Marine Energy

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasingly in-depth exploration and application of sustainable energy solutions, marine energy, boasting vast and largely untapped potential, has attracted extensive attention in the field of energy. The Topic “Marine Energy” is dedicated to the in-depth exploration, development, and efficient utilization of marine energy, regarding it as a core element in constructing a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Our core objective is to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration among researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders. By transcending the boundaries of different fields, we strive to comprehensively analyze the complex and diverse challenges within the entire marine energy value chain and seize the abundant opportunities therein, covering every crucial link, from energy capture and conversion to storage and application. We anticipate that this Topic will serve as an important opportunity to converge cutting-edge research findings, breakthrough technologies, and practical experiences. Through the joint efforts of all parties, we aim to accelerate the integration of marine energy solutions into the global energy system and make tangible contributions to the true decarbonization of the energy system. The research scope of this Topic includes, but is not limited to, the following themes:

• Tidal, Wave, and Ocean-Current Energy: Cutting-edge technologies for harnessing marine kinetic energy, such as advanced tidal turbines, high-efficiency wave energy converters, and innovative ocean current power systems.
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): Technological breakthroughs in the production of clean electricity through leveraging the temperature differences between surface and deep-sea water.
• Salinity Gradient Energy: The latest progress in osmotic power and related technologies and the exploration of latent energy potential hidden in salt concentration differences.
• Marine Solar Energy: The development of innovative floating solar farms and underwater photovoltaic systems tailored to the special marine environment.
• Offshore Power Transmission: Technologies for efficient and safe transmission of offshore-generated energy to shore, including subsea cables and grid integration for long-distance energy transfer.
• Energy Storage and Utilization: The development of high-performance battery systems, efficient hydrogen production technologies, and hybrid energy storage solutions.
• Gas Hydrates: Research on exploration strategies, extraction technologies, and the potential evaluation of methane hydrates as a clean energy source.
• Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts: Comprehensive life-cycle assessments, in-depth sustainability studies, and the formulation of complete policy frameworks.
• Innovative Materials and Engineering Designs: Advanced materials and innovative structural designs to enhance the efficiency, durability, and economic benefits of marine energy systems.

We warmly invite researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government agencies to actively submit original research papers, in-depth review articles, and practical case studies. These submissions should focus on the latest progress, existing challenges, and best practices in the dynamic field of marine energy. Through your collaboration, we hope to fully explore the vast energy potential of the ocean and jointly move towards a bright future of sustainable energy.

Prof. Dr. Hongsheng Dong
Prof. Dr. Xiang Sun
Dr. Zeshao You
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	4.7	8.3	2019	20 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering jmse	2.8	5.0	2013	16.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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21 pages, 5256 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation and Optimization Study of Liquid Sloshing in a LNG Storage Tank

by Zhimei Lu, Zhanxue Cao, Zhaodan Xia, Xiong Zhang and Xiaoli Yuan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(6), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14060525 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 553

Abstract

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) sloshing occurs during marine transportation and storage due to vessel motion or external disturbances, leading to complex fluid–structure interactions within the containment system. This study employs OpenFOAM to develop a numerical model of LNG sloshing. The model solves the [...] Read more.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) sloshing occurs during marine transportation and storage due to vessel motion or external disturbances, leading to complex fluid–structure interactions within the containment system. This study employs OpenFOAM to develop a numerical model of LNG sloshing. The model solves the incompressible multiphase Navier–Stokes equations and utilizes the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to capture the dynamic behavior of gas–liquid interface. The numerical model was validated against experimental data. Based on this model, the key hydrodynamic characteristics are investigated for LNG sloshing, including nonlinear free surface, transient pressure distribution on the tank walls due to liquid impact, and energy dissipation mechanisms. By varying excitation frequencies, amplitudes, and the configuration of internal components such as baffles or anti-sloshing devices, the study explores the sloshing response and effective control strategies. The results indicate that appropriately designed baffles can significantly mitigate sloshing-induced impact pressures on tank walls and enhance system stability. In the future, this study could extend to multi-layer fluids, multi-degree-of-freedom motions, and simulations under more complex real-world conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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22 pages, 19137 KB  

Open AccessReview

Submarine Cable Systems: A Review of Installation, Monitoring, and Maintenance Processes and Technologies

by Dinghua Zhang, Yuanyuan Guo, Qingqing Yuan, Zirong Ni, Hongyang Xu, Xiao Liu and Huabin Qiu

Processes 2026, 14(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14050821 - 2 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

Submarine cable systems are essential for intercontinental connectivity and the integration of offshore renewable energy into onshore grids. The reliability of these systems depends on a well-coordinated life cycle process that integrates installation, monitoring, and maintenance technologies. This review synthesizes the key components [...] Read more.

Submarine cable systems are essential for intercontinental connectivity and the integration of offshore renewable energy into onshore grids. The reliability of these systems depends on a well-coordinated life cycle process that integrates installation, monitoring, and maintenance technologies. This review synthesizes the key components of submarine communication and power cables, highlighting the processes involved in route survey, cable laying, and burial under complex seabed conditions. The major factors contributing to damage are typically classified into natural hazards and human activities. Particular attention is given to fault diagnosis techniques, including optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). Additionally, practical workflows and processes for fault location and cable repair are outlined. By structuring advancements across installation, monitoring, and maintenance processes, this review offers a comprehensive technical reference for researchers and practitioners, while emphasizing emerging trends aimed at enhancing system resilience, real-time situational awareness, and rapid response, thus supporting global digitalization and the transition to clean energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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21 pages, 8830 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study of Lateral Layout in Multilateral Wells for Depressurization of Class 1 Hydrate Reservoirs with Boundary Sealing

by Tinghui Wan, Zhanzhao Li, Qi Li, Jia Qu, Changrong Xiao and Jingli Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(4), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040362 - 14 Feb 2026

Viewed by 350

Abstract

Efficient development of marine natural gas hydrates (NGHs) remains challenging. Employing depressurization combined with complex structured wells and reservoir stimulation techniques is one of the key approaches to enhancing production. This study aims to theoretically evaluate the production response of different lateral layouts [...] Read more.

Efficient development of marine natural gas hydrates (NGHs) remains challenging. Employing depressurization combined with complex structured wells and reservoir stimulation techniques is one of the key approaches to enhancing production. This study aims to theoretically evaluate the production response of different lateral layouts of multilateral wells under the conceptual condition of an idealized boundary sealing for the depressurization exploitation of Class 1 hydrate reservoirs. Based on data from China’s first offshore trial production, a numerical simulation method was used to systematically compare the development performance of various lateral layouts integrated with boundary sealing. Under the idealized modeling scenario, the simulation results indicate that the low-permeability barrier formed by boundary sealing can significantly suppress water invasion, promote pressure propagation, and thereby improve productivity. More importantly, optimizing the lateral layout can further enhance gas production performance. Under boundary sealing conditions, Case 8B with six downward-deployed laterals, compared to Case 1A without sealing and with six laterals in a planar staggered layout, its cumulative gas production (1733.75 × 10⁴ m³) was 2.08 times that of Case 1A (831.68 × 10⁴ m³), and its gas-to-water ratio (327.64) was 1.62 times that of Case 1A (202.09). This indicates that under boundary sealing conditions, lateral layout is one of the key levers to improve productivity. Under the modeling assumptions of this work, the research findings can provide a theoretical reference for evaluating the development of Class 1 hydrate reservoirs with multilateral wells where boundary sealing is considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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19 pages, 1647 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of a Sensorless Control System with a Flying-Start Feature for an Asynchronous Machine as a Ship Shaft Generator

by Maciej Kozak, Kacper Olszański and Marcin Kozak

Energies 2026, 19(3), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030776 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 307

Abstract

Squirrel-cage induction generators often perform better without a mechanical speed sensor. Eliminating an encoder or resolver removes one of the most fragile and failure-prone components, while modern control algorithms can estimate speed with sufficient accuracy. Shaft-mounted sensors are vulnerable to heat, vibration, dust, [...] Read more.

Squirrel-cage induction generators often perform better without a mechanical speed sensor. Eliminating an encoder or resolver removes one of the most fragile and failure-prone components, while modern control algorithms can estimate speed with sufficient accuracy. Shaft-mounted sensors are vulnerable to heat, vibration, dust, moisture, and electrical noise; they require precise mounting and additional cabling and typically fail long before the machine itself. In many industrial and marine applications, unplanned shutdowns are more often caused by damaged sensors or cables than by the generator. Unlike sensorless speed-detection methods developed for motoring operation, the proposed approach targets the generator mode, where both phase currents and the DC-link voltage are measured. It uses two indicators: the magnitude and sign of the active current, and the instantaneous rise in DC-link voltage when the converter output frequency matches the machine’s shaft speed. Because active current remains negative over a wide frequency range during start-up, its sign change alone cannot uniquely identify the synchronization point. In generator operation, however, the DC-link capacitor voltage provides an additional criterion: the speed at which power reverses sign, indicated by a change in the sign of the DC-voltage derivative. As the inverter frequency approaches the machine rotational frequency from below, the DC voltage increases, reaches a maximum at maximum slip, and then decreases once the inverter frequency exceeds the machine speed. The article demonstrates how these signals can be used in practice to identify the rotational speed of a squirrel-cage generator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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19 pages, 1868 KB  

Open AccessReview

Review of Energy Technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

by Zhihao Lin, Denghui Qin, Qiaogao Huang, Hongsheng Dong and Guang Pan

Energies 2026, 19(3), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030592 - 23 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1162

Abstract

As critical platforms for long-endurance ocean exploration, unmanned underwater vehicles (AUVs) play an increasingly vital role in marine surveying and resident observation. However, in extreme deep-sea environments, their energy systems face severe constraints imposed by hydrostatic pressure and thermodynamic conflicts within confined spaces. [...] Read more.

As critical platforms for long-endurance ocean exploration, unmanned underwater vehicles (AUVs) play an increasingly vital role in marine surveying and resident observation. However, in extreme deep-sea environments, their energy systems face severe constraints imposed by hydrostatic pressure and thermodynamic conflicts within confined spaces. Therefore, developing energy technologies with high energy density, intrinsic safety, and high-pressure adaptability is of paramount importance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the multi-physics coupling issues in deep-sea energy systems and the research progress of current mainstream deep-sea energy technologies. Based on energy sources and conversion principles, existing technological paths are categorized into four classes, with a detailed assessment of their performance and bottlenecks in deep-sea environments. Finally, the paper outlines key future development directions for deep-sea energy systems to provide reference for subsequent research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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29 pages, 5360 KB  

Open AccessReview

Marine Lifecycle Carbon Footprint Toward Carbon Neutrality: Recent Progress and Prospects

by Yuhang Chang, Dai Liu, Feixiang Chang, Chang Zhai, Long Liu, Hongliang Luo, Meiqi Yu, Juncong Ge and Keiya Nishida

Processes 2025, 13(12), 3997; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123997 - 10 Dec 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1013

Abstract

The problem of global climate change is becoming increasingly serious, drawing worldwide attention to the need for carbon emissions reduction. As a primary mode of transport, maritime shipping accounts for 2% of global carbon emissions. Therefore, researchers have turned their attention to marine [...] Read more.

The problem of global climate change is becoming increasingly serious, drawing worldwide attention to the need for carbon emissions reduction. As a primary mode of transport, maritime shipping accounts for 2% of global carbon emissions. Therefore, researchers have turned their attention to marine carbon emissions. Specifically, lifecycle assessment (LCA) has attracted wide attention due to its comprehensiveness and objectivity. This article reviews alternate fuels like biodiesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. These fuels generate fewer Tank-to-Wake (TTW) carbon emissions than conventional diesel but higher emissions in the Well-to-Tank (WTT) stage owing to production-related emissions, resulting in varying overall carbon footprints. Most carbon emissions in marine transportation come from fuel consumption. Selecting the shortest route can cut fuel use and emissions. Port greening and electrification are vital for emission cuts. Current marine LCA research exhibits key gaps, including fragmented case studies, a lack of methodological standardization, and insufficient dynamic predictive capacity, severely constraining its guiding value for industry decarbonization pathways. This study systematically reviews and categorizes marine LCA research from the past decade in both Chinese and English from the Web of Science and CNKI databases through a Ship-Route-Port framework. Specifically, 34 papers underwent quantitative or qualitative analysis, comprehensively comparing the full lifecycles of six mainstream marine alternative fuels: biodiesel, LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and electricity. This study also underscores the need for unified standards to boost low-carbon fuel use and explores the unique challenges and uncertainties involved in applying LCA to the marine sector. LCA applied to the maritime sector shows promise as a valuable tool for guiding low-carbon transition strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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25 pages, 7503 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Shaft Generator Design Analysis for Military Ships in Maritime Applications

by Kamer Gökbulut Belli and Tuğçe Demirdelen

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143792 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2043

Abstract

Naval ships are of paramount importance to national security, culture, and naval operations. A primary challenge for naval authorities is to balance the imperatives of maritime dominance with the operational demands of achieving sufficient, sustainable reliability. Shaft generators (SGs) are crucial to the [...] Read more.

Naval ships are of paramount importance to national security, culture, and naval operations. A primary challenge for naval authorities is to balance the imperatives of maritime dominance with the operational demands of achieving sufficient, sustainable reliability. Shaft generators (SGs) are crucial to the energy conversion systems on naval ships, functioning as part of the main power systems on board and providing both propulsion and power for various operational loads. In this sense, the design of shaft generators is an engineering element that has a major impact on the overall ship performance. The design process will be conducted within the MATLAB/Simulink environment, a platform that facilitates the study of the dynamic behaviors of the system through simulation. The increasing demand for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in the military, along with the impact of emerging technologies, will further underscore the significance of shaft generators. Analyses carried out in MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate that the selection of the most suitable power system for naval ships is dictated by the system requirements and operational demands. The main construction is such that this work is the first of its kind in the field of shaft generator research for naval ships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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