Maritime Sector Research Articles

The effect of heave-face plates on FOWT heave motion: Fluid dynamic analysis

Renewable energy technology is a topic that has often been raised in many studies lately. To support the 2020-2024 PRN (National Research Priority) program in the Maritime sector, the Researcher has developed FOWT (Floating Offshore Wind Turbine), a Classic SPAR design to operate and serve the eastern Indonesia region. A novelty design, namely the “Motion Reduction Device” (MRD), is installed at the bottom of the FOWT floater intended to increase its natural period and reduce heaving and pitching motion when exposed to environmental loads. The ANSYS FLUENT Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of heave decay is applied to calculate natural periods for several MRD types. A mesh convergence study was carried out to determine the best mesh size. The damping terms are derived by matching the heave motion obtained using the equation of motion by changing the damping time with linear, quadratic, or a combination of linear and quadratic. The added mass and damping results are then plotted in a graph and table. It has been demonstrated that MRD has a more significant impact than simply installing a heave plate at the bottom of the FOWT by significantly increasing added mass and damping.

Digital Human Resource Management in Maritime Enterprises

This study investigates the adoption of Digital Human Resource Management (DHRM) systems in the maritime industry of the Riau Islands (Kepri), Indonesia. Through qualitative research involving interviews, observations, and literature reviews with HR leaders from marine tourism, fisheries, and port logistics, the study identifies eight key areas of DHRM adoption: Digital Recruitment, Digital Performance Management, Digital Training and Development, Digital Communication, Employee Data Management, Digital Employee Engagement, Digital Diversity and Inclusion, and Adoption of New Technology. The findings reveal significant opportunities for enhancing efficiency, improving objective performance tracking, and streamlining recruitment processes. However, challenges persist, including limited human resources, reliance on centralized decision-making, inadequate technological infrastructure, and a predominant focus on seagoing workforce development. These barriers impede the full implementation of DHRM. Despite these challenges, the research underscores DHRM’s potential to foster digital innovation and gain a competitive edge within the maritime sector. In conclusion, addressing these challenges through targeted strategies will be essential for maximizing the benefits of DHRM and advancing the digital transformation of human resource practices in the industry

The Mediating Effect of Well-Being, Happiness, and Trust in the Relationship Between Work-Life Balance and Work Effectiveness in Seafarers.

In the contemporary global context, seafarers persist as the uncelebrated heroes of international trade, despite their substantial contributions. The current estimate places the number of STCW- certified officers at 857 540, reflecting a notable increase of 10.8% since 2015. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of the imperative to accord specific attention to seafarers' mental and physical well-being. During their tenures aboard ships, seafarers confront various challenges, including psychological well-being, work-life imbalance, dissatisfaction, diminished performance, and a sense of mistrust toward the organizational framework. The primary objective of this research is to scrutinize the nexus between work-life balance and work effectiveness, exploring the mediating roles of psychological well-being, organizational happiness, and organizational trust. A questionnaire-based survey is meticulously crafted to achieve this, employing a dataset comprising 420 seafarers engaged in diverse vessel types in Turkey, operating under both Turkish and international flags. Methodologically, structural equation modeling and correlation analyses are executed to assess the formulated research hypotheses rigorously. The empirical findings of this research reveal noteworthy mediating roles: psychological well-being exhibits a complete mediation effect, organizational happiness demonstrates a full mediation effect, and organizational trust manifests a partial mediation effect. These outcomes underscore the nuanced interplay between work-life balance and work effectiveness in the seafaring context. The implications of these findings extend significantly to the maritime sector and industry, accentuating the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being and performance of seafaring professionals.

Systematic Review: Measurement Methods and Concept of Resilience Among Seafarers.

Shipping is considered a demanding environment that can significantly impact seafarers' well-being and mental health. This review aims to examine existing literature on the resilience of seafarers, with a focus on the measurement methods used. Furthermore, this study intends to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in the field of seafarers' resilience, examining the variations in defining and conceptualizing resilience across different studies and contexts. The review identified 99 studies published between 2003 and 2023, with ten studies being included in the final analysis. These studies employed various measurement methods and provided definitions of resilience. Five questionnaires were identified, with the Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 (DRS-15) being the most commonly used. Two of the selected studies had a longitudinal follow-up, while eight were cross-sectional. Four studies related to tankers, and an additional four studies focused on naval vessels, while two studies did not specify the vessel type. The publications were distributed in the period between 2003 and 2013 (two papers) and between 2013 and 2023 (eight papers). The identified themes encompassed shipboard stressors (three papers), sleep problems (two papers), occupational groups or attitudes (two papers), experiences in war (two papers), and intervention measures (one paper), highlighting the multidimensional nature of resilience within the maritime field. This review suggests a research gap, as it reveals that the topic of resilience in seafaring has been sparsely represented. Despite an increasing interest in recent years, research remains limited, particularly in the civilian maritime sector. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of understanding and promoting resilience among seafarers. While the variety of questionnaires used was limited, achieving consensus and standardization in resilience measurement is essential for more comparable and consistent research findings. Recognizing resilience as a crucial resource can promote the development of targeted interventions and support systems, enhancing seafarers' well-being and mental health.

ABRASIVE WEAR BEHAVIOR OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED AIB2/AI COMPOSITE

Functionally graded composites (FGM) can combine high surface wear resistance and high toughness. For this reason, it has been seen to be preferred in many regions, especially in the defense and maritime sectors, in recent years. This study is an experimental study on the investigation of the wear properties of functionally graded AlB2 boride reinforced composite materials, which can be an alternative in the manufacturing of ship machinery parts exposed to repeated loads and wear. This study aims to increase the industrial usability of the boron element, which has strategic importance for our country. Pin-On-Disk technique and abrasive wear method were used to determine the wear properties of composites. In the wear tests, a total of 5 factors consisting of wear factors such as the region of the composite (% reinforcement ratio), abrasive particle diameter, application load, sliding distance and sliding speed were selected as test parameters with 3 levels. In wear tests, the "Taguchi Experimental Design" method was used. As a result of the study, it was seen that the hardness and wear resistance of aluminum increased with the addition of AlB2 into the aluminum matrix. It was observed that the load had an effect of 33.98%, the abrasive particle diameter had an effect of 31.68% and the AlB2 reinforcement ratio had a 10.73% effect on the wear resistance of the composites. As a result of the study, linear equations predicting 'wear resistance in different conditions' were obtained.

The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Reducing Blood Cortisol Levels in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders

This research pertains to developmental advancements in the health and maritime sectors, specifically focusing on diving and hyperbaric oxygen therapy's (HBO) application. The study holds the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) in addressing anxiety disorders, thus contributing significantly to the realms of health and maritime industries. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves subjecting patients to heightened pressure environments while administering pure oxygen at levels exceeding atmospheric pressure, with a minimum clinical threshold of 1.4 ATA. (HBO) interventions, utilized for countering hypoxia and cortisol reduction, exhibit promise in mitigating anxiety disorders. The research methodology commences with a systematic screening procedure employing an anxiety disorders questionnaire, ensuring the acquisition of a well-defined, credible, consistent, and unbiased participant pool. Employing a quasi-experimental design featuring a randomized pre-post control group arrangement, the study targets males aged 25-40 with anxiety disorders, drawn from Dr. Ramelan Surabaya's psychiatric clinic.

Training and Development Needs and Its Impact on Productivity: A Case Study Maritime Shipping Companies

The significance of the study lies in its exploration of the intricate relationship between training and development needs and productivity within the context of maritime shipping companies in Jordan. This investigation holds particular relevance due to the critical role played by the maritime sector in the country's industrial landscape. This research uses a quantitative approach. The quantitative adopts the self-administered survey which uses simple random sampling. This study will focus on the maritime shipping sector, which is critical in Jordan, and will be conducted on 10 companies in the sector. the study proposes that in order to boost productivity, organisations hire highly experienced and competent people who create financial information and have adequate academic credentials. As a result, providers of training and development should follow the code of ethics and be able to meet the needs of the laws, rules, policies, and standards that govern the compilation and presentation of information connected to the productivity of these businesses.

From Ports to Prosperity: Leveraging Maritime Sector for Poverty Reduction

The maritime sector has the potential to integrate economic development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion, contributing not only to a country's economic growth but also to maintaining social and economic balance. Ports play a significant role in increasing the welfare of local communities and providing job opportunities. This article highlights the pivotal role of the maritime sector in reducing poverty by generating employment and creating economic value. The employment opportunities and economic value provided by ports play a crucial role in poverty reduction. Using a literature review, the economic significance of ports in Singapore, Norway, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria is examined, emphasizing the strength and impact of the maritime sector. These success stories, including Singapore's global trade role, Norway's sustainable maritime practices, Bangladesh's economic development through ports, Indonesia's potential for maritime sector development for growth, and Nigeria's poverty alleviation efforts through ports, are just a few examples. Successful instances underscore the potential of the maritime sector in reducing poverty. By combining economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity, this sector can serve as a significant tool in combating poverty.

Bibliometric and Qualitative Analysis of Workload Studies in the Maritime Sector

Maritime traffic is a socio-technical system that requires the collaboration of many elements such as stakeholders, equipment, environment, and technology. The workload for stakeholders in marine traffic has increased due to the growing number of monitored ships in coastal areas, as well as the variety and amount of operations. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of workload studies conducted in the maritime domain, encompassing all stakeholders. In doing so, the goal is to reveal changes over the years, identify collaborative areas, and enhance the understanding of the concept. The Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were used as the data collection tool. A search was conducted with keywords associated with the concept of 'workload in maritime,' leading to the analysis of 372 relevant documents. VOSviewer Bibliometric Data Analysis Tool and MAXQDA Analytics Pro 22 Software were employed in the analyses. After the data from the two databases were combined, it was found that the authors with the most publications (P) and citations (C) in this field are Murai K. (P-41; C-200), Hayashi Y. (P-30; C-196), and Okazaki T. (P-15; C-82). With 56 publications, Japan is in first place, followed by the US (39), China (35), and the UK (27). Additionally, Japan and the US are two countries in collaboration. Among the commonly used terms in this research are mental workload, vessel, safety, performance, human factors, tiredness, simulator, and physiological measuring techniques including heart rate, nasal temperature, EEG, and salivary amylase. In workload studies, psychosocial variables were most prominently expressed in 2021. While the analysis of workload studies indicates a focus on “mental workload” studies involving Vessel Traffic Services Operators (VTSOs), research related to seafarers, cadets, marine pilots, and ship masters is seen to dominate this field which is “bridge team”.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE A CONTAINER TERMINAL COMPETITIVENESS FROM THE SHIPPING LINES’ PERSPECTIVE: A CASE OF CONAKRY CONTAINER TERMINAL

As technology improved, proximity to markets and raw materials emerged as the elements that, above all else, shaped the global economy. The importance of seaports in the global supply chain means that a nation's ability to compete internationally is impacted by port efficiency. Despite the current increase in interest in the African continent on a global scale. The trade and business opportunities abounding throughout the continent provide great potential for all African countries. However, this fact is contradicted by inadequate transportation infrastructure, particularly in the maritime sector. This study investigates the factors that influence a container terminal’s competitiveness in Guinea-Conakry from the shipping lines’ perspectives. With the aid of the literature concerning seaport competitiveness, five (5) major influential factors were identified, which then helped to develop this study’s conceptual framework to answer the research questions. Multiple regression analysis was employed to compute the data collected from our survey respondents. The findings indicate that terminal efficiency and the quality of services are the most important factors in selecting a container terminal, followed by port charges, hinterland connections, and port location.

Maritime Cybersecurity: Tantangan Dan Strategi Keamanan Maritim Indonesia

The existence of digital transformation in the development of the world, makes the maritime industry increasingly rely on technology to carry out navigation, communication, and logistics intermediaries. As the maritime industry continues to adopt digitalization and adapt, the need for strategy as well as strengthening cybersecurity becomes critical for the country. The increase in cybercrime and its vulnerabilities should make Indonesia more aggressively address or anticipate this problem. Although it is proven that indonesia in its initiation of a cybersecurity strategy has increased, Indonesia is seen as still lacking to show the nation's commitment in terms of cyber security, when compared to data from NCIS (National Cyber security Index) from 2016-2023 Indonesia is still far below its neighbor, Malaysia, which is also a maritime country. Through a qualitative approach, this article aims to explain the urgency of cybersecurity in the maritime sector, highlighting challenges and solutions to protect ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure from cyber threats in Indonesia.

Assessing Computer Literacy and Socioreligious Perspectives among First-Year Cadets in International Maritime Education at Maritime Institute Jakarta (STIP Jakarta)

This academic research delves into the critical examination of the computer literacy and socioreligious perspectives of first-year cadets enrolled in the International Maritime Education programme at Maritime Institute Jakarta (STIP Jakarta). The study focuses on 200 randomly selected cadets who represent a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds within Indonesia. As future global officers, these cadets are integral to the maritime sector's international landscape and are expected to communicate fluently in English, adhering to the standards set by the International Maritime Organization's International Maritime Education and Training (IMO-STCW) guidelines. The research is centred on the first semester cadets, freshly graduated from senior high school, enrolled in three majors: Nautical, Technical, and Port and Shipping Management. These majors collectively contribute to the production of qualified seamen, deck officers, and engine officers. The investigation employs qualitative research methods and descriptive analysis to comprehend the cadets' competences in computer literacy. The focal point is the introductory study of computer science and maritime technology tailored for the Nautical and Technical majors. Moreover, the research incorporates an examination of the socioreligious dimensions influencing the cadets' perspectives on their educational journey. Given that the cadets hail from diverse regions of Indonesia, they bring with them a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural practices, utilising both Bahasa Indonesia and their traditional languages in their daily lives. The study aims to understand how these socioreligious factors intertwine with their academic pursuits and adherence to international standards. In conclusion, this research contributes to the broader discourse on maritime education by providing insights into the intersection of computer literacy, socioreligious perspectives, and international competencies among first-year cadets. The findings are expected to inform educational strategies and policies to better prepare cadets for the evolving demands of the global maritime industry.

Income Ratio of Lokan Search Fishermen (Geloina erosa) Families in the Village of Suka Maju, Air Periukan District, Seluma District

The maritime and fisheries sector is one of the economic sectors that has a role in national economic development, especially in providing protein, earning foreign exchange and providing employment opportunities. The aim of this research is to determine the contribution to household income and to determine the contribution of local people to household income in Suka Maju Village, Air Periukan District, Seluma Regency. The methods in this research include primary data and secondary data. The research results show that the income of local fishermen in the Air Priukan District is quite high. Income for each person varies according to the number of lokans sold and the selling price of lokans. Lokan fishermen are people who get lokan from the sea. Their income level is more focused on how much they sell and how many days they sell. To get lots of lokans, you only need the skills to dive, swim and have the strength to breathe for a long time, so that loch seekers can easily reach the ground mixed with rocks, so that the river shells hide behind rocks and sand mixed with clay. The household income of Lokan Fishermen in Sukamaju Village, Air Priukan District, Seluma Regency is IDR 2,222,920 per year, consisting of the income of Lokan Fishermen of IDR. 1,137,904.99, meanwhile the income contribution of Lokan Fishermen is 53.64% of household income.

Feasibility Analysis of a Methanol Fuelled Bulk Carrier

Emissions restrictions are growing worldwide due to climate change concern. In the maritime sector different fuels are under scrutiny to identify the best option toward a carbon free transport. Methanol, the simplest alcohol, is one of the most discussed alternative fuels. This work aims at investigating the use of this chemical as fuel on board from different perspectives in order to provide a complete picture. A 34000 DWT bulk carrier has been used as case study including both the hypothesis of a retrofit and a newbuilding. From the technical point of view the attention has been focussed on the ship general arrangement finding space for methanol tanks and fuel systems, in agreement with the existing ABS rules. A carbon footprint emission assessment has been performed, taking into account both IMO’s and EU’s regulations. To have a more complete overview, a preliminary economic evaluation is also performed with the estimation of OpEx and CapEx related to the methanol system on board. Results showed the technical feasibility with respect to the ship conversion and some criticality related to safety measures and the energy content of methanol. From the polluting impact point of view, the study highlights the importance of a Well to Wake (WtW) approach instead of considering only Tank to Wake (TtW) emissions. From this perspective, with a global decrease in GHG emissions of about 85% with respect to HFO, green methanol appears to be the only viable ecological solution. The use of bio methanol on board significantly affects OpEx, with an estimate increase of more than 250%, due to the high costs of methanol produced from renewable feedstocks and its small production worldwide.

(Invited) Thermal Stability and Thermal Energy Measurements for a Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell with Different State of Health

Lithium-ion batteries have developed into one of the most popular secondary batteries on the market today due to high voltage, long lifetime and high energy density. However, lithium-ion cells have issues related to safety. Since the development of an internal short in a lithium-ion battery at present cannot be detected [1, 2], the physical reactions of a lithium-ion battery must be managed by a robust battery design. Lithium-ion batteries used in the Norwegian maritime sector need to be approved by thermal propagation tests as verification of design [3]. During a propagation test, one or several lithium-ion cells are forced into thermal runaway either by heating, overcharge or nail penetration. The acceptance criterion is either; no spread of thermal runaway between cells in a module, or between modules. Despite these rules, several fires have been reported. Of the more well-known are the fire/gas explosion onboard the electric car ferry ‘MF Ytterøyningen’ [4] and the fire on board ‘MS Brim’ [5].A commercial 64 Ah lithium-ion pouch cell was studied by forcing thermal runaway with nail penetration, heating and overcharge to evaluate the energy release based on the abuse method. Two cells aged to 80% state of health (SoH) were also studied with accelerating rate calorimetry and nail penetration to see the effect of cell ageing on thermal stability, critical temperature, energy release and jet flame severity. These methods were combined with diagnostics and cell disassembly to relate the differences found in degradation and safety to the diagnostic data. The safety results will be highlighted in this presentation.The uncycled cells safety properties were rated by fire and mass losses. All cells caught fire, and the mass loss ranged from 38.8% for nail penetration, 55.4% for heat ramp and 72.3% for overcharge. Based on mass loss only, overcharge is the most severe abuse method. Contrary to this, energy released to the solid surroundings during thermal runaway (internal thermal energy) decreased with increasing mass loss. Mass loss could be a key feature in explaining energy release and abuse method severity, see Figure 1. As a result, an uncycled cell in a battery module may withstand the heat from a neighboring thermal runaway during overcharge but may be driven into thermal runaway by a nail penetration test.Cyclic ageing at 25 °C to 80% SoH had a minor impact on abuse severity and mass loss. However, cycled cells are found to lose more electrical energy than internal thermalenergy. Cell electrical energy loss is not directly related to a change in the cell's internal thermal energy. Thermal runaway temperature was found to decrease for a cycled cell, from 204°C to 182°C.Dependent on abuse method, a false sense of security may result from the propagation test. Possibly, a module could show no cell-to-cell propagation with the overcharge method but be driven into thermal runaway propagation by a nail penetration. A decrease in thermal stability combined with a change in internal thermal energy could be hazardous and might be an end-of-life criteria. It is of vital importance to develop diagnostic tools capable of detecting a potentially hazardous drop in thermal stability for aged lithium-ion cells.Acknowledgements: This work was part of the BattMarine project (281005), funded by the Research Council of Norway and Norwegian industry.

CO2 Marine Transportation from a Techno-Energetic Perspective

CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) is a cornerstone of most proposed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions strategies, as it is necessary to keep atmospheric CO2 concentrations below 450 parts per million by the year 2100 and, as such, prevent global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a removal capacity of 12 GtCO2/yr by 2050, whereas the present capability is 41 MtCO2/yr. Decarbonization may not be able to proceed quickly enough to reach net-zero emissions without CCUS technologies. In the maritime sector, CCUS serves a dual purpose: capturing CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and transporting the captured CO2 for its storage or utilization. This paper examines the importance of vessels as liquid CO2 carriers, emphasizing the transportation conditions associated with CO2. A techno-energetic analysis is carried out by studying various combinations of temperature and pressure. From a transport viewpoint, the findings indicate that reducing CO2 pressure is more cost-effective. In terms of pre-processing, higher CO2 pressures may lead to energy and, potentially, cost savings. However, the optimal pressure in the entire logistical chain remains uncertain. Further research is advised to broaden the scope of the chain to be analyzed.

Approaches in the Indonesian Maritime identity Construction

As the largest archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is by nature surrounded by the seas and strategically situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Given this geographical circumstance, the Indonesian government claims that the country can be identified as a maritime nation. This article elaborates maritime identity construction in Indonesia by looking into constructed historical narratives of the country’s past maritime glory, and the policies taken by the Indonesian presidents in the maritime sector. The former signified the bottom-up approach in maritime identity construction, while the latter represented the top-down approach, underlining the role of state in maritime identity construction. The article concludes that Indonesia's maritime identity has evolved through different presidential eras, with President Joko Widodo's Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) vision marking an important milestone. The GMF not only influenced government priorities in national maritime sector but also shaped Indonesian government's perception of an increased global role in maritime affairs.

Capesize time charter equivalent optimization based on speed and environmental regulations

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the interplay of standard Capesize optimal speeds for time charter equivalent (TCE) maximization in the Australia–China iron ore route and the optimal speeds as an operational tool for compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon intensity indicator (CII).Design/methodology/approachThe TCE at different speeds have been calculated for four standard Capesize specifications: (1) standard Capesize with ecoelectronic engine; (2) standard Capesize with non-eco engine (3) standard Capesize vessel with an eco-electronic engine fitted with scrubber and (4) standard Capesize with non-eco engine and no scrubber fitted.FindingsCalculations imply that in a highly inflationary bunker price context, the dollar per ton freight rates equilibrates at levels that may push optimal speeds below the speeds required for minimum CII compliance (C Rating) in the Australia–China trade. The highest deviation of optimal speeds from those required for minimum CII compliance is observed for non-eco standard Capesize vessels without scrubbers. Increased non-eco Capesize deployment would see optimal speeds structurally lower at levels that could offer CII ratings improvements.Originality/valueWhile most of the studies have covered the use of speed as a tool to improve efficiency and emissions in the maritime sector, few have been identified in the literature to have examined the interplay between the commercial and operational performance in the dry bulk sector stemming from the freight market equilibrium. The originality of this paper lies in examining the above relation and the resulting optimal speed selection in the Capesize sector against mandatory environmental targets.

Optimalisasi Hukum Untuk Hak-Hak Perlindungan Anak Buah Kapal Migran Dan Memberantas Agensi Ilegal

This article explores efforts to optimise the rights of crew in the international maritime contextand take a stand against illegal agency practices that harm them. An in-depth analysis of the ship's crew working conditions reveals labour rights violations and unsafe working conditions. Meanwhile, the role of illegal agents exacerbates the situation. This research urges the government to optimise the rights of migrant ship crew members. By detailing basic rights such as a living wage, safe working conditions, the research investigates the positive impact of implementing migrant worker protection policies. Focus is also given to countering illegal agents by identifying prevention and enforcement strategies that can be implemented. This research provides a foundation for cooperation between governments, shipping companies and international organisations to create a fair and sustainable maritime environment and eradicate illegal agencies that only want to benefit themselves. This research not only describes the challenges, but also illustrates solutions in protecting the rights of ship’s crew members and countering illegal agents in the maritime sector.

Small Unmanned Surface Vessels—A Review and Critical Analysis of Relations to Safety and Safety Assurance of Larger Autonomous Ships

Autonomous ships represent an emerging paradigm within the maritime sector, poised to bring multiple advantages. Although numerous prototypes have been developed, the deployment of large autonomous ships has predominantly remained confined to domestic waters or specialized military applications. The extensive adoption of autonomous ships is hampered by several challenges, primarily centered around safety. However, the direct assessment of autonomous technologies on large-scale vessels can be very costly. Small-scale autonomy testing may provide a cheaper option. This study reviews the current small autonomous ship models used by maritime researchers and industry practitioners. It aims to evaluate how these autonomous models currently augment and can augment safety assurances on larger autonomous ships. The review identifies relevant very small Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), the main research groups behind them and their applications. Then, the current use of USVs for safety and safety assurance is analyzed. Finally, the paper suggests innovative strategies and research directions for using USVs for the safety assurance of larger autonomous ships.