Maritime Transport Research Articles

Analysis of Evolving Technologies and Impact of Smart Shipping on the Future Workforce in the Maritime Industry

Purpose: There is a shift in phase within the maritime industry toward smart shipping, where IoT and AI are used. The real question revolved around these technologies' impact on future employees in ships and shipping. The reason is to understand how this rapidly changing technological world affects these maritime professionals. Study design/methodology/approach: A systematic review was performed according to the system of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta−Analyses (PRISMA). The literature review aimed at analysing a comprehensive spectrum from academic publications to industry reports and white papers in order… The Smart Shipping case studies were studied to provide practical knowledge on the integration of IoT and AI in maritime operations. Findings: The resulting analysis was a diverse and changing technological environment, including blockchain, AI, IoT, autonomous vessels, and innovations that are driven by sustainability. The use of blockchain applications allows for achieving increased transparency, while AI-based developments bring improvements in navigation, logistics and maintenance. The introduction of IoT allows industries to transform via the collection of data in real time. Autonomous vessels offer both challenges and opportunities designed to impact seafaring jobs. Sustainability innovations aim at clean energies and more ecological applications. Smart Shipping case studies demonstrated various positive outcomes on the deployment of IoT and AI applications that are realised in terms of operational efficiency gains up to issues with workforce adaptation. Originality/value: The paper sheds light on the maritime environment as well as its potential impact on determining the future workforce. The strategies to deal with the changes, such as job role change, workforce adaptation strategy and overcoming challenges, should be considered essential. Whereas merits arising from technical development enable the companies to benefit as far as efficiency is concerned, missing opportunities for careers in seafaring imply that active measures to build workforce capacities have become inevitable. The paper ends with recommendations for policy-makers, industrial representatives, and researchers who can help take successful steps in the face of changing fields associated with technology use encompassing maritime operations.

Neural-network-based molecular dynamics simulations reveal that proton transport in water is doubly gated by sequential hydrogen-bond exchange.

The transport of excess protons in water is central to acid-base chemistry, biochemistry and energy production. However, elucidating its mechanism has been challenging. Recent nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy experiments could not be explained by existing models. Here we use both vibrational spectroscopy calculations and neural-network-based molecular dynamics simulations that account for nuclear quantum effects for all atoms to determine the proton transport mechanism. Our simulations reveal an equilibrium between two stable proton-localized structures with distinct Eigen-like and Zundel-like hydrogen-bond motifs. Proton transport follows a three-step mechanism gated by two successive hydrogen-bond exchanges: the first reduces the proton-acceptor water coordination, leading to proton transfer, and the second, the rate-limiting step, prevents rapid back-transfer by increasing the proton-donor coordination. This sequential mechanism is consistent with experimental characterizations of proton diffusion, explaining the low activation energy and the prolonged intermediate lifetimes in vibrational spectroscopy. These results are crucial for understanding proton dynamics in biochemical and technological systems.

The Application and Prospects of Electric Ships in the Maritime Industry

The Application and Prospects of Electric Ships in the Maritime Industry

The challenge of safe and sustainable development of the unmanned ship: seeking for effective legal responses

Technological innovation is changing the way maritime transport is done, and automated driving is one of the hot topics, including unmanned ships that use automated driving technology, but legal challenges to the application of unmanned ships in the shipping industry must be resolved before that happens—whether and how the principles of existing international conventions regarding unmanned ships. To deal with this problem, it is far from enough to rely on the efforts of international organizations or the revision of international conventions. The paper analyzes several typical legal issues faced by unmanned ships: the legal definition of unmanned ships, the seaworthiness of unmanned ships, the master and crew rules, and the collision and rescue of unmanned ships, taking China as an example, the paper explains reasonable and effective legal path of domestic and international laws, trying to seek solutions at the level of domestic law beyond international convention. The paper concludes that the traditional navigation rules have largely been developed to meet the needs of manned transportation, and cannot be fully applied to unmanned ships. Therefore, until there is an international regulation specifically for unmanned ships, it would be appropriate to interpret or revise existing international conventions to apply to unmanned ships. And for countries including China, it is important to consider the improvement of domestic laws.

Hydrogen Production from Wave Power Farms to Refuel Hydrogen-Powered Ships in the Mediterranean Sea

The maritime industry is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely due to ships running on fossil fuels. Transitioning to hydrogen-powered marine transportation in the Mediterranean Sea requires the development of a network of hydrogen refueling stations across the region to ensure a steady supply of green hydrogen. This paper explores the technoeconomic viability of harnessing wave energy from the Mediterranean Sea to produce green hydrogen for hydrogen-powered ships. Four promising island locations—near Sardegna, Galite, Western Crete, and Eastern Crete—were selected based on their favorable wave potential for green hydrogen production. A thorough analysis of the costs associated with wave power facilities and hydrogen production was conducted to accurately model economic viability. The techno-economic results suggest that, with anticipated cost reductions in wave energy converters, the levelized cost of hydrogen could decrease to as low as 3.6 €/kg, 4.3 €/kg, 5.5 €/kg, and 3.9 €/kg for Sardegna, Galite, Western Crete, and Eastern Crete, respectively. Furthermore, the study estimates that, in order for the hydrogen-fueled ships to compete effectively with their oil-fueled counterparts, the levelized cost of hydrogen must drop below 3.5 €/kg. Thus, despite the competitive costs, further measures are necessary to make hydrogen-fueled ships a viable alternative to conventional diesel-fueled ships.

Proposed Alternative Models for Licensing Filipino Seafarers

Licensing is evidence that one has spent time and money to gain access to a class of professionals that influence the safety, health, and welfare of the public and is charged to conform to codes of ethical conduct and standards. Licensure elevates an individual above other graduates and bestows permission to be legally responsible for activities within his specialization. Licensure will likewise enhance an individual’s personal worth and value, provide a broader set of occupational options, and earn high respect from the public (Berson, 2012). A state’s law governs the merchant marine profession. To practice the profession, one must complete an academic degree in marine courses, such as a BS in Marine Transportation or a BS in Marine Engineering. Seafarers must pass the required state board-written examinations. The passing grade is determined by a body of examiners, usually called the Board of Examiners or, as in. the Philippine setting, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), which is designated by the law to perform the function of regulation (Geguiento, 2010, as cited by Palmejar, 2010). In the attempt to develop alternative models for acquiring professional licenses for Filipino seafarers, a descriptive exploratory study was conducted that involved seafarers, maritime education students, and graduates of maritime education programs. Schools offering maritime education in the National Capital Region, officially listed in the Commission of Higher Education- Maritime Higher Education Institution (CHED-MHEI), as well as Maritime Training Centers and Agencies, registered in the Department of Labor-Maritime Training Council (DOLE-MTC), comprised the research population from which respondents were selected employing non-probability, purposive sampling techniques, particularly maximum variation sampling. The assessment of the acceptability of the current licensing scheme ranged from neutral to slightly acceptable. Students (with CAR and on-board training and junior maritime students) generally favor Alternative Model B, as reflected in the high mean acceptability scores, while unlicensed seafarers showed interest in Alternative Models C and D, as shown in the high mean acceptability scores. Keywords: Licensing Filipino Seafarers, licensing model, maritime licensing, licensure of maritime professionals

Evaluating MOL-Magsaysay Maritime Academy’s Educational Program: Performance of First Graduates and Stakeholders’ Feedback

MMMA’s Educational Program provide students with an opportunity to develop the necessary technical skills (Hard skills) and personality traits (Soft skills) to become a well-rounded and a successful seafarer and individual. MMMA’s Educational Program includes two areas of activities and experiences that are designed to enhance the student’s learning. Specifically, this includes the approved CHED-MARINA prescribed and regulated Maritime Academic Curriculum underpinned on the STCW Convention, and MMMA’s own Leadership Training Paradigm, anchored on the Transformational Leadership through Coaching principle. This paper aims to determine whether MMMA’s educational program effectively prepares students for their maritime industry careers. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate MMMA’s educational program by obtaining key stakeholders’ and employers’ feedback based on the work performance of the first graduates, and exploring whether there is a relationship between the 3-year classroom instruction performance and the 12-month onboard training performance. By examining both classroom and onboard performance outcomes and key stakeholders’ and employers’ feedback, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the academy’s impact on its graduates’ readiness for the maritime workforce. The research utilizes a descriptive-correlational approach. Preliminary findings indicate that the majority of the first graduates have demonstrated strong academic competence and skills during the 3-year classroom instruction and the 12-month shipboard training, both in the areas of technical skills (hard skills) and personality skills (soft skills) based on the results of the document analysis. Correlation results also showed that there is a linear relationship between the manifestation of soft skills during the 3-year academic classroom instruction and the 12-month shipboard training, but there was no relationship on the technical skills. On the other hand, satisfaction ratings provided by the two groups of stakeholders, namely the faculty and the industry partners/ employers expressed some serious concerns on the manifestation of the cadets’ personality skills or soft skills particularly in discipline and leadership based on their interactions with cadets and occasional feedback from the ships. Nonetheless, some areas for improvement have been identified, such as the need for enhanced soft skills and further alignment of academic training with industry-specific demands. The study concludes that MOL-Magsaysay Maritime Academy’s educational programs have been effective in preparing the first batch (Batch 2018) of graduates for successful maritime careers. The insights gained from the stakeholders’ feedback will be instrumental in refining the academy’s educational program and training methods in terms of the leadership training paradigm, anchored on the principle of transformational leadership through coaching, to better meet industry needs in general, and stakeholders’ needs in particular, and enhance future graduates’ employability and performance. On the technical side, new trends and regulations in the areas of digitalization and environmental regulations needs to be incorporated in the educational program. Keywords: MMMA (MOL-Magsaysay Maritime Academy); Educational Program; Technical Skills; Soft Skills

A conceptual risk modelling for cargo tank fire/explosion in chemical tanker by using Evidential Reasoning -SLIM and Bayesian belief network approach

The transportation of hazardous cargoes, particularly in chemical tankers, represents significant risks such as fire and explosion, which can have catastrophic consequences for both human life, commodity and maritime environment. This article presents a conceptual risk modelling for cargo tank fire/explosion incidents in chemical tanker ships under the Evidential Reasoning (ER) - Success likelihood index method (SLIM) approach with the Bayesian belief network (BBN) to provide a practical tool for assessing and managing the associated risks. Whilst the ER-SLIM approach offers a systematic human error probability (HEP) prediction and handling uncertainty in risk, allowing for the incorporation of expert judgments and data-driven information, the BBN provides a probabilistic graphical model to represent the causal relationships among various risk factors. The result shows that the risk of cargo tank fire/explosion during the cargo tank cleaning operation is calculated as 2.83E-02. The findings of the research including consequences analysis provide valuable insights for decision-makers, safety managers, superintendents, ship masters and officers in the maritime industry to prioritize risk management strategies and enhance the safety of chemical tanker operations.

A hybrid SgDT framework for risk analysis of container-handling operations at automated container terminals

With the booming maritime economy and the steady expansion of port production, automated container terminals (ACTs) have rapidly developed worldwide. The safety and stability of container-handling operations at ACTs are crucial for maintaining high efficiency and performance in maritime transportation and global supply chains. However, few studies have focused on the quantitative risk analysis of container-handling operations at ACTs. This study proposes a hybrid SgDT (STPA-grey-DEMATEL-TAISM) approach to analyze risk factors and their coupling interrelationships within ACT handling operations. Initially, 22 factors influencing ACT handling operations were identified based on the system theoretic process analysis (STPA) model and literature. Subsequently, grey theory and decision-making test and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) were fused to visualize the cause-effect relationships of these factors. Finally, the total adversarial interpretive structural model (TAISM) was adopted to extract the hierarchical interrelationships among these factors using an adversarial hierarchical structure. The findings showed that poor supervision, communication network failures, sensor malfunctions, equipment malfunctions, lack of safety awareness, and interruptions of the power supply are the most critical factors influencing ACT handling operations. This study provides theoretical insights and practical implications for managers to enhance ACT handling risk management.

Design and hydrodynamic analysis of an automated polymer composite mattress deployment system for offshore oil and gas pipeline protection

The protection of offshore oil and gas pipelines has become increasingly important due to its application in maritime transportation. Currently there are few deployment devices for pipelines and their operation was complicated. Therefore, a novel automatic polymer composite mattress deployment system is designed in this study, and its hydrodynamic performance is analyzed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Firstly, the conceptual design of the system is introduced. Then, modeling and simulation are carried out on the system, including its forward movement, lateral movement, and heave movement at various speeds. Significant surface pressure was brought to the system during forward and lateral movement by the open frame design, with the maximum pressure during lateral movement reaching 719.46 Pa. During the heave movement, the mattress blocks the water flow, causing negative pressure on the surface of the system. The huge flow separation generated significant drag, with a maximum value of 12620.3 N. However, the mattress avoids the impact of water flow on the system. The longitudinal length of the mattress means the Reynolds number is greater than the other movements. The proportion of pressure drag further increases, reaching a maximum of 98.7%. This research provides new perspectives and solutions for the protection technology of pipelines.

Application of Machine Learning in the Identification and Prediction of Maritime Accident Factors

Artificial intelligence seems to be a new point of view to classical problems that, in the past, could not be understood in depth, leaving certain gaps in each knowledge area. As an example of this, maritime accidents are one of the most recognised international problems, with clear environmental and human life consequences. From the beginning, statistical studies have shown that not only the typical sampled variables must be considered but the accidents are related to human factors that, at the same time, are related to some variables like fatigue that cannot be easily sampled. In this research work, the use of machine learning algorithms on over 300 maritime accidents is proposed to identify the relationship between human factors and the main variables. The results showed that compliance with the minimum crew members and ship length are the two most relevant variables related to each accident for the Spanish Search and Rescue (SAR) region, as well as the characteristics of the ships. These accidents could be understood as three main groups of accidents related to the general tendency to not meet the minimum number of crew members and its difference in the year of construction of the ship. Finally, it was possible to use neural networks to model accidents with sufficient accuracy (determination factor higher than 0.60), which is particularly interesting in the context of a control system for maritime transport.

Safety evaluation on ammonia-fueled ship: Gas dispersion analysis through vent mast

The maritime industry is exploring ammonia as an alternative fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the high toxicity of ammonia poses significant safety challenges for onboard handling and storage. This study investigates ammonia dispersion and toxicity levels from vent mast releases on ships, aiming to enhance safety measures for future ammonia-fueled vessels. Using CFD analysis on a 31,000-dwt general cargo ship model, the research examines various release scenarios, considering regulatory requirements, vent mast design, and environmental conditions. Results show that direct ammonia release from the vent mast poses fatal risks to the crew in the accommodation area and on adjacent ships, regardless of current regulatory stipulations. The study recommends installing an ammonia-catching system to reduce concentrations to safe levels of 30 ppm before release. These findings offer crucial insights for improving the safety of using ammonia as marine fuel through risk assessment and management.

Marine biofouling mitigation of PDMS-based network coating with cross-linked contact- and release-active organoalkoxysilane

Poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer is one of key polymer resins for fouling release (FR) coatings, but it shows extremely poor antifouling (AF) activity in seawater since bacteria and diatoms could readily attach to surface. Modifying PDMS-based coatings via incorporating antifouling additives is effective for enhancing overall FR and AF activity. In this work, we prepared a well-defined organoalkoxysilane coating additive with quaternary ammonium and benzoisothiazolinone pendent groups, and the synthesized copolymers were covalently conjugated onto PDMS network in a one-pot reaction. AF and FR activities of the modified PDMS coatings were studied against soft fouling microorganisms. When microorganisms come into contact the coating surface, contact-active action mode works, quaternary ammonium groups could cause bacteria cell membrane disruption and microalgae photosynthesize inhibition via positive charge. Unexpectedly, a surprisingly lasting antimicrobial efficiency could be still observed in the neighboring coating, even the top-surface was completely covered with bacteria biofilm. Chemically conjugated benzoisothiazolinone could be sustainably released via side-group hydrolysis, thus, repelling and preventing the planktonic foulings from approaching the coating surface via release-active action mode. The modified PDMS coating with dual antifouling action modes could inhibit the biofilm formation at solid-liquid-air three-phase contact line, and could find valuable applications in marine transportation, water treatment and other antifouling fields.

From ports to routes: Extracting multi-scale shipping networks using massive AIS data

Maritime transportation is a critical component of global trade and commerce. To ensure maritime safety, fixed shipping routing has been established in many complex waters. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive digital shipping networks in wide-range maritime areas. To better understand the navigational patterns, this paper proposes a data-driven extraction framework for multi-scale shipping networks, including port-, node-, and route-level shipping networks. It is essentially a hierarchical approach, which progresses from port to route. In particular, for the extraction of port-level shipping networks, the clustering in quest (CLIQUE) and alpha-shapes algorithms are employed to accurately extract the boundaries and spatial extents of individual ports. For the node-level shipping network extraction, an adaptive Douglas-Peucker algorithm is developed to identify crucial feature points, and CLIQUE clustering is further exploited to extract the network waypoints. A novel slice-based traffic flow fitting algorithm is finally introduced to extract the route-level shipping network. To verify the performance of shipping network extraction methods, comprehensive experiments are conducted using the massive Automatic Identification System (AIS) data in different water areas. The experimental results have demonstrated that our method was capable of extracting multi-scale shipping networks, revealing traffic characteristics and vessel behaviours. Overall, the method proposed herein is useful for shipping logistic analysis and provides a foundation for several potential maritime applications, including route planning, trajectory prediction, and others.

Interannual Variability and Trend of the Bering Strait Throughflow Gleaned from Satellite Altimeters

Abstract Beginning with the TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry mission in 1992, along-track satellite sea surface height (SSH) estimates have been taken every 6-7 km at 10-day intervals at a cluster of satellite tracks across the Bering Strait near 66°N where the satellite tracks turn. Year-to-year geostrophic SSH estimates of the Bering Strait flow show that the flow in the warmer months is almost entirely confined to a 50m depth channel rather than the whole cross-sectional area, and that the peak-to-peak transport change is comparable to the approximate 0.8 Sverdrup mean. Energy flux calculations using the high-resolution SSH across Bering Strait, as well as an analysis of historical coastal Russian sea levels and wind stress along the Russian Arctic shelf and Bering Sea shelves, suggest that the interannual Bering Strait transport in the warmer water months can be described using wind-forced Arrested Topographic Waves (ATWs) driven by along-shelf wind stress on both the Russian Arctic and Bering Sea shelves. Most of the Bering Strait transport is barotropic in the 50m-depth channel, but analysis of SSH and in situ Alaskan coastal sea level shows that interannual transport variations in the narrow baroclinic Alaskan Coastal Current are not negligible. In disagreement with previous transport estimates, the satellite SSH analysis and almost all of the in situ current measurements do not indicate a significant long-term trend in barotropic Bering Strait northward transport in the warmer water late-summer/fall months.

The Challenges of Naval Electromobility in Amazônia

Introduction: This study aims to assess the feasibility of replacing a diesel-powered tourist boat with a Solar Electric Hybrid Catamaran with a capacity for fifty people to promote sustainable tourism in the Amazon, specifically in the Belém-Pará region. The initiative seeks to take advantage of the opportunity presented by COP 2030 to innovate in the waterway transportation matrix through renewable energy sources. The research is based on sustainability concepts, the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels and the advantages of using solar energy for waterway transportation. The methodology includes a comparative analysis of diesel-powered vessels' operational and environmental costs and a Hybrid Electric system based on data compiled from a master's thesis. The expected results include identifying significant benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions. The discussion will address the challenges faced in implementation, such as the initial investment costs, the maintenance of the new technologies, and the adaptation of operators and tourists to the latest transportation conditions. The implications of this research are vast; it can serve as an incentive for energy transition in the river transportation sector. Furthermore, this research pioneers the proposal of replacing diesel-powered tourist boats with solar electric hybrid models in the Amazon region. The study adds value by presenting a practical and sustainable solution to the environmental challenges the tourism sector faces, in line with the global sustainability goals set by COP 2030. Objective: This research outlines the importance and potential of naval electric mobility in the Eastern Amazon region, highlighting its relevance within COP 2030 and the SDGs for promoting ecotourism for the Amazon region. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on sustainability concepts, the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels, and the advantages of using solar energy for water transportation. In addition, previous experiences of implementing similar technologies in other regions and the potential for replicability in the Amazon are considered, focusing on environmental conservation and economic development. Method: This research is a compilation of the master's thesis entitled "Waterway electric propulsion technologies: conceptual design of a hybrid vessel with a focus on meeting environmental, social and Governance (ESG) practices," where the study was carried out in the municipality of Belém, Pará in the year 2023. Results and Discussion: The expected results include identifying significant benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions, lower noise pollution and improved air quality. The discussion will address the challenges faced in implementation, such as initial investment costs, maintaining the new technologies and adapting operators and tourists to the new transportation conditions. Social acceptance and the potential for a positive impact on local tourism will also be assessed. Research Implications: This research has vast implications, ranging from contributing to climate change mitigation to promoting more sustainable tourism practices in the Amazon. Adopting the Solar Electric Hybrid Catamaran can serve as a model for other areas with similar geographical characteristics, encouraging public policies aimed at using renewable energies in the transportation sector. Originality/Value: This research pioneers the proposal of the replacement of diesel-powered tourist boats with a solar electric hybrid model in the Amazon region. The study adds value by presenting a practical and sustainable solution to the environmental challenges faced by the tourism sector, which is in line with the global sustainability goals set by COP 2030.

Financial Performance Evaluation Using Profitability and Liquidity Ratio Analysis

A company's financial performance is an important indicator used to assess the financial health and operational efficiency of a business entity. In the context of PT Rig Tenders Indonesia Tbk, the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 showed an increase in current assets to IDR 330.44 billion from IDR 263.97 billion in the previous period. Although the company has recorded an increase in current assets and net profit, unstable global economic conditions can cause uncertainty in revenue and operating costs. This study uses a quantitative research design with a descriptive approach to evaluate the financial performance of PT Rig Tenders Indonesia Tbk through profitability and liquidity ratio analysis. The results of the study show that PT Rig Tenders Indonesia Tbk has good financial performance with high liquidity, significant profitability, and effective asset management. The company shows a strong ability to meet short-term obligations and generate profits from its assets and equity. A holistic and sustainable evaluation of financial performance is essential to maintain the stability and growth of the company in the future. The findings of this study provide important contributions both theoretically and practically in the field of financial management. Theoretically, this study enriches the literature on financial ratio analysis with a focus on the maritime industry. In practice, these findings offer solutions for companies in managing risk and improving operational efficiency through better asset management strategies and investment diversification. The limitation of this study lies in the use of financial data in one period that may not reflect long-term dynamics. For future research, it is recommended to examine financial data in a longer period and consider other external factors such as regulatory changes and global market conditions.

Refining maritime Automatic Speech Recognition by leveraging synthetic speech

Maritime transport serves as a critical component of global trade and logistics, enabling the movement of goods and resources across oceans and waterways. Especially in busy waterways and ports, effective and accurate communication is essential, as it ensures the seamless exchange of information and the coordinated execution of port activities. However, comprehensibility is often hindered by factors such as poor audio quality, background noise, and diverse languages and accents. Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems can mitigate these issues by providing real-time transcription and enabling the implementation of automated, value-adding services to enhance situational awareness. While pre-trained ASR models excel on general speech, maritime ASR faces unique challenges due to a lack of annotated data, diverse accents, and specialized terminology.To this end, we focus on improving the transcription quality of pre-trained ASR models for maritime communication with a particular focus on accurately recognizing maritime-specific terminology such as vessel and location names. Due to the scarcity of transcribed maritime communication, we create a synthetic training dataset tailored to regional maritime terminology. The synthetic audio is augmented with general human speech and used to fine-tune an end-to-end ASR model under various settings. The evaluation of the models employs a proprietary dataset of regional maritime radio communication from the port of Hamburg.The experimental results demonstrate a notable enhancement in ASR performance. Specifically, our approach yields an absolute improvement over the pre-trained baseline of 13.46% Word-Error-Rate and an increase of 41.57% recall for vessel names and 38.65% recall for locations. Our findings underscore the efficacy of integrating synthetic training data to address the challenges encountered in maritime ASR, paving the way for more robust and accurate speech recognition systems tailored to maritime applications.

An efficient Meta-VSW method for ship behaviors recognition and application

Ship behaviors refer to the operational process such as sailing, entering into port/departure, etc., which indicate by their position, speed, and so on. The collected big data normally have been treated by unsupervised Machine Learning methods. However, the process is time consuming and lacks consideration of time continuity. From the unknown data to recognize and recur the ship behaviors is still a complex problem. Hence, this study proposes a universal Meta-trajectory Variable Sliding Window (Meta-VSW) method to provide an efficient and high-fidelity solution. In this method, the ship data were connected into the smallest units by the meta-trajectory coding, and combines with variable sliding windows to achieve fast, continuous and accurate recognition of ship behaviors. Taking an inland-water ship and a marine transport ship as examples, the validity of the method was fulfilled and compared with two commonly used algorithms, Affinity Propagation (AP) and Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN). It has the fastest computational speed and can effectively classify the behaviors of massive unknown data from different ships. And it has good performance in capturing behavior boundaries, with the recognition accuracy up to 0.9. Then, the method was applied to analyze the operational effectively and fuel consumption.

Ship deployment problem with green technology adoption for an inland river carrier under non-identical streamflow and speed limits

The maritime industry is currently experiencing a shift towards green corridors. The inland waterway is the main transportation corridor with a relatively low adoption of green technologies, which produces heavy air pollution in inland cities. This paper investigates the ship deployment problem for an inland river carrier considering the adoption of green fuel and green technologies for a given ship fleet. A non-linear programming (NLP) model is proposed to jointly optimize green technology adoption, sailing speed, and routing problems while considering two unique characteristics of inland river shipping, including the non-identical streamflow and the speed limits on each shipping leg. The analytical propositions reveal the optimal operation strategy of the inland river ship fleet, and a column generation-based algorithm is further designed to solve the proposed model. By jointly investigating the ship operation strategy and sulphur emissions, we find the following management insights: Firstly, the ship would have a lower willingness to invest in shore power (scrubber) if it installed scrubber (shore power). The higher streamflow and looser speed limits would reduce the spillover effect of green technology adoption. Secondly, emissions will spillover from ports to river legs if only shore power is provided. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to promote complete green technology adoption to achieve comprehensive abatement of the entire inland river.