International Maritime Organization Research Articles

Control system optimisation of biodiesel-based gas turbine for ship propulsion

<p>Reducing a gas emission of shipping transportations become a main goal of international maritime organization to achieve a clean energy. One of best scenarios to achieve this goal is to shift a fossil fuel to a renewable energy-based fuel of a ship propulsion. This paper studies an optimization of a control system of the renewable-based small gas turbine engine for the ship propulsion. Proposed control system consists of a proportional-integral with engine performance limiters to avoid an engine damage. Proportional-integral gains are tuned by a whale optimization algorithm. A gain scheduling analysis of a step response is performed to obtain a searching area of tuning parameters and values of constant gains. In this step, the gains are modeled as function of plant variables. After the searching area is obtained, the proportional-integral gains are optimized using the whale optimization algorithm while the additional gains are set as constant values. Using this scenario, stable and optimal gains have been successfully achieved. Results show that the proposed method has better performance than that of the previous methods, i.e. gain scheduling and gain scheduling optimized by the whale optimization algorithm. The proposed method has lowest fitness value and does not have an overshoot problem.</p>

Comprehensive Analysis of Maritime Cybersecurity Landscape Based on the NIST CSF v2.0

As technology advances and digitalization becomes more prevalent in the industry, the cyber threats to maritime systems and operations have significantly increased. The maritime sector relies heavily on interconnected networks, communication systems, and sophisticated technologies for its operations, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals, nation-states, and other threat actors. Safeguarding the maritime sector against cyber threats is crucial to ensuring the safety, integrity, and efficiency of maritime operations as well as for protecting sensitive information and global trade. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has played a significant role in addressing cybersecurity issues, leading to the implementation of regulations aimed at risk reduction. This paper delves into the realm of cybersecurity within the maritime industry, offering an in-depth analysis of its various aspects through an extensive literature review based on the latest Version 2.0 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) functional areas. The primary objective is to establish a connection between research and NIST’s functions and categories, thereby presenting a nascent perspective and identifying existing security research gaps. Through the adoption of this strategic approach, the present paper aims to cultivate a forward-looking and proactive state of maturity in anticipation of future developments within the maritime industry. The outcomes of this research can provide valuable reference points in academic discourse, potentially leading to new hypotheses, and fuel innovation in developing advanced cybersecurity measures within the maritime industry.

Weld Zone Analysis Based on FCAW Mechanical Characteristics and Heat Transfer Analysis of 316L Stainless Steel for Liquefied Hydrogen Tanks.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently rolling out more restrictive regulations in order to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In response, the shipping industry is planning to pivot to green energy sources such as hydrogen fuel. However, since hydrogen has an extremely low boiling point (-253 °C), materials for storing liquid hydrogen must be highly resistant to low-temperature brittleness and hydrogen embrittlement. A 316L stainless steel is a typical material that meets these requirements, and various welds have been studied. In this study, 3 pass butt welding was performed by applying the FCAW (flux cored arc welding) process to 10 mm thick ASTM-A240M-316L stainless steel, with the size of the fusion zone and HAZ investigated by mechanical testing and heat transfer FE analysis according to process variables, such as heat input, welding speed, and the number of passes. In all cases, the yield and tensile strengths were about 10% and 3% higher than the base metal, respectively. Furthermore, heat transfer FE analysis showed an average error rate of 1.3% for penetration and 10.5% for width and confirmed the size of the HAZ, which experienced temperatures between 500 °C and 800 °C.

Evaluation of constraints for investment in NOx emission technologies: case study on Greek bulk carrier owners

PurposeThe maritime industry is the transport mode that contributes most to air pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) identified the reduction of air pollution by ships as a crucial issue. Since 1 January 2020, ships have had to adopt strategies and new technologies to eliminate air pollution. However, ship compliance with nitrate oxide (NOx) emission restrictions is more challenging. This paper aims to identify shipowners' challenges in investing in new technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applied a hybrid methodology combining a survey, a balanced scorecard and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) to identify and evaluate constraints and weights in investment decision-making for NOx technologies. A survey was carried out to validate constraints.FindingsA survey was carried out, representing 5.1% of Greek-owned ships by deadweight capacity. The findings provide a weighted list of seven crucial technical and economic constraints faced by ship operators. The constraints vary from ship retrofit expenditure to crew training and waste management. Additionally, NOx emission technologies were compared. It was found that liquefied natural gas is the preferred investment option for the survey participants compared with selective catalytic reduction, exhaust gas recirculation and batteries.Originality/valueSeveral studies have dealt with the individual technical feasibility of NOx reduction technologies. However, apart from technical feasibility for a shipowner, the selection of a NOx technology has several managerial and safety risks. Therefore, the originality of this paper is to reveal those constraints that have a higher weight on shipowners. With this cost-benefit approach, investment challenges for ship operators are revealed. Policymakers can benefit from the results of the employed methodology.

Modernisation of Domestic Ro-Ro Passenger Ships Operating in the Philippines

This paper forms part of a wider study in the form of a Formal Safety Assessment of the domestic passenger ships operating in the Philippines, undertaken on behalf of the Philippines Government, and financed by the World Bank and the International Maritime Organisation. The paper focuses on design deficiencies of the domestic RoPax ships, primarily in damage stability. The process of ship selection for representation of the wider fleet risk assessment is explained, leading to one medium RoPax and one large RoPax, typical of some 500 of these ships, serving the open sea domestic trade in the Philippines. To this end, the selected designs have been subjected to a systematic process of damage stability and flooding risk analysis in order to identify design vulnerabilities, leading to risk estimation in the form of Potential Loss of Life. A number of risk control options have then been identified, enabling a thorough risk assessment and identification of cost effective RCOs, as well as impact assessment, using IMO risk acceptance criteria as basis. Despite the poor state of the domestic Ro-Ro passenger vessels operating in the Philippines, many of these aged, badly retrofitted, poorly maintained, and operated, it has been possible to identify cost-effective design solutions to raise the damage stability (and safety) standard of these ships to international standards of newly designed ships; it seems an unprecedented achievement, but evidently true. This presents the Philippine Government and the owners of these vessels with a unique opportunity to upgrade their domestic fleet of RoPax vessels and showcase these against the best in the world. Because of the similarity in the approach, the selection of risk control options and the overall analysis adopted, only one of the typical RoPax vessels selected is presented in this paper.

Decarbonization strategies in the maritime industry: An analysis of dual-fuel engine performance and the carbon intensity indicator

This study is based on detailed data from 11 sea voyages over three years to determine the impact of liquefied natural gas (LNG) use on the decarbonization pathway in maritime transportation. The research detailed the vessel's daily fuel consumption, CO2 emission inventories, and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). The decision tree method used to evaluate this complex dataset highlights the possible contributions of LNG to maritime energy efficiency and sustainability. While the findings show that LNG reduces CO2 emissions by around 30 %, it is insufficient to meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2050 targets. The study concludes that LNG should be an important transition fuel until the mid-2030s. However, the maritime sector needs multi-pronged strategies such as technological innovations, stringent regulations and sectoral collaborations to achieve a decarbonized future. This research provides a comprehensive analysis assessing the potential of LNG to achieve the IMO 2050 targets in the context of maritime decarbonization strategies.

Safeguarding maritime transport: disclosing the paradox of safety in domestic ferry operations

ABSTRACT The domestic ferry sector plays a significant role in transportation but faces complex challenges requiring a comprehensive examination within a sociotechnical systems framework. This study explores into the inherent paradoxes of the sector, analyzing the interplay between safety dynamics and operational exigencies. Through a systematic review across micro (firm/operations), meso (industry), and macro (national/global) levels, it uncovers a landscape where safety awareness competes with operational demands, creating a paradoxical coexistence. Micro-level challenges like poor enforcement and inadequate safety awareness lead to noncompliance and unsafe practices, as seen in incidents like the Eastern Star tragedy. Strategic planning is vital for long-term industry improvements, requiring policymakers to address regulatory complexities. Interconnected dynamics across meso and macro levels highlight the International Maritime Organization's role in shaping safety standards and policy evolution. Insights into transitioning to international safety standards highlight the need for attitudinal shifts aligned with proactive risk management. This research provides a holistic view of challenges (Themes A to C) and enablers (Themes D to F), traversing micro, meso, and macro levels. By advocating for cross-industry collaboration and emphasizing a more secure and sustainable future for the domestic ferry sector, contributes significantly to the enhancement of safety and sustainable operations.

Using biophysical modelling and marine connectivity to assess the risk of natural dispersal of non-indigenous species to comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention

The introduction of Marine Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) poses a significant threat to global marine biodiversity and ecosystems. To mitigate this risk, the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) was adopted by the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO), setting strict criteria for discharges of ballast water. However, the BWMC permits exemptions for shipping routes operating within a geographical area, known as a Same-Risk-Area (SRA). An SRA can be established in areas where a risk assessment (RA) can conclude that the spread of NIS via ballast water is low relative to the predicted natural dispersal. Despite the BWMC's requirement for RAs to be based on modelling of the natural dispersal of NIS, no standard procedures have been established. This paper presents a methodology utilizing biophysical modelling and marine connectivity analyses to conduct SRA RA and delineation. Focusing on the Kattegat and Øresund connecting the North Sea and Baltic Sea, we examine two SRA candidates spanning Danish and Swedish waters. We provide an example on how to conduct an RA including an RA summary, and addressing findings, challenges, and prospects. Our study aims to advance the development and adoption of consistent, transparent, and scientifically robust SRA assessments for effective ballast water management.

Bayesian Network Analysis of Industrial Accident Risk for Fishers on Fishing Vessels Less Than 12 m in Length

The Marine Stewardship Council estimates that approximately 38 million people worldwide work in fisheries, and more than one-third of the global population is dependent on aquatic products for protein, highlighting the importance of sustainable fisheries. The FISH Safety Foundation reports that 300 fishers die every day. To achieve sustainable fisheries as a primary industry, the safety of human resources is of the utmost importance. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have made efforts towards this goal, including the issuance of agreements and guidelines to reduce industrial accidents among fishing vessel workers. The criterion for applying these guidelines is usually a total ship length ≥12 m or ≥24 m. However, a vast majority of registered fishing vessels are <12 m long, and the fishers of these vessels suffer substantially more industrial accidents. Thus, we conducted a quantitative analysis of 1093 industrial accidents affecting fishers on fishing vessels <12 m in length, analyzed risk using a Bayesian network analysis (a method proposed by the Formal Safety Assessment of the IMO), and administered a questionnaire survey to a panel of experts in order to ascertain the risk for different types of industrial accidents and propose specific measures to reduce this risk.

Problems and development prospects of “green” logistics of maritime transport in the Russian Federation

Shipping is one of the industries that lags far behind others in environmental sustainability, especially when it comes to reducing the harmful impact on the environment, which makes the problem relevant. The article presents the concept of “green” logistics and its principles used in business practices. Current key problems of maritime transport related to environmental logistics and new requirements of the International Maritime Organisation are described. The experience of applying “green” technologies by foreign companies in the maritime industry has been analysed. It shows that electrification and decarbonisation can be successfully introduced into business practice and lead to improved environmental performance. The state of seaport infrastructure and vessels in the Russian Federation was studied. Certain Russian projects following “green” logistics trends are presented with description of the implemented systems, technologies, and new equipment. Conclusions are made about the potential of “green” logistics in Russia in the future: reduction of negative environmental impact, increase of competitiveness of Russian companies and new opportunities for business development.

Strong economic incentives of ship scrubbers promoting pollution

In response to stricter regulations on ship air emissions, many shipowners have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers, allowing for use of cheap residual heavy fuel oil. Scrubbers produce large volumes of acidic and polluted water that is discharged to the sea. Due to environmental concerns, the use of scrubbers is being discussed within the International Maritime Organization. Real-world simulations of global scrubber-vessel activity, applying actual fuel costs and expenses related to scrubber operations, show that 51% of the global scrubber-fitted fleet reached economic break even by the end of 2022, with a surplus of €4.7 billion in 2019 euros. Within five years after installation, more than 95% of the ships with the most common scrubber systems reach break even. However, the marine ecotoxicity damage cost, from scrubber water discharge in the Baltic Sea Area 2014–2022, amounts to >€680 million in 2019 euros, showing that private economic interests come at the expense of marine environmental damage.

Examining effects of sample concentration on estimates of live phytoplankton abundance

With the entry into force of the International Maritime Organization's International Ballast Water Management Convention in September 2017, ships have begun to install and operate onboard ballast water management systems (BWMS) to reduce the number of live organisms in ballast water. Scientific methods were developed to assess the effectiveness of BWMS at reducing the number of live organisms in ballast water. However, detecting low organism concentrations in treated ballast water is challenging when considering the small sample volume (6 mL) analyzed for organisms in the 10–50 μm size class. The volume analyzed can be increased by concentrating the sample prior to analysis, but it is important to assess the effects of the sample concentration method due to potential cell loss experienced during the concentration step. Therefore, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of a gravity filtration method to concentrate samples to a factor of 40:1. Experiments were conducted for both low and high organism abundances. For unpreserved samples at low organism abundances (∼10 cells mL−1), concentrated samples had on average 31% fewer live cells mL−1 than unconcentrated samples for four out of five experiments. At high organism abundances (≥ 120 cells mL−1), unpreserved concentrated samples had on average 55% fewer live cells than unconcentrated samples. Alternatively, with preserved samples at low organism abundances, concentrated samples had on average 4.5× more cells than unconcentrated samples. At high organism abundances, concentrated samples had on average 6.4× more cells than unconcentrated samples. Differences were also observed between preserved and unpreserved samples. These findings can help to improve ballast water monitoring procedures and BWMS assessments, addressing a critical challenge to maritime environmental protection.

Maritime cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific: envisioning a role for the Quad

ABSTRACT Digitalization in the maritime industry has exposed offshore vessels and onshore maritime assets to increasing cyberattacks by malicious actors. The problem is particularly acute in the geopolitically fraught Indo-Pacific, a region through which 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes. The inadequacy of the international regulatory ecosystem centered around the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other challenges have only compounded the problem. This paper argues that the Quad is most suited to address the issue of maritime cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific. It proposes the creation of a hybrid body composed of the Quad, like-minded littoral states and maritime industry bodies from the Indo-Pacific for thwarting, responding to, and recovering from cyberattacks in the region. It argues that a localized regional response by the Quad would be preferable over unilateral measures by states or waiting for the IMO’s regulation in the form of a code or convention.

Forensic, medical and legal problems and solutions on passenger and cargo ships

Marine vehicles have an important place in international trade and tourism. There are various directives and studies on the prevention of health problems in marine vessels and injuries and deaths due to occupational accidents. In the literature, not enough studies have been found in which the issues to be considered in cases of injuries, sexual assaults, accidents, suicides and murders that are common in forensic medicine practice, and there are no guidelines or recommendations of internationally accepted organizations. It is important to determine the seafarer who is responsible for intervening in health emergencies on cargo ships, and to detect faulty ones, if any, in work accidents that result in serious injury and death. In addition, injuries, suicides and murders are encountered among the crew, and crime scene findings are lost until they are evaluated by the judicial authorities. Although rare, sexual assaults on cargo ships are also reported, but there are not enough scientific studies that indicate what should be done in terms of evidence evaluation. Our study emphasizes the issues to be considered, that one of the crew should be held responsible and necessary training should be given in order to make a forensic medical evaluation in forensic events that will be encountered on cargo ships, and that physicians and health workers should be competent in the first forensic medical evaluation in case of emergency on passenger ships. It is thought that the launch of the telemedicine application, which provides uninterrupted service for forensic medical emergencies in maritime vessels, under the leadership of organizations such as the “International Maritime Organization” (IMO), will make a significant contribution. In addition, suggestions are made for legal impasses in such cases that take place in high seas.

PRIVATELY CONTRACTED ARMED SECURITY COMPANIES IN MERCHANT SHIPPING

Armed private security companies have recently become a method used by maritime companies to combat piracy, or attempted to do so if permitted by flag states. This issue has been regulated to a certain extent by the guiding regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but there are still clarification issues such as liability, jurisdiction, sovereignty and insurance. On this page, the current situation has been identified and maintenance-related solutions have been researched.

Validity of Capital Structure Theories in the Shipping Industry: An Application on U.S. Equity Markets

This paper analyses the financial factors that affect the capital structure decisions of 29 shipping companies in the U.S. equity markets. The study focuses on the impact of International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and new initiatives. The results show that leverage has a negative impact on profitability and size, in contrast to tangibility. It is also confirmed that the decisions of shipping companies regarding capital structure align with the pecking order theory of capital structure.

Effects of Wars on Merchant Seafarers: Study on Experiences and Concerns in the Russia-Ukraine War

Merchant seafarers, the key workers of the global economy as stated by the International Maritime Organization, are becoming targets of armed attacks, even if they have nothing to do with weapons. Several ships have been assaulted, and their crew members have suffered in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war in the Black Sea. There is a developing area of interest in the mental well-being of seafarers; however, current studies mostly focus on the effects of piracy. This research aims to offer a novel model that may identify the effects of war on seafarers, and the importance of each contributing factor that may potentially induce a concern in merchant seafarers. According to the results, financial pressures dominated over other sources of concern, which include life safety risks. The findings of this study may offer valuable data to policymakers for developing strategies with respect to the protection and well-being of seafarers.

The role of the UN institutional mechanism in ensuring ecological energy

The UN occupies a key place in the system of international organizations, coordinating international cooperation on a wide range of issues of international life. Accordingly, it is not surprising that its role is also important in the regulation of ecological energy.
 The ecological energy sector has become one of the relatively new spheres of international law development. It covers the aspects of renewable energy sources, alternative fuels, ecologically safe mechanisms of using fossil fuels that do not cause excessive damage to the environment.
 Since the 1950s, the UN Economic and Social Council was the first to raise the issue of «new energy sources» in its documents, among which renewable sources were also distinguished. It also initiated the first scientific conference on RES.
 Later, the General Assembly and the UN Security Council joined the process, the first of which initiated the annual holding of UN international conferences on renewable energy sources, and annually adopted resolutions to support RES in the world. In the future, by creating auxiliary bodies, they promoted ecological energy within the framework of sustainable development, such as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The UN Security Council mainly considers energy issues in their connection with aspects of peace and security, for example, in the field of energy security, or bodies responsible for violations.
 Specialized institutions of the UN system also take an active part in the implementation of the concept of ecologically oriented energy. Suffice it to mention that the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 authorized the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and ICAO to establish sectoral requirements for countering greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with their competence. For ten years, UNESCO acted as the head of the World Solar Program, contributing to the implementation of Kharar Declaration on Solar Energy and Sustainable Development of 1996.
 FAO, as an organization dealing with issues of food and agriculture, has focused its attention on such a segment of renewable energy as the implementation of bioenergy programs. UNIDO focused on energy issues as the basis of sustainable industrial development. It prioritizes three aspects of energy: rural energy for production purposes with an emphasis on the use of RES, energy efficiency and climate change.
 Accordingly, within the framework of the UN, a rather extensive system of bodies and organizations has been created, which are engaged in the implementation of the tasks of ecologically oriented energy. Unfortunately, all these bodies do not have the corresponding specialized competences; they solve these tasks only within the limits of their own competence. Also, currently there is no single body for coordinating the tasks of EOE within the framework of the UN system.

Enhancement of Maritime Sector Decarbonization through the Integration of Fishing Vessels into IMO Energy Efficiency Measures

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.

Challenges for the Education and Training of Seafarers in the Context of Autonomous Shipping: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review

The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of autonomous technologies, which brings new challenges and opportunities for the education and training of seafarers. This article aims to examine the evolving landscape of autonomous ships and its impact on maritime education, with a focus on the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. The levels of autonomy defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provide a framework for understanding the evolution towards fully autonomous ships and highlight the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. Using a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), this study examines maritime education for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). Using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on seafarer training and the impact of automation in the maritime sector. The analysis included bibliometric assessments, historical reviews and a categorization of research topics. This systematic review contributes to a deeper understanding of the current state and trends in maritime education for autonomous shipping. The findings inform educators and industry stakeholders about the critical aspects of education and training needed to address the challenges and realize the potential benefits of autonomous technologies in the maritime sector. The inclusion of bibliometric analysis enriches the study by providing a comprehensive overview of the researchers.