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The European Union (EU) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) strongly feel the need for initiating measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping lines regionally and globally using a package of tools called Green Shipping Practices (GSP). The GSP includes the use of global market-based mechanisms (MBMs), adoption of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI), establishing compulsory energy efficiency standards for all new ships, and the ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP) recommended as a new management tool for ship owners. Furthermore, the European Commission (EC) has proposed that owners of large ships using EU ports should report their verified emissions (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (MRV)) from 2018. In addition, IMO has introduced collection and reporting of ship fuel consumption data (SFCD) under the IMO SFCD scheme based on similar conditions, but related to global shipping. By providing a holistic analysis of the above-mentioned tools with a special focus on MRV and SFCD, this paper presents their economical and operational implications on the maritime transport processes. The working hypothesis that there is a correlation between the introduction of MRV and SFCD tools and reduction of maritime transport anthropopresure has been proved.

The presented paper comes as a summary of a theoretical work presenting an original algorithm describing International Multimodal Transport (IMT) mechanisms and processes. Since containers appeared in early 1960s on the regional, and later on, on global scale in logistic operations, the IMT has become the fastest growing combination of an international through-transport. With use of various modes of transport IMT has significant influence on global trade development. Due to its characteristic the IMT process is exposed on the global unitization, standardization, safety, security and economization (optimization) challenges. Thus, there is a need for scientific approach in building a standardized conceptual model of IMT referred in this paper to CAIMT. CAIMT is an original, deterministic algorithm, presented in the block notation, identifying typical procedures as a logical continuation of the programmed sequence of the basic IMT operations. The suggested CAIMT has a potential in further standardization of IMT procedures and can be scientifically developed through the modeling of the IMT processes and safety/security procedures. In addition, in terms of empirical aspects, algorithmization of the main IMT processes can lead to their application in the various expert systems. Summing up, this method (CAIMT) comes as an optimal instrument that can be utilized in order to build further pillars for IMT development, standardization and optimization.

There are several possible causes of aggregated nesting in solitary Aculeata, one being joint defense against parasites. We tested whether females prefer nesting in aggregations, even if they consist of heterospecifics. We compared the colonization and nesting parasitism of trap-nests with and without a red mason bee aggregation. The results did not support our hypothesis that females prefer nesting in aggregations. The numbers of wild Aculeata nests did not differ between trap-nests with and without an aggregation. Unexpectedly, parasitism rates were higher in trap-nests with aggregations. When analyzing only nests of wild insects (mostly wasps), the differences in parasitism disappeared. Natural nesting sites may be such a limited resource that females nested in the first trap-nest they encountered and did not discriminate between our treatments, or wasps might share too few parasites species with bees to benefit from joint nest defense.

Machine learning (ML) is applied in various logistic processes utilizing innovative techniques (e.g., the use of drones for automated delivery in e-commerce). Early challenges showed the insufficient drones’ steering capacity and cognitive gap related to the lack of theoretical foundation for controlling algorithms. The aim of this paper is to present a game-based algorithm of controlling behaviours in the relation between an operator (OP) and a technical object (TO), based on the assumption that the game is logistics-oriented and the algorithm is to support ML applied in e-commerce optimization management. Algebraic methods, including matrices, Lagrange functions, systems of differential equations, and set-theoretic notation, have been used as the main tools. The outcome is a model of a game-based optimization process in a two-element logistics system and an algorithm applied to find optimal steering strategies. The algorithm has been initially verified with the use of simulation based on a Bayesian network (BN) and a structured set of possible strategies (OP/TO) calculated with the use of QGeNie Modeller, finally prepared for Python. It has been proved the algorithm at this stage has no deadlocks and unforeseen loops and is ready to be challenged with the original big set of learning data from a drone-operating company (as the next stage of the planned research).

The need for global and integrated maritime situational awareness capability is caused by unstable (in terms of security and safety) situation in global shipping represented by recently occurred issues (piracy, terrorism), having additionally an impact on economical conditions for modern shipping. As a response to growing demand for integration of all existing maritime data collection systems the concept of common platform for maritime data exchange has been developed. This telematics solution must be a cost-effective tool in gathering, transforming and dissemination of an integrated and comprehensive space-based maritime transportation data. This paper, based on existing systems research, represents the holistic approach to identification of important factors suitable for the concept of global integrated system. The working hypothesis stating that there are systematic reasons for implementation of a single, common and integrated telematics platform of maritime data exchange has been positively proved. As an example of efforts already taken the GLADIS solutions have been presented.

Fear of terrorist interruptions has already affected the marketplace. Before 9/11, inventory had consistently trended downward as technology enabled just-in-time manufacturing and delivery of products. A significant breakdown in the maritime transport system would send shockwaves throughout the world economy. In fact, under the worst-case scenario, a large attack could cause the entire global trading system to halt as governments scramble to recover. Drastic and inefficient solutions may be put in place, such as the complete closure of some ports and duplicative and lengthy cargo checks in both originating and receiving ports. The size of the maritime security challenge is as daunting as the terrible consequences of a serious attack. Maritime security involves hundreds of ports, thousands of miles of coastline, tens of thousands of commercial and private crafts, and millions of shipping containers. The maritime domain is truly global in nature, encompassing every ocean and the peoples and property of many nations. This paper presents the idea of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as an European inter-agency (military – civilian) latest response on maritime threat seen from wider perspective. Six strategic actions MSO requires to achieve synergy of civilian and military maritime security activities to address all maritime threats are pointed as well as four related Lines of Development (LoDs) to be taken forward by a partnership of European military and civilian authorities in order to create MSO Standard Operational Procedures.

The knowledge of the latest concepts and solutions dealing with a multitude of areas including telematic solutions and their correct implementation to support actions in progress, becomes one of the essential elements of gaining success in current market conditions. Telematic solutions make it possible not only to automate and shorten processes and logistic activities, but also affect their safety and enable greater flexibility and reliability in the supply chain. They also constitute a feature that allows to reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment. The use of telematics solutions within the supply chain should be considered as a process of dissemination of technological innovation, the result of which should be a clear improvement of the functioning of many processes within the chain, especially the increase in the level of transport services. Therefore, the research and analysis from this area related to the implementation in logistics practice, should be considered as a priority now.

Maritime transport, due to its characteristics, global reach and an important role it plays in economical processes, is now an area of implementation of the newest and the most advanced solutions in shipping monitoring systems. Majority of these solutions are based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal transmission. exactAIS is a global vessel monitoring and tracking system based on world leading Satellite AIS (S-AIS) technology. This service enhances maritime domain awareness for government authorities and selected commercial organizations around the world, with superior detection capability, secure distribution of information and high quality of service. This paper is an attempt at providing a complex grasp of the benefits regarding the usage of exactEarth application on a level of the land-marine logistic supply chains.