPB). The interaction between OS companies and freight forwarders in the context of this policy change raises important strategic questions. This study examines the coastal piggyback business model within a three-tier shipping supply chain, involving a freight forwarder and two competing OS companies (OS1, which does not qualify for the coastal piggyback policy, and OS2, which does) using game theory. Through game analysis, we find that CPB may represent a myopic equilibrium. Specifically, when the freight forwarder’s cargo-canvassing capability is higher than a certain threshold, CPB is not advantageous for OS2’s market entry. Conversely, if the freight forwarder’s capability is relatively low, both OS companies can benefit from CPB. Additionally, OS companies enter the market when entry costs are low and avoid it when costs are high. With moderate costs, their strategy depends on the other OS company’s actions. Interestingly, the forwarder can deter market entry by enhancing cargo canvassing and adjusting outsourcing tactics. Notably, OS companies’ market entry may boost the forwarder’s payoffs in a horizontally competitive supply chain. Furthermore, this research examines the economic sustainability of coastal piggyback policy by analyzing its impacts on the profitability of all supply chain members. Full article

Limiting the fuel sulphur content (FSC) of ships can significantly reduce the harm caused by ship emissions, and analyzing ship exhaust gas to estimate FSC is a rapid, efficient, and low-cost monitoring method. To solve the difficulty in measuring FSC using sniffer equipment in a complex port area, a ship emission monitoring option for FSC measurement in complex environments is proposed here. First, the exhaust gas measurement data of a time series collected using the sniffer equipment were examined to determine the dataset that could be used to estimate FSC. Second, the background value of polluted gases in the environment was dynamically calculated to suppress the interference of various pollution sources. The gas-measured value series was then converted into a mean value series, and the peak points in the mean value series were automatically selected for the calculation of FSC. Finally, the wind speed, wind direction, automatic identification system information, plume diffusion model, and FSC results of ship targets around the equipment were correlated. Between June and August 2023, we conducted a field observation campaign at Ningbo Port, China, where 2624 ships were monitored. A comparison of the real and measured FSC values of eight ships showed that the system could accurately measure FSC at 0.10% (m/m) and 0.50% (m/m) levels despite measurement uncertainty that may be greater at a 0.01% (m/m) FSC level. The FSC statistics of 2624 ships showed that the FSC of small seagoing ships was relatively higher than that of other types of ships. This study proposes a monitoring option for ship emissions, designs and develops an associated system, and collects data to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of this option. This approach has been integrated into daily business operations within the maritime sector, significantly enhancing the efficiency of supervision in this field. Full article

The Bohai Sea is the only semi-enclosed inland sea in China. With active marine economic activities, it faces a persistently high risk of oil spill accidents. This study assesses the occurrence risk and pollution risk of oil spills by considering factors such as sea state, the location of oil platform, and shipping route density in the Bohai Sea. The results show that the central part of the Bohai Sea, the southern Liaodong Peninsula, and the Bohai Strait area have a relatively high occurrence risk of oil spills due to busy maritime traffic and harsh sea conditions. In contrast, some areas in the northern, western, and southern parts of the Bohai Sea have a relatively low occurrence risk of oil spills because of weak maritime activity intensity and relatively calm sea state. In terms of the oil pollution risk, its distribution in the Bohai Sea shows significant seasonal characteristics, which are mainly comprehensively affected by multiple dynamic factors such as circulation, monsoon, and seawater exchange. Based on the oil pollution risk distribution, seasonally targeted strategies are proposed, which can provide a scientific basis for oil spill prevention and emergency management in the Bohai Sea, and help relevant departments formulate targeted prevention and control strategies. Full article

Shore power represents one of the principal solutions for the green transformation within the port industry. It significantly aids in the reduction in carbon emissions from vessels while they are berthed in port, yet often necessitates an effective promotional strategy to foster its installation and utilization. Stakeholders including port authorities, ship operators, and local governments all play a crucial role in achieving this objective. This paper employs a tripartite evolutionary game model in conjunction with a system dynamics model to investigate the evolutionary responses of stakeholders when policy tools are applied, and consequently, to elucidate the dynamics of strategy effectiveness. In this context, six business scenarios are developed to ascertain the potential impacts of implementing subsidies and carbon taxes. The findings demonstrate that any singular strategy, whether a subsidy or a carbon tax, is inadequate for the successful advancement of shore power; on the contrary, a government-led, integrated, and dynamic reward–punishment strategy aids in stabilizing the inherent fluctuations within this game process. Moreover, the initial willingness of ship operators exerts a considerably greater influence than that of the other two stakeholders. Full article

In the intelligent transportation field, object recognition, detection, and location applications face significant real-time challenges. To address these issues, we propose an automatic sensor-based data loading and unloading optimization strategy for algorithm models. This strategy is designed for artificial intelligence (AI) application systems that leverage edge computing. It aims to solve resource allocation optimization and improve operational efficiency in edge computing environments. By doing so, it meets the real-time computing requirements of intelligent transportation business applications. By adopting node and sensor management mechanisms as well as efficient communication protocols, dynamic sensor-based data management of AI algorithm models was achieved, such as pedestrian object recognition, vehicle object detection, and ship object positioning. Experimental results show that while maintaining the same recall rate, the inference time is reduced to one tenth or even one twentieth of the original time. And this strategy can enhance privacy protection of sensor-based data. In the future research, we may consider integrating distributed computing under high load conditions to further optimize the response time of model loading and unloading for multi-service interaction, and enhance the balance and scalability of the system. Full article

In busy offshore waters with high vessel density and intersecting shipping lanes, the risk of collisions and accidents is significantly increased. To address the problem of insufficient feature extraction capability of traditional recurrent neural networks (RNNs) in ship trajectory prediction in busy nearshore areas, this paper proposes a hybrid model based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Residual Networks, Attention Mechanism, and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), named PSO-CNN-RGRU-Attention, for ship trajectory prediction. This study utilizes real Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and applies the PSO algorithm to optimize the model and determine the optimal parameters, using a sliding window method for input and output prediction. The effectiveness and practicality of the model have been fully verified. Experimental results show that, compared to the PSO-CNN-GRU model, the proposed model improves the longitude by 7.8%, 3.4%, and 1.7% in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), respectively, and improves the latitude by 48.3%, 62.9%, and 39.2%, respectively. This has significantly contributed to enhancing the safety of ship navigation in the Bohai Strait. Full article

The share of European shipbuilding in the world market, with the constant exception of the cruise ship niche, has been in continuous decline for decades, while at the same time, state-supported Asian competitors are recording accelerated growth. With the already long-standing ban on subsidizing the shipbuilding industry by EU member states, its shipyards can maintain their market position primarily by continuously improving business processes, including adopting Industry 4.0 doctrines. In order to contribute to the European shipyards’ competitiveness growth, the authors of this paper use the case study methodology to investigate the applicability of blockchain technology in the process of financing the construction and purchase of ships according to a bareboat charter model, which is recognized as risk-balanced for all parties involved in the process. The empirically analyzed implementation of the blockchain application of smart contracts, using the example of three ships built and purchased according to the proposed model, theoretically results in an almost one-year shortening of the financing process, with a significant reduction in the costs of legal activities. The originality of this study is also emphasized by the correlation of smart contracts and the process of early ship outfitting in the sense of the possible improvement in its level, thus achieving savings in working hours and energy and ultimately shortening the process of realizing the shipbuilding project. Full article

The 2011 Fukushima disaster and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic are two major 21st century events that were least expected while being highly disruptive, having an immediate as well as longer-term impact on shipping operations. However, while pandemics are a recurrent phenomenon of the “known-knowns” type, the combination of phenomena which led to Fukushima had no assigned probability; hence, no preparedness was in place, as this was practically a unique occurrence in shipping. Considering significant shipping incidents of various less or more uncommon etiologies, such as the capsizing of vessels, missile attacks on merchant ships or vessel-onto-bridge collisions, this conceptual paper puts forward a consequence-based approach for assessing and managing shocks in the maritime domain, especially the ones classified in the “unknown-unknowns” or “Black Swan” categories. In the context of preparedness theory, the authors propose the adoption by shipping businesses, in parallel to any other risk approaches and tools, of the Assessment-reaction-Recovery-Conversion (ArRC) framework for managing risk and of relevant key recovery indicators which may assist in (a) increasing resilience through focusing the recovery planning on consequence-oriented, root-neutral reactions and (b) in promoting a “bounce-back-better” frame of mind and action plan, contributing to faster and easier recovery after a shock of any type. Full article

Seaports are experiencing several challenges due to the explosive growth of the maritime shipping business, which has led to the need for digitalized operations and more effective solutions. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the process used to create a reliable business intelligence solution by analyzing the container delivery and pick-up services flow in one of Portugal’s largest maritime container ports, using the CRISP-DM methodology. The solution, built with Microsoft Power BI^®, provides the capability to identify and address data anomalies and present key performance indicators in visually dynamic dashboards. This solution empowers stakeholders to gain invaluable insights into the current and future operational status, thereby facilitating well-informed and adaptable decision-making, representing the main practical contributions. As a theoretical contribution, this study advances research by covering a gap in the literature and establishing the foundations for future business intelligence applications within the maritime industry, with a focus on addressing data dispersion challenges, enhancing logistics flow analysis, and reducing port congestion. The manuscript is structured into seven sections: introduction, literature review, port challenges, methodology, tool development, SWOT analysis, and conclusion. Full article