Search

This paper presents a method for developing and testing a risk-based control system, as a first step towards including the human supervisor explicitly in the design of the system. The result is a control system with improved decision-making capabilities compared to existing control systems. The methodology presented in the paper uses the Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to analyse the risks of an autonomous ship within its concept of operations (CONOPS), and a Human-STPA (H-STPA) is used to analyse human responsibilities and involvement. The STPA results are then used to construct a Bayesian belief network (BBN)-based risk model to assess the operational risk of the ship. This is represented as a risk cost, describing the expected cost of consequences caused by potential hazardous events. This cost is combined with fuel costs, operations costs, and the potential loss of income if new missions are not undertaken using a supervisory risk controller (SRC). The SRC is capable of making decisions about how the ship should be safely operated and notifies the human supervisor in due time when it is necessary for them to take control. The last part of the methodology presented in this paper is testing the control system using a set of verification objectives based on results from the STPA and H-STPA. A case study involving an autonomous cargo ship with a human supervisor located in a remote operation center (ROC) is included; it shows that the proposed control system can operate the ship safely in different conditions and situations. By designing the SRC to notify the human supervisor before it reaches its operational limit, the ship is able to operate in a wider range of conditions compared to when just the autonomous control system is in charge. Hence, the proposed methodology shows promising results and provides useful insights related to shared control for autonomous ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating impact of anthropogenic activities on global climate patterns necessitates urgent measures to reduce emissions, with the maritime industry playing a pivotal role. This article aims to examine the adoption of International Maritime Organization energy efficiency measures for the often-overlooked fishing vessels and their contribution to the overall maritime decarbonization efforts. The article analyzes the attained technical efficiency indices of a case study large-scale fishing vessel and compares them with those of two cargo ships where IMO measures already apply. To support the proposal, a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency indices of eight large purse seine fishing vessels is also presented. The results show that large-scale fishing vessels of 400 GT and above could be subject to the IMO energy efficiency measures. The operational challenges, unique to the fishing sector, suggest that sector-specific considerations may be required to integrate the fishing fleet into the already existing IMO energy efficiency guidelines. Looking ahead, this article explores the benefits of aligning Regulation (EU) 2023/957 and IMO guidelines, as well as applying the IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) in assessing the operational environmental impact of fishing operations, emphasizing the importance of including these vessels in the current regulatory frameworks to promote decarbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement have become a crucial tool for maritime administrations in European Union countries to ensure compliance with international maritime safety standards by ships entering their ports. This paper analyses all PSC inspections conducted in 10 major European ports belonging to the Paris MoU between 2012 and 2019. For its study, a multivariate HJ-Biplot statistical analysis is carried out, which facilitates the interpretation and understanding of the underlying relationships in a multivariate data set by representing a synthesis of the data on a factorial plane, with an interpretation that is very intuitive and accessible for readers from various fields. Applying this method with ship characteristics as explanatory variables, several classifications were derived. These classifications align with the annual performance lists published by the Paris MoU and the International Association of Classification Societies list, suggesting that this method could serve as a reliable classification approach. It provides maritime authorities with an additional indicator of a ship's risk profile, aiding in the prioritising of inspections. The method also effectively categorises ports and types of ships used for cargo transport, offering insights into the specific maritime traffic each port experiences. Furthermore, this study identifies characteristics associated with substandard ships, which is a primary objective of PSC inspections. Beyond revealing these traits, this research underscores the existence of several readily applicable techniques to enhance maritime safety and reduce the risk of ocean pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work analyses the activities of Genoese merchant communities in the grain trade in western Mediterranean markets. Our goal is to shed light on their ability to integrate into foreign lands, taking advantage of their privileged position within the Spanish Crown. Our analysis is focussed on two case studies, strictly connected from a theoretical point of view: Sicily and Tabarka. Both Genoese minorities living on these two islands used the port of Genoa as their commercial hub. Regarding Sicily, this study has mostly drawn information from a yet unexploited source: general average procedures drawn up in Genoa. General average (GA) was (and still is nowadays) a legal instrument used in maritime trade to share between all parties involved the expenses which can befall ships and cargoes from the time of their loading aboard until their unloading (due to accidents, jettison, etc.). These documents have been collected in an online database soon to be published as part of the ERC-funded AveTransRisk project. They offer valuable insights on shipmasters and merchants, cargo values, ports of destination, wheat prices, etc. All the sources are available on the online database resulting from the AveTransRisk project, of which we are members (). For the trade in North African wheat, we have mostly used documents related to the Genoese 'colony' of Tabarka, administered by the Lomellini family. These sources are kept in the Genoese archives as well as in the Archives Nationales of Paris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel according to global sulfur limit regulation has reduced the emissions of SO2 and PM significantly on ships, while it also leads to very large uncertainty on VOCs emission. Therefore, on-board test of VOCs from 9 typical cargo ships with low-sulfur fuels in China were carried out in this study. Results showed that emission factor of VOCs (EFVOCs) varied largely from 0.09 to 3.01 g kg-1 fuel, with domestic coastal cargo ships (CCSs) had the highest levels and ocean-going vessels (OGVs) the lowest. The switch of fuels from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to diesel increased EFVOCs by 48 % on average, which enhanced both O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation potentials, especially for OGVs. Besides, the use of low-sulfur fuels for OGVs also lead to significant increase of naphthalene emission. These indicated the implementation of globally ultra-low-sulfur oil policy in the near future needs to be optimized. Moreover, aromatics were the most important common contributors to O3 and SOA in ship exhausts, which need to be controlled with priority. It was also found that benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene ratio of 0.5:0.3:0.2 on average could be considered as a diagnostic characteristic to distinguish ship emission from other emission sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BOG re-liquefaction process is a necessary part for the safety of LNG cargo ships, and it is also the most common way to deal with evaporated gas (BOG) in LNG ships. Therefore, how to optimize the re-liquefaction process and save energy consumption is a problem that cannot be ignored in BOG re-liquefaction system. In this paper, based on the traditional BOG re-liquefaction process, a liquid nitrogen precooling circulation system is added and linked with the nitrogen purging system. Aspen HYSYS software was used to simulate and analyze the exergy efficiency, specific power consumption, exergy efficiency in the proposed liquefaction process. In addition, we introduced a bacterial foraging algorithm to optimize the process parameters. According to the operation results, the optimized process has a specific power consumption of 1.028 kWh/kg LNG , which is 21.53 % lower than that of the original NH 3 and CO 2 precooling system. Changing the traditional precooling system to liquid nitrogen tank reduces the complexity of the liquefaction system and improves the reliability of the system. Because liquid nitrogen has excellent cryogenic energy, small size, cheap price, safety in the actual use process and the linkage with the purge device on board, it shows excellent performance in the process of BOG pre-cooling liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplaces can be tricky for migrant workers like seafarers to navigate, especially on board cargo ships which in recent times have become multi-ethnic in composition. Diverse cultures and individual differences can pose challenges to working relationships on board, which in turn can have negative implications on operational safety. In this context, the article highlights the role of seafarers' sense of place in enacting harmonious socialities and safety culture on board. Sense of place refers to marked positioning in space where seafarers conduct themselves in relation to others in terms of hierarchy. In turn, this helps fashion the collective mind among seafarers as a way of dealing with the challenges of life at sea, including operational safety on board. This article draws from data gathered from fieldwork on board four ocean-going cargo ships and informal conversations with seafarers in seafarer centers in the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of accidents, chemical fuels and cargo carried by ships, garbage, and oil spills from ships because of marine transportation activities causes environmental problems whose impact can threaten environmental sustainability. Studies have shown that the role of the human factor is 70-80% in the occurrence of environmental sustainability threats. Some literature on green human resource management has examined that the role of green competencies is the main requirement in improving one's performance in the environmental field. In order to support sustainable shipping management, there needs to be a study on green competencies. However, studies on construct development and validation of green competencies measurements in the shipping industry have not been widely conducted. This study aims to develop a scale of green competencies measuring instruments referring to the view of maintaining the marine environment in the shipping industry. Empirical studies have been conducted based on a quantitative approach, with survey methods conducted on 333 crew (seafarers) who have been employees in the shipping industry. The analysis of green competency measuring instrument development model has been done by using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) by SEM PLS 4.0 software. The findings of this study show that green competencies is a multidimensional reflective scale consisting of dimensions of green knowledge, green skills, green attitude, green awareness and green ability that have been tested for validity and reliability. The implication of these findings is to contribute to a literature review on green competencies, especially in the shipping industry. In addition, the results of the analysis on the green competencies construct model can be used as the basis for the preparation of a green competencies model for the benefit of green human resource management in the shipping industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has aimed to investigate the impact of individual talent on ship captains' job satisfaction, safety performance, and safety motivation, as well as the function of safety motivation as a mediating variable. A quantitative research approach has been used for this investigation. With a sample of one hundred respondents, the population in the study has consisted of all cargo ship captains, including container ships, general cargo ships, bulk carriers, and tankers whose ships stopped at the Tanjung Perak port of Surabaya, Indonesia. Purposive sampling is a sampling method. This study has used SMART PLS software and Partial Least Square strategy for inferential data analysis. The findings show that job satisfaction, safety performance, and safety motivation are significantly influenced by individual aptitude. Safety motivation affects job satisfaction, but safety motivation has no effect on safety performance. The study has also found out that safety motivation variables can mediate the relationship between individual talent and job satisfaction through safety motivation. However, safety motivation is not able to mediate the relationship between individual aptitude and safety performance. The implication of management is that safety motivation plays an important role for cargo ship captains, besides that job satisfaction is also considered to achieve safety performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the Baltic Sea being one of the most intensive shipping regions in the world the potential magnitude of the biofouled hulls in this region is unknown. This study estimated the biofouling load to Baltic Sea Region (BSR) based on the wetted surface area (WSA) method with regard to country, ship type and donor bioregion. WSA flux reached 656 km2, of which 86% was associated with ships operating inside and 14% was WSA flux brought by ships from outside of the Baltic Sea. Most of the WSA was transported to Swedish, Finnish and Danish ports as well. The highest WSA flux was assigned to roll-on/roll-off, passenger and general cargo ships. The high biofouling potential in BSR indicates a potential high risk to the environment and, therefore there is an urgent need for appropriate guidelines to be introduced into daily use by the commercial shipping community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research conducts a contextual comparative analysis between Dar es Salaam and Mombasa ports, employing a hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that integrates the contextual value-added approach (CVA). The assessment incorporates various inputs (quay length, number of cranes, and storage area) and outputs (number of ship calls and cargo throughput) to compute efficiency scores, offering nuanced insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement of both ports. Methods: The hybrid DEA model with CVA is applied to calculate efficiency scores, considering the diverse inputs and outputs. This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the relative performance of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa ports. The study also explores the influence of trade-related externalities on port efficiency, providing a holistic understanding of the factors shaping the ports' operational effectiveness. Results: The efficiency scores depict distinctive performance trends between Dar es Salaam and Mombasa ports. Notably, Dar es Salaam exhibits maximum efficiency (efficiency value of 1) in 2018 and 2021, while Mombasa attains optimal performance (efficiency value of 1) in 2021. However, efficiency values fluctuate for both ports in other years, ranging between 0.895 and 0.985 for Mombasa and 0.924 and 0.960 for Dar es Salaam. Conclusions: This study highlights the dynamic efficiency levels of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa ports over multiple years and identifies critical factors influencing their performance. The findings contribute valuable insights to the field of port analysis, offering guidance to port management and policymakers in optimizing the efficiency and competitiveness of these vital maritime hubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During winter storms in 2014 and 2017, strong waves exposed hundreds of timbers and artefacts at the Belinho beach, in the North of Portugal. These ship remains were later discovered to belong to a 16th-century shipwreck, probably originating from Northern Europe. This paper aims to discuss the importance of cargo analysis through the study of the material culture associated with that site, consisting mainly of hundreds of pewter, brass, lead, iron, and stone artefacts. Most of these objects seem to have belonged to the ship's cargo and are tied to a European trade system reflecting economic, cultural, and symbolic behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate nature of ships and floating structures presents a significant challenge for ship designers when determining suitable structural dimensions for maritime applications. This study addresses a critical research gap by focusing on a three-cargo hold model for a multipurpose cargo ship. The complex composition of these structures, including stiffening plates, deck plates, bottom plates, frames, and bulkheads, necessitates thorough structural analysis to facilitate effective and cost-efficient design evaluation. To address this challenge, the research utilises FEMAP-integrated NX NASTRAN software (2021.2) to assess hull girder stress. Furthermore, a novel approach is introduced, integrating the Design of Experiments (DOE) principles within Minitab 21.4.1 software to identify critical parameters affecting hull girder stress and production costs. This method determined the top five key parameters influencing hull girder stress: Hatch coaming plate, Hatch coaming top plate, Main deck plate, Shear strake plate, and Bottom plate, while also highlighting key parameters that impact production costs: the inner bottom plate, Inner side shell plate, Bottom plate, Web frame spacing, and Side shell plate. Ship design optimisation is then carried out by incorporating regression equations from Minitab software into the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), which is managed using Python software (PyCharm Community Editon 2020.3.1). This optimisation process yields a significant 10% reduction in both ship weight and production costs compared to the previous design, achieved through prudent adjustments in plate thickness, web frame positioning, and stiffener arrangement. The optimally designed midship section undergoes rigorous validation to ensure conformity with industry standards and classification society regulations. Necessary adjustments to inner bottom plates and double bottom side girders are made to meet these stringent requirements. This research offers a comprehensive framework for the structural optimisation of ship hulls, potentially enhancing safety, sustainability, and competitiveness within the maritime engineering industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, real voyage data and ship specifications of a general cargo ship are employed, and it is assumed that diesel generators are replaced with hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The effect of the replacement on CO2, NOX, SOX, and PM emissions and the CII value is calculated. Emission calculations show that there is a significant reduction in emissions when hydrogen fuel cells are used instead of diesel generators on the case ship. By using hydrogen fuel cells, there is a 37.4% reduction in CO2 emissions, 32.5% in NOX emissions, 37.3% in SOX emissions, and 37.4% in PM emissions. If hydrogen fuel cells are not used instead of diesel generators, the ship will receive an A rating between 2023 and 2026, a B rating in 2027, a C rating in 2028–2029, and an E rating in 2030. On the other hand, if hydrogen fuel cells are used, the ship will always remain at an A rating between 2023 and 2030. The capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) of the fuel cell system are USD 1,305,720 and USD 2,470,320, respectively, for a 15-year lifetime, and the hydrogen fuel expenses are competitive at USD 260,981, while marine diesel oil (MDO) fuel expenses are USD 206,435. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative fuels of low or zero carbon content can decarbonise the shipping operations. This study aims at assessing the lifetime environmental-economic sustainability of ammonia and hydrogen, as alternatives to diesel fuel for short sea shipping cargo vessels. A model is employed to calculate key performance indicators representing the lifetime financial sustainability and environmental footprint of the case ship using a realistic operating profile and considering several scenarios with different diesel substitution rates. Scenarios meeting the carbon emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for 2030 are identified, whereas policy measures for their implementation including the emissions taxation are discussed. The derived results demonstrate that the future implementation of carbon emissions taxation in the ranges of 136–965 €/t for hydrogen and 356–2647 €/t for ammonia can support these fuels financial sustainability in shipping. This study provides insights for adopting zero-carbon fuels, and as such impacts the de-risking of shipping decarbonisation. [Display omitted] • Economic and environmental sustainability assessment of diesel fuel substitution. • Scenarios for addressing IMO decarbonisation targets with ammonia and hydrogen. • Hydrogen fuel prices below 700 €/t provide economic sustainability. • Carbon tax of 136 €/t for H 2 and 261 €/t for NH 3 is required to reach baseline NPV. • H 2 substitution scenarios over performs ammonia in economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation process reliability is a competitive advantage in the market of cargo delivery services. Transportation customers are interested in shipping cargoes within agreed timeframes and ensuring their safety. These are the two main parameters of transportation process reliability, compliance with which depends on a number of factors. In particular, changes in the external environment where road transportation companies operate inevitably affect the transportation process stability. The purpose of this study is to develop an approach to road transportation reliability and risk mitigation based on the digital twin concept. The variability of business processes is usually the reason for deviations from the transportation terms agreed with the customer. These deviations can be interpreted as failures in delivering cargoes. A prerequisite for ensuring smooth cargo transportation by a road transportation company is the reduction of deviations in the performance of its business processes. The article proposes methods of computer modeling and creating a digital twin of a company reflecting the reference business processes for transportation. As a result, various deviations from the reference digital model that business processes exhibit when there are changes in the external environment can be promptly identified and corrected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to implement timely sustainability solutions, road transportation is gradually transitioning to electric power. However, the maritime sector faces challenges in finding ways to shift towards more sustainable fuel. From the perspective of long-distance shipping, electric transport is economically impractical. Therefore, alternative solutions or proposals contributing to the global reduction of pollutant gas emissions in maritime transport are vitally important. This investigation aims to find solutions that enhance the ecological efficiency of intercontinental cargo ships. In this study, an assessment of a magnesium hydride coating was conducted as it is a prospective coating capable of reducing hydrodynamic resistance to save fuel. Due to MgH2's ability to release hydrogen at higher temperatures or during a reaction with water, it is expected that this could contribute to an enhancement of the Leidenfrost effect, maintaining a vapor layer on the surface. Samples prepared in situ via reactive magnetron sputtering were submitted to thermal analysis for dehydrogenation range evaluation and the experimental rig for critical (Leidenfrost) temperature identification. In conclusion, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis indicated that the volatile content, primarily hydrogen, in the sample reached approximately 13% by mass. The TG curve exhibited variations in MgH2 mass, with the most significant mass loss occurring at 300 °C. After conducting critical temperature experiments, the potential of MgO coating was observed to be greater than anticipated when compared to the main material, MgH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The average age of the global merchant fleet has been declining with the increasing number of new ship constructions and dismantled ships. Although a noteworthy part of ship dismantling and recycling (SDR) facilities have been performed in Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, SDR facilities have also been increasing in Türkiye. SDR facilities provide substantial economic income and employment opportunities. However, SDR facilities should have been performed in a certain systematic framework by taking necessary precautions since toxic substances from dismantled ships affect the environment and employees' health. That's why maritime authorities make an effort to sustain the SDR facilities in the best way in the sense of safety, health, and environment through the European Union (EU) Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR), Basel Convention, and Hong Kong Convention (HKC). In this paper, the global SDR facilities have been evaluated in terms of ship types and their gross tonnages (GTs) over the past 5 years among the leading countries. The number, type, economic life span, steel weight, and light displacement tonnage (LDT) of dismantled ships have been analyzed in Türkiye, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic process. To determine the most effective year in terms of SDR, the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method has been utilized based on scrap steel price, LDT, economic life span, number of dismantled ships, and steel structure weight coefficient of the ship by maritime experts. The year 2017 has been highlighted as the most effective year with a .909 rank value in the last 5 years. In addition to analysis results, the largest amount of scrap steel has been acquired from dry cargo ships, which is the most dismantled ship type under data getting from the SDR facilities in Türkiye. Temporary bans on cruises due to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused more than triple increments in the number of passenger ships (PS) dismantling. This paper will be a quite notable resource for experts, academics, and industry stakeholders in order to explore and compare the SDR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of magic is frequently used to discuss technology, a practice considered useful by some with others arguing that viewing technology as magic precludes a proper understanding of technology. The concept of magic is especially prominent in discussions of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Based on an anthropological perspective, this paper juxtaposes ML technology with magic, using descriptions drawn from a project on an ML-powered system for propulsion control of cargo ships. The paper concludes that prior scholarly work on technology has failed to both define magic adequately and use research into magic. It also argues that although the distinction between ML technology and magic is important, recognition of the similarities is useful for understanding ML technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, more than 1500 containers are lost around the world. These accidents are increasingly more common due to the boom of the shipping industry, presenting serious consequences for marine ecosystems and maritime navigation. This problem has alerted various international organisms to regulate these catastrophes, incorporating new regulations that will force cargo ships to report the loss of containers during its voyages. However, the lack of technological means that support compliance with this regulation may lead to these accidents continuing to affect the maritime sector. This article analyzes different electronic technologies for the prevention of collisions with floating containers, as well as their monitoring at a global level. The analysis carried out provides a glimpse of the possibility of developing a global monitoring system for containers lost at sea. This analysis compares both the opportunities and limitations of each of the proposed technologies, demonstrating how the current state-of-the-art technology has sufficient means to address this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-walled metal plates and cabin structures are widely found in ships and cargos which are susceptible to attacks or accidental explosions. The present work focuses on the dynamic response mechanism of steel plates under unconfined and confined blast loads. In the experiment, digital image correlation (DIC) technique was applied to record and analyze the dynamic response process of a large-scale field blast test. The DIC measured curve and the numerically calculated curves agree well in both trends and peak values. Then, the dynamic response mechanisms of steel plates under an unconfined blast (UB) load and confined blast (CB) load were compared and discussed. The results show that the dynamic response of plates can be divided into three phases under both UB and CB loads, with different mechanisms. In phase I, plastic hinges start from the center and move to the boundary in the UB condition, while in the case of CB, plastic hinges occur close to the boundary and move in the opposite direction. In phase II, two plastic hinge lines propagate towards each other, a platform exists between the boundary, and the central area remains undeformed in the UB condition, while in the CB condition, larger deformation occurs in the peripheral region rather than the central area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For large ships and offshore vessels, structural safety is verified through whole-ship analysis using commercial software. In the case of general oil tankers, classification rules for structural strength evaluation are uniformly applied. Structural strength evaluation is mainly divided into the cargo hold, fore-end, and aft-end parts. For the structural design of a cargo ship, it is important to calculate the design load and determine the thickness and size of the structural member. Structural FEA (Finite Element Analysis) is performed on only the cargo hold range as recommended by the CSR (Common Structure Rule). There is no FE analysis recommendation for either the aft- or the fore-end area. Therefore, structural safety is carried out based on existing design experience and engineer judgment. With previous approaches, it is difficult to clarify the safety of the aft-end part according to external loads such as hull girder load and local pressure. Recently, local buckling damage cases have investigated the aft-end of the shuttle tanker. Although this is a good example, it can be recognized that it is necessary to improve the accuracy of prediction when estimating the structural safety at the aft-end part. In this study, a novel FE-based evaluation methodology about buckling damage is proposed. In order to conduct a structural strength verification based on FE analysis modeling, reasonable solutions for load conditions, boundary conditions, modeling methods, and evaluation criteria are presented. This result is expected to be helpful in examining the structural strength of the aft-end part of similar carriers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most of the current dynamic positioning systems are based on model ships, they cannot accurately reflect the motion state, position changes, and mutual influence of each part of the dynamic positioning system of actual ships in complex environments. Other actual ships such as cargo ships cannot add various sensors and auxiliary equipment to verify and analyze the positioning system. This article takes the intelligent research and training dual-use ship of Dalian Maritime University, which integrates scientific research and training, as the object of study. This ship will not be affected by the voyage period and route and can choose a suitable sea area for research. Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic positioning system, research on the ship's dynamic positioning system was carried out. Firstly, an accurate mathematical model was developed to simulate ship motion, focusing on the use of the Dalian Maritime University's intelligent and practical training dual-purpose vessel as the modeling object. Through this approach, a more detailed understanding of the effects of actual environmental perturbations on ship control and positioning can be obtained, as well as more realistic ship control and positioning results. The hydrodynamic derivatives of ship model motion were obtained by numerical calculation and applied to the three-degree-of-freedom model of the intelligent research and training dual-use ship. Then, the model was used as part of the closed-loop simulation model of the ship's dynamic positioning system, and the terminal sliding mode controller was used for simulation and emulation, thereby obtaining ideal simulation test results. Our results deepen the understanding of DPS accuracy and are consistent with the theory of terminal slip modes for ship power positioning control systems. This has implications for improving the accuracy of ship power positioning systems, as previously discussed in previous authors. In conclusion, this study not only improves the accuracy and reliability of the DPS but also proposes the use of the terminal slip film for a ship power positioning control system modeled on the Dalian Maritime University intelligent and practical dual-purpose vessel. These contributions are significant in improving the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of ship operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shipping and maritime transportation have gradually gained a key role in worldwide economical strategies and modern business models. The realization of Smart Shipping (SMS) powered by advanced 6G communication networks, as well as innovative Machine Learning (ML) solutions, has recently become the focal point in the maritime sector. However, conventional centralized learning schemes are unsuitable in the maritime domain, due to considerable data communication overhead, stringent energy constraints, increased transmission failures in the harsh propagation environment, as well as data privacy concerns. Methods: To overcome these challenges, we propose the joint adoption of Federated Learning (FL) principles and the utilization of the Over-the-Air computation (AirComp) wireless transmission framework. Thus, this paper initially describes the mathematical considerations of a 6G maritime communication system, focusing on the heterogeneity of the relevant nodes and the channel models, including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-aided relaying model that is usually required in maritime communications. The communication network, enhanced with the AirComp technique for efficiency purposes, forms the technical basis for the collaborative learning across multiple Internet of Maritime Things (IoMT) nodes in FL tasks. The workflow of the FL/ AirComp scheme is illustrated and proposed as a communication-efficient and privacy-aware SMS framework, considering spectrum and energy efficiency aspects under a sum transmitting power constraint. Results: Then, the performance of the proposed methodology is assessed in an important ML task, related to intelligent maritime transportation systems, namely, the prediction of the Cargo Ship Propulsion Power using real data originating from six cargo ships and utilizing long-short-term-memory (LSTM) neural networks. Upon extensive experimentation, FL showed higher prediction accuracy relative to the typical Ensemble Learning technique by a factor of 3.04. The AirComp system performance was evaluated under varying noise conditions and number of IoMT nodes, using simulation data for the channel state information by regulating the power of the transmitting IoMT entities and the scaling factor at the shore base station. Discussion: The results clearly indicate the efficiency of the proposed FL/AirComp scheme in achieving low computation error, collaborative learning, spectrum efficiency and privacy protection in wireless maritime communications, while providing adequate accuracy levels with respect to the optimization objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern cargo vessel transport constitutes an important part of global economy; hence it is of paramount importance to develop novel, more efficient reliability methods for cargo ships, especially if onboard recorded data is available. Classic reliability methods, dealing with timeseries, do not have the advantage of dealing efficiently with system high dimensionality and cross-correlation between different dimensions. This study validates novel structural reliability method suitable for multi-dimensional structural systems versus a well-established bivariate statistical method. An example of this reliability study was a chosen container ship subjected to large deck panel stresses during sailing. Risk of losing containers, due to extreme motions is the primary concern for ship cargo transport. Due to non-stationarity and complicated nonlinearities of both waves and ship motions, it is challenging to model such a phenomenon. In the case of extreme motions, the role of nonlinearities dramatically increases, activating effects of second and higher order. Moreover, laboratory tests may also be questioned. Therefore, data measured on actual ships during their voyages in harsh weather provides a unique insight into statistics of ship motions. This study aimed at benchmarking and validation of the state-of-the-art method, which enables extraction of the necessary information about the extreme system dynamics from onboard measured time histories. The method proposed in this study opens up broad possibilities of predicting simply, yet efficiently potential failure or structural damage risks for the nonlinear multi-dimensional cargo vessel dynamic systems as a whole. Note that advocated novel reliability method can be used for a wide range of complex engineering systems, thus not limited to cargo ship only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, fires aboard roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ships result in costly damage to ships and their cargo and, fortunately less frequently, in tragic loss of life. On the other hand, statistical studies have shown that a large proportion of major fire accidents originated in the vehicle decks. To improve the issue of vehicle-deck fires on board ro-ro ships, a performance-based simulation tool was developed to quantify the consequences of these fires on people, ship, and cargo. This tool combines a deterministic computational fluid dynamics model to assess the fire consequences in the vehicle decks and open areas of the ship; a stochastic network model in the accommodation spaces; and a deterministic evacuation model to evaluate the consequences of fire to people on board. This article briefly presents the numerical tools used and their extension to ro-ro ships, then the results obtained for selected fire scenarios on two generic ro-ro ships, varying the location of the fire source, wind conditions, and including one accidental situation due to a loss of integrity of the insulation at the ceiling of the deck from which the fire originated and one scenario where some openings of this deck were closed. People evacuation was simulated for the accidental scenario. Fire consequences are further evaluated in terms of human survivability, in compliance with the life safety performance criteria of the International Maritime Organization, damage to the ship and cargo. A qualitative comparison with reported accident data is presented to assess the consistency of model results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary research findings suggest that the successful integration of advanced autonomous technologies in cargo ships could provide safer shipping and provide economical benefits. However, the fact that ships can sail with the assistance of autonomous technologies is not sufficient evidence alone to comprehend the promises of autonomous systems for maritime transport operations. Simultaneously, the entire global maritime transport system must also adapt to the advanced autonomous technologies and act interoperable with ships. In this context, this study aims to examine the areas of interoperability requirements with ports for the effective and integrated operation of autonomous cargo ships. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the operational context in which ships and ports interact is determined, and their interoperability in an autonomous maritime transport scenario is analysed. The present study contains the application of a survey questionnaire reflecting the views of experts dealing with ship and port operations. The data collected by the survey questionnaire are analysed by applying multiple regression analysis methods, utilising the IBM SPSS program. This study is in a pioneer position to define the interoperability characteristics to improve port operations to work in harmony with autonomous ships. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to shaping the future of smart and autonomous freight transport and logistics. • Autonomous ships promise safer and more economical shipping. • Autonomous ships must provide operational adaptation with the components of the maritime transport system to operate more effectively. • Ships and ports can be interoperable in communication, pilotage, navigation, berthing, cargo handling, and documentation. • Current technologies and R&D studies should be improved to transition to autonomous shipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIS ship-type code categorizes ships into broad classes, such as fishing, passenger, and cargo, yet struggles with finer distinctions among cargo ships, such as bulk carriers and containers. Different ship types significantly impact acceleration, steering performance, and stopping distance, thus making precise identification of unfamiliar ship types crucial for maritime monitoring. This study introduces an original classification study based on AIS data for cargo ships, presenting a classifier tailored for bulk carriers, containers, general cargo, and vehicle carriers. The model's efficacy was tested within the Changhua Wind Farm Channel using eight classification algorithms across tree-structure-based, proximity-based, and regression-based categories and employing standard metrics (Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-score) to assess the performance. The results show that tree-structure-based algorithms, particularly XGBoost and Random Forest, demonstrated superior performance. This study also implemented a feature selection strategy with five methods, revealing that a model trained with only four features (three ship-geometric features and one trajectory behavior feature) can achieve high accuracy. Conclusively, the classifier effectively overcame the challenges of limited AIS data labels, achieving a classification accuracy of 97% for ships in the Changhua Wind Farm Channel. These results are pivotal in identifying abnormal ship behavior, highlighting the classifier's potential for maritime monitoring applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety assessment of ship cargo securing systems is of significant importance in preventing casualties, vessel instability, and economic losses resulting from the failure of securing systems during transportation in adverse sea conditions. In this study, an independently designed cylindrical cargo securing scheme with supporting structures was adopted for investigation. Utilizing a sway device, three-degree-of-freedom coupled motion encountered during ship transportation was obtained, and data regarding changes in the support forces at the foundations and tension forces in the lashing ropes were collected. Subsequently, numerical simulations were conducted using the multibody dynamics software ADAMS 2020. The results obtained from the simulations were compared with the experimental data. The overall tendencies were accurately predicted in the numerical analysis. It was observed that the difference of the peak support forces between the numerical simulation results and the experimental data were within a 10% margin. In terms of the lashing ropes, the difference was limited, within 9%. These findings demonstrate that numerical simulation techniques can provide valuable insights for verifying the safety of practical cargo securing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cargo ships with wide hatches usually have thin walls and limited torsional rigidity. Consequently, conducting a comprehensive torsional analysis is important because these loads can exert a significant impact. In this paper, the structural response of a multipurpose cargo ship to combined bending and torsional loads is studied using finite element analysis. The bending and torsional moments are calculated following the rules and standard regulations followed by the classification society. The ship's 3D finite element model was verified using beam theory and direct calculations. In contrast, the accuracy of torsional stress was confirmed by comparing thin wall girder theory with direct calculation results. This study thoroughly examined the impacts of the still water bending moment, the vertical wave bending moment, and the wave-induced torsional moment on the structural response of ships. Furthermore, it scrutinised the impact of torsion on both open-deck and closed-deck ships. Hull girder normal stresses at midship due to still water and the vertical wave bending moment are shown to contribute to almost 70% of total stress in an inclined condition; stresses resulting from the horizontal wave bending moment contribute nearly 10%, while warping stresses contribute approximately 20% in open-deck ships. It is also shown that torsion has little impact on closed-deck ships. Finally, a buckling analysis was conducted to assess the ship's buckling criteria, confirming that the linear buckling criteria were satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Strategic Issues of Northern Hungary ECONOMY-REGION-SOCIETY / Észak-magyarországi Stratégiai Füzetek GAZDASAG-REGIO-TARSADALOM is the property of University of Miskolc, Faculty of Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The low level of the ships' load factor (LF) in the Maluku archipelago region can be attributed to the lack of compatibility between ship loads and the available cargo potential in the region. Therefore, the implementation of an optimal sailing pattern is required. The sailing pattern of the ship can be optimal if it can carry cargo according to the available potential because this circumstance can improve sailing efficiency. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal sailing pattern according to the potential of the Maluku region to support the maritime highway program in Maluku. Firstly, Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision Making (Fuzzy MADM) was used to determine the optimal model of ship operating patterns in the Maluku archipelago region. Secondly, a time series correlation analysis was conducted to identify patterns and correlations among the data. This analysis provides insights into the relationships between different variables over time. Thirdly, another analysis was performed using the Cobb-Douglas production theory to identify the influencing variables on the number of ship visits (Call), ship deadweight tonnage (DWT), and ship cargo potential (QS). The results show that the selection of the best ship operating pattern using the recommended Fuzzy MADM method is a mixed sailing pattern, namely regular and tramper sailing. In addition, increasing the productivity of QS_R+T and DWT ships will have a positive effect on ship visits in a certain time unit. If the potential growth of positive cargo QS_R+T > Call and DWT, then it is important to build new ships with optimal DWT so as to increase ship efficiency in supporting the maritime highway program. This research provides a significant contribution to the development of an efficient and sustainable national logistics system, as well as being a policy reference for decision-making related to the sailing pattern and the development of the maritime highway program in Maluku. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inland ships usually face some additional restrictions in comparison to sea-going ships. Apart from the regulations imposed by each country, the effect of restricted waterways governs the major ship design constraints. For this reason, designing energy-efficient inland ships incorporating shallow water effects is very challenging. There is little research done to overcome these challenges; most of them lack the comparison of improved design with the existing one. This paper has analyzed 1634 general cargo ships from existing Bangladeshi inland cargo ships' data and considered 281 ships only for performance evaluation after data verification. The selected cargo ships were further assessed by using revised Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) parameters applicable for inland ships of Bangladesh. Fuel efficient and less CO2 emitter efficient cargo ships were identified. After considering the effect of shallow water, a set of ship design suggestions is proposed. These suggestions were validated by redesigning an existing cargo ship based on the suggestions and comparing their resistance with the parent hulls. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to calculate the ship resistances and it is found that a 13% reduction in total resistance can be achieved simply by choosing improved principal particulars based on the proposed design suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to discuss the associations elaborated by riverine interlocutors between infrastructures and the landscape in which they occur, within the context of climate change in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. Here, we debate the relational character of infrastructures, and how they act as important markers of river seasonality, landscape, people's existence, and practices from the perspective of the accessed riverine people. This paper's discussion is supported by qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and field notes from two riverine communities in the Amazonas state: Tumbira and Lago do Catalão. Inspired by authors who dialogue with Social Studies of Science and Technology and discuss infrastructures, their effects, their relational and ontological character, we seek to identify entanglements of landscape and infrastructure, and their implications in the practices and ways of living of riverine Amazonian people. Elements such as gas pipelines, power transmission lines, hydroelectric plants, cargo ships, and highways emerge, affect, and are affected in these entangled landscapes in the eyes of the riverine people. They merge with other entanglements such as the rivers and creeks that perform the riverine landscape and life. Thus, they induce reflections on such relationships and the affectations permeated by fears, wishes, and (dis)trust of their operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report examines the feasibility and impact of retrofitting the bulbous bow on a general cargo ship, in terms of the energy efficiency operational index (EEOI), in the areas of Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Three ship forms were developed and analysed: with a bulbous bow, without a bulbous bow, and with a modified bulbous bow. The goal in developing the ship forms and conducting the analysis was to achieve minimal differences in the ship's characteristics with the same volumetric displacement, aided by PolyCAD software. A route was selected between two ports: Varna and Rotterdam. The labour intensity of the bulbous bow retrofitting process was evaluated and approximate values of labours costs and cost for the task were determined. The results obtained for resistance during ship motion, EEOI, and fuel consumption reductions, or increases, were compared against the retrofitting values. The return cost of retrofitting is evaluated and measured in terms of fuel saved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay develops the idea of salvage as a material practice around ships' cargo and as an archival epistemology. Using a legal court case concerning 43 million dollars worth of silver bars salvaged from the wreck of the SS Tilawa, a website constructed by the son of one of the survivors of the wreck, and the Facebook story of drowned South African cadet Akhona Marara Felicity Geveza, the essay centers the nonevent that unfolded in the wake of the supposed catastrophe. It focuses on the role of economic extraction in creating the historically entangled Indian and African diasporas. The piece insists on salvage as a material practice, as a methodology, and as a mode of temporality that oscillates between the cacophony of a present and the silence of shadowy depths. The threading throughout the essay of the autobiographical, mainly through readings of the author's Indian father's unpublished memoirs as he journeyed from India to Pretoria, stresses the role of misremembering and the tangibility of an archive contained in pillowcases and written in fading ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Projekt-Management Aktuell is the property of Narr Francke Attempto Verlag GmbH & Co.KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The non-compliance of ballast water management is a global concern due to the environmental risks associated with the transfer of harmful organism and sediment contaminant in ballast water. This study examined the physicochemical parameters of ballast water samples collected from selected ships docked in the Onne river with the aim of investigating the ballast water compliance and heavy metal concentration content. The investigated parameters include, temperature, salinity, total suspended solids, hydrogen ions concentration, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals. The result shows varying concentration of parameters and total concentration of heavy metals, in increasing order from ship 4 > ship 3 > ship 2 > ship 1 (27.897 > 20.941 > 16.636 > 16.586) and according to the distance from the loading ports to ships destination port. The highest concentration of heavy metals was recorded for Zinc (Zn) (S4 = 6.820, S = 5.080, S = 6.050 and S1 = 3.500) and lead (Pd) (S4 = 21.010, S3 = 15.800, S2 = 10.550, S1 = 12.500). The analytical results revealed a complex parameter, the salinity and dissolved oxygen were higher in samples collected from offshore vessels and general cargo ships but decreased substantially with other samples and traced to certain reasons. This study shows the need for policy makers and maritime regulators to constantly monitor the qualities of ballast water discharged in the Nigeria ports and developing management strategy towards achieving BWM compliance in ships dock in the port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]