Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

37 pages, 4981 KB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Typhoon Waves and Storm Surges to Sea Surface Temperature Rise and Sea Level Rise: A Case Study of Super Typhoon Doksuri (2023) in the Taiwan Strait

by Qiaoling Song, Zhiyuan Wu, Kang Yang and Kai Gao

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121137 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026

Abstract

In the context of global climate warming, sea surface temperature (SST) rise and sea level (SL) rise are projected to amplify typhoon-related marine dynamic disaster risks. These are idealized sensitivity experiments designed to isolate the individual effects of SST warming and SL rise, [...] Read more.

In the context of global climate warming, sea surface temperature (SST) rise and sea level (SL) rise are projected to amplify typhoon-related marine dynamic disaster risks. These are idealized sensitivity experiments designed to isolate the individual effects of SST warming and SL rise, not full climate projections. This study investigates Super Typhoon Doksuri (2023) using the WRF-SWAN-ROMS coupled model, with sensitivity experiments designed for SST (+0.8 °C, +2.0 °C, +3.5 °C) and SL rise (+0.4 m, +0.6 m, +0.8 m) scenarios referenced to IPCC AR6 projections. Results indicate that SST rise enhances typhoon intensity by approximately 16% at +3.5 °C, elevates mean wave height by 25.0%, and increases extreme significant wave height by 24.0%, with the extreme wave height sensitivity approximately 2.75 times that of the mean. Storm surge exhibits a nonlinear response, with the extreme surge sensitivity approximately 13.2 times that of the mean. SL rise has relatively minor effects on open sea areas but affects coastal regions notably, expanding the inundation area by approximately 47% under the 0.8 m scenario. The Taiwan Strait channeling effect amplifies wave heights and surges on the right side of the track. Comparative analysis suggests that SST indirectly amplifies disasters by enhancing typhoon intensity, while SL rise directly constrains nearshore dynamics through static water level elevation. These findings offer process-based insights into the contrasting physical mechanisms through which SST rise and SL rise affect coastal hazards in semi-enclosed regions and may inform future ensemble-based climate impact assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Processes)

29 pages, 11866 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Optimised Oscillating Water Columns with Dielectric Elastomer Generators: A Parametric Analysis of Design Parameters and Functional Specifications

by Farhad Abad, Saeid Lotfian, Yang Huang, Saishuai Dai, Liu Yang, Qing Xiao and Feargal Brennan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121136 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026

Abstract

Oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters equipped with dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) represent a promising technology for harnessing ocean wave energy. This study emphasises the critical role of functional specifications in guiding the development of these devices from initial concept to full-scale [...] Read more.

Oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters equipped with dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) represent a promising technology for harnessing ocean wave energy. This study emphasises the critical role of functional specifications in guiding the development of these devices from initial concept to full-scale deployment. A comprehensive analysis of key design parameters that influence the performance and efficiency of flexible OWCs with DEG-based power take-off systems is presented. This investigation focuses on the effects of draft, membrane diameter, deformation characteristics, number of layers, and membrane thickness on power output. Utilising a combination of analytical tools, including Wave Venture software, MATLAB, and Abaqus, detailed simulations and analyses are conducted to optimise these parameters. Our results demonstrate that increasing the DEG diameter significantly enhances power output, with diameters between 5 and 12 m showing optimal efficiency. A critical strain threshold of approximately 32% is identified, beyond which power output efficiency diminishes. Furthermore, the study reveals that multi-layer DEG configurations can substantially increase energy production, with thinner membranes generally yielding higher outputs. These findings provide valuable insights for developing functional specifications that balance performance, manufacturability, and long-term reliability in marine environments. This research advances OWC technology by offering a parameter-screening framework to guide device design towards optimised configurations and to accelerate the path to commercial viability in the wave energy sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploitation and Optimization of Ocean Energy Conversion Infrastructure)

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34 pages, 7564 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reservoir Rock Typing of Heterogeneous Sandstones Using Machine Learning, Petrophysics, and Core Characterization: A Case Study of the Nubia Sandstone, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

by Mohamed S. El Sharawy

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121135 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026

Abstract

Pre-Cenomanian Nubia sandstone is recognized one of the most prolific reservoirs in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Accurately determining its reservoir rock type (RRT) is crucial for reservoir characterization and modeling, especially when the reservoir is extremely heterogeneous. This study addresses the critical [...] Read more.

Pre-Cenomanian Nubia sandstone is recognized one of the most prolific reservoirs in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Accurately determining its reservoir rock type (RRT) is crucial for reservoir characterization and modeling, especially when the reservoir is extremely heterogeneous. This study addresses the critical challenge of characterization in extremely heterogeneous reservoirs by introducing a novel integrated workflow that bridges the gap between traditional sedimentological geology, traditional x-y approaches, and advanced machine learning methods. To achieve this, this study utilizes sedimentological core description, routine core analysis, and conventional well log data from two wells (well A and well B) located in the southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The results demonstrate that the complete Nubia interval in the southern Gulf of Suez can be separated into seven distinct lithofacies (LF1–LF7). The first six lithofacies comprise various types of sandstone, while the seventh is composed of shale. The traditional techniques used to predict the RRTs show that the normalized reservoir quality index (NRQI) was the most effective method for predicting the Nubia rock types. The machine learning K–means clustering and self-organizing map (SOM) techniques utilizing raw log data and principal component analysis (PCA) can properly predict the Nubia reservoir rock types. The reservoir quality ranges from poor to very good; well A is dominated by moderate reservoir quality, while well B exhibits predominantly very good reservoir quality. This discernible difference in reservoir quality between the two wells is probably attributed to post-depositional diagenetic processes and variations in sandstone texture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geological Oceanography)

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10 pages, 1773 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Identifying Seasonal Spatial Distribution Patterns of Scarcely Recorded Shrimp Species Solenocera alticarinata Kubo, 1949 in the East China Sea: Fisheries Conservation and Management Strategy

by Min Xu, Yong Liu, Hongmei Li, Jianzhong Ling and Huiyu Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121134 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026

Abstract

Comprehensive biological and ecological data are essential for the appropriate stock management of Solenocera alticarinata Kubo, 1949. The lack of ecological knowledge on S. alticarinata, a species of potential economic value in the East China Sea, limits the development and implementation of [...] Read more.

Comprehensive biological and ecological data are essential for the appropriate stock management of Solenocera alticarinata Kubo, 1949. The lack of ecological knowledge on S. alticarinata, a species of potential economic value in the East China Sea, limits the development and implementation of appropriate fishery management measures such as minimum landing size and seasonal closure. Accordingly, we employed research vessels to characterize the seasonal spatial distribution patterns of S. alticarinata within the study area (26.5–35° N, 120–127° E) in 2018–2019. Our findings indicate that S. alticarinata can survive at a depth of 50–120 m and sea bottom salinity of 33–35. The highest biomass-based CPUE and greatest abundance of S. alticarinata were found during the summer and autumn, respectively. The seasonal ranking of the total catch per unit effort in number was as follows: autumn (1438.7 ind·h⁻¹) > summer and winter (1012.1–1078.2 ind·h⁻¹) > spring (287 ind·h⁻¹). In terms of mean average individual size, the order was summer > spring > autumn and winter. Overall, our findings provide a basis for developing management policies, and offer insights for designing fishery management and conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Ecological Ranch, Fishery Remote Sensing, and Smart Fishery)

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21 pages, 7980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Evacuation Organization Strategies on Emergency Evacuation Characteristics in Cruise Ship Fire Scenarios

by Wanying Zhang, Ruoyu Xiong and Huajun Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121133 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026

Abstract

Cruise ship fire evacuation is affected not only by fire product spread, but also by how evacuation information is delivered and how passenger flow is organized. However, existing fire evacuation studies have mainly focused on fire products or individual occupant characteristics, while the [...] Read more.

Cruise ship fire evacuation is affected not only by fire product spread, but also by how evacuation information is delivered and how passenger flow is organized. However, existing fire evacuation studies have mainly focused on fire products or individual occupant characteristics, while the effects of evacuation organization strategies under dynamic fire conditions, especially in cruise ship environments, remain insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study designs and compares three evacuation strategies representing different levels of information availability and organizational coordination: a static signage strategy, in which passengers mainly follow predefined evacuation signs; a system warning strategy, in which passengers adjust routes according to threshold-triggered risk information; and a centralized diversion strategy, in which passenger flow is coordinated across zones based on global risk and congestion information. The strategies are evaluated under representative cruise ship fire scenarios. The results show that static signage does not account for the dynamic influence of fire products on the evacuation environment, while system warning strategy provides relatively limited improvement in evacuation performance because of its threshold-triggered mechanism. In contrast, centralized diversion improves evacuation safety by redistributing passenger flow and reducing local congestion, achieving a 98.53% evacuation success rate and reducing the average cumulative congestion time to 4.1159 s in the galley fire scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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37 pages, 6716 KB

Open AccessArticle

Motion Response Prediction and Hull-Form Optimization for a Wigley Ship in Regular Waves

by Yukun Shi, Basharat Ullah, Zhijing Wu, Ru Wang, Sheng Yang and Shurui Wen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121132 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study consists of two main components. The first part establishes a seakeeping assessment method, while the second part focuses on hull-form optimization with seakeeping performance as the objective. For the seakeeping analysis, the Lewis conformal mapping method is used to calculate the [...] Read more.

This study consists of two main components. The first part establishes a seakeeping assessment method, while the second part focuses on hull-form optimization with seakeeping performance as the objective. For the seakeeping analysis, the Lewis conformal mapping method is used to calculate the sectional hydrodynamic coefficients. Strip theory is then applied to obtain the global hydrodynamic coefficients of the hull. The coupled heave and pitch motion responses are calculated and compared with nonlinear time-domain simulation results and experimental data, showing good agreement. A multivariate linear regression model is established to approximate the relationship between the principal hull-form parameters and the heave and pitch RAOs. The comparison between the regression model and strip theory results shows that the prediction error remains within 5%, indicating that the regression model can provide an efficient surrogate objective function for hull-form optimization. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is then employed to optimize the hull form, with the ship length, breadth, draft, and block coefficient considered as design variables. To further evaluate the optimized hull, additional calculations are conducted under different Froude numbers and encounter angles. Under head sea conditions with varying Froude numbers, the optimized hull reduces the peak heave RAO by 11.6–31.1% and the peak pitch RAO by 8.6–17.9%. Under different encounter angles at F_r = 0.3, the reductions in peak heave and pitch RAOs are 31.1–33.9% and 16.5–18.8%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed regression assisted PSO optimization framework can effectively reduce the heave and pitch responses of the Wigley hull under the investigated regular wave conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Marine Vessel Motion Control)

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36 pages, 33092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reservoir Heterogeneity and Vertical Differentiation of the Marine Shales in the Permian Gufeng Formation, Western Hubei, China: Insights from NMR and Micro-CT Analyses

by Yunhe Cai, Xiangrong Yang, Tianchi Wu and Yunfei Shangguan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121131 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026

Abstract

Reservoir effectiveness in marine shales is controlled not only by pore volume but also by pore-fluid occurrence, pore–throat connectivity, and mineral–organic matter coupling. In this study, the Permian Gufeng Formation shales from the Enshi area, western Hubei, South China, were investigated through an [...] Read more.

Reservoir effectiveness in marine shales is controlled not only by pore volume but also by pore-fluid occurrence, pore–throat connectivity, and mineral–organic matter coupling. In this study, the Permian Gufeng Formation shales from the Enshi area, western Hubei, South China, were investigated through an integrated analysis of total organic carbon (TOC), X-ray diffraction (XRD)-based mineral composition and lithofacies, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), and entropy-weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) evaluation. The TOC content ranges from 1.60% to 21.38% and shows clear vertical differentiation, with moderate but variable enrichment in the lower interval, reduced organic matter abundance in the middle interval, and pronounced organic enrichment in the upper interval. Mineral compositions demonstrate an upward transition from a mixed siliceous–carbonate system to a dominantly siliceous shale system. NMR results reveal strong heterogeneity in porosity, NMR-derived permeability, T2cutoff, bound-fluid saturation, and free-fluid saturation. Based on saturated and centrifuged T2 spectra, four descriptive reservoir response types were identified: short-T2-dominated micropore-bound response, intermediate-T2-dominated movable-fluid response, long-T2-enriched but low-efficiency response, and NMR-inferred enhanced mobility composite response. SEM observations show diverse pore types, including organic-matter-related pores, dissolution pores, interparticle pores, mineral-edge pores, pyrite intercrystalline pores, and local microfracture-like pores. Micro-CT results indicate that micrometer-scale pore bodies are commonly isolated, demonstrating that pore abundance or pore size alone cannot determine reservoir effectiveness. TOC mainly controls pore generation potential, whereas siliceous minerals, pore–throat connectivity, movable fluid proportion, and local fractures exert stronger controls on effective reservoir development. The most favorable reservoir responses are concentrated in the upper high-organic siliceous shale interval from A33 to A42, with local enhanced responses in A16 and A21. These results provide an integrated framework for evaluating reservoir heterogeneity and favorable intervals in complex marine shale systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 8978 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamical Precursors and Temporal Persistence of Environmental Forcing in Wave Overtopping at a Field-Scale Breakwater

by Khawar Rehman, Wan Hee Cho, Hwa-Young Lee, Gwang-Ho Seo and Jong Yoon Mun

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121130 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026

Abstract

Wave overtopping is one of the most complex coastal hazards to characterize in field conditions due to its high non-linearity and the interaction between unsteady hydrodynamics and wave–structure processes. To get insights into the underlying occurrence and persistence of overtopping, this study proposes [...] Read more.

Wave overtopping is one of the most complex coastal hazards to characterize in field conditions due to its high non-linearity and the interaction between unsteady hydrodynamics and wave–structure processes. To get insights into the underlying occurrence and persistence of overtopping, this study proposes an integration of numerical and data-driven models. Multi-month field observations made at a breakwater are used to investigate the hydro-meteorological parameters causing overtopping initiation and persistence. High-frequency video-derived overtopping detections are combined with coupled ADCIRC–UnSWAN (ADvanced CIRCulation–Unstructured Simulating WAves Nearshore) hindcasts to construct near-structure hydro-meteorological conditions. The results reveal a clear dynamical asymmetry showing that overtopping initiation corresponds to exceedance of crest elevation at individual wave-scale associated with elevated wave height, water level, wave steepness, and wind characteristics, whereas overtopping persistence depends on short-term temporal effects associated with wave energy, direction, and sustained water levels. Gradient-boosted decision trees, temporal convolutional networks, and Transformer models are employed, demonstrating that persistence cannot be inferred from instantaneous sea-states alone, indicating a separation of timescales between triggering and sustained overtopping dynamics. These findings provide field-scale evidence of distinct hydrodynamic regimes governing overtopping processes, highlighting the importance of temporal characteristics for understanding overtopping dynamics and developing predictive coastal hazard frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)

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28 pages, 19572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Underway Shadowgraphic Imaging for Plankton Detection and Classification

by Rubens M. Lopes, Leandro T. De-La-Cruz, Luis F. Baldasso, Josiane Lima, Stelamari Y. Ito, Gelaysi Moreno and Paulo S. Polito

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121129 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026

Abstract

Technological advances in hardware and software have enabled the development of novel in situ plankton imaging systems to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of plankton communities. State-of-the-art machine learning approaches have been applied for automated image classification, effectively handling the complex and [...] Read more.

Technological advances in hardware and software have enabled the development of novel in situ plankton imaging systems to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of plankton communities. State-of-the-art machine learning approaches have been applied for automated image classification, effectively handling the complex and highly variable morphology of plankton while maintaining high accuracy. Despite these advances, few instruments can acquire zooplankton images autonomously in a continuous underway mode, which is essential for large-scale oceanographic surveys conducted aboard research vessels or ships of opportunity. Here, we present SiMFlux, an underway shadowgraphic imaging system developed at the University of São Paulo, and report results from the Orient Expedition. Observations were conducted aboard an 80-foot sailing vessel navigating across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. A total of 193 videos were analyzed from daily route segments, yielding over 1.2 million regions of interest (ROIs) containing organisms and detrital particles. Particles were automatically classified and subsequently validated by plankton experts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combining Field Observations and Satellite Remote Sensing to Monitor Marine Ecosystem Dynamics)

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26 pages, 1700 KB

Open AccessReview

The Offshore Blind Spot: In Situ Microplastic Emissions and Their Fate in the Marine Environment

by Weimin Yao, Yang Yu, Tianqi Yu, Maria Pogojeva and Lei Su

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121128 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Mass–balance discrepancies exist between estimated land-based inputs and observed marine plastic inventories. While current global mass–balance models predominantly treat the open ocean as a passive terminal sink, they overlook the rapid expansion of offshore and deep-sea industrial frontiers. This review identifies offshore and [...] Read more.

Mass–balance discrepancies exist between estimated land-based inputs and observed marine plastic inventories. While current global mass–balance models predominantly treat the open ocean as a passive terminal sink, they overlook the rapid expansion of offshore and deep-sea industrial frontiers. This review identifies offshore and deep-sea activities as active, in situ emission nodes of microplastics (MPs). Through a bibliometric analysis and numerical descriptions of studies, we document that direct offshore emissions are underrepresented in the current literature. By synthesizing these limited quantitative data, preliminary metrics indicate localized MP enrichment signals and elevated biological exposure near specific offshore infrastructures. Furthermore, plastics released directly into the marine environment bypass terrestrial weathering, undergoing distinct multiscale aging pathways governed by the complex interplay of wave-induced physical fragmentation bounded by critical size thresholds, UV-driven chemical photo-oxidation, and biological interactions. We conclude that refining global plastic budgets supports moving toward an integrated ocean-industrial framework. However, the synthesis remains constrained by data scarcity and high methodological heterogeneity across different environmental matrices. Future strategies must prioritize standardized in situ flux quantification and the incorporation of MP emission risks into offshore Environmental Impact Assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Monitoring and Mitigation of Marine Plastic Pollution)

21 pages, 10971 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Toroidal Propeller Optimization via Hybrid Free-Form Deformation Parameterization and Data-Driven Method

by Xiaozuo Liu, Jingxue Shen, Xiaoyi An, Zhihui Jin, Zonglin Li and Peng Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121127 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

The toroidal propeller, as a high-performance propulsor with a unique geometric configuration, presents challenges in parameterizing its complex geometry and conducting design optimization. This paper proposes a hybrid Free-Form Deformation (FFD) based parametric method, which integrates global FFD control with local parameters to [...] Read more.

The toroidal propeller, as a high-performance propulsor with a unique geometric configuration, presents challenges in parameterizing its complex geometry and conducting design optimization. This paper proposes a hybrid Free-Form Deformation (FFD) based parametric method, which integrates global FFD control with local parameters to achieve flexible and efficient description of the complex surfaces of toroidal propellers. Building upon this, an automated design framework integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), a Kriging surrogate model, and a data-driven optimization algorithm is constructed to explore a high-dimensional design space comprising 14 variables. The goal is to minimize torque while satisfying thrust and geometric constraints. Optimization results show that the optimized propeller achieves approximately 3.63% higher propulsive efficiency at the design condition and requires about 4.32% less power for the required thrust, compared with the best design from Design of Experiments (DOE) sampling. Further flow field analysis reveals that the optimized design achieves a more gradual pressure distribution, which effectively suppresses flow separation and cavitation risk, thereby maintaining better performance across a wider operational range. This study provides a systematic parametric modeling method and optimization strategy for the efficient design of toroidal propellers, demonstrating clear engineering application value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Overall Design of Underwater Vehicles)

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29 pages, 6957 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Aspect Ratio on the Flow-Induced Motion and Energy Harvesting of a Circular Cylinder with T-Shaped Attachments

by Danjie Ran, Yizhuo Wu, Bomeng Feng, Kainan Chen, Xiang Yan, Wene Wang, Jijian Lian and Shishen Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121126 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Water channel experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of aspect ratio (H/D = 0.9–1.9) on the flow-induced motion (FIM) and hydrokinetic energy conversion performance of an elastically mounted circular cylinder with T-shaped attachments (Cir-T-Att). The results indicate that the [...] Read more.

Water channel experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of aspect ratio (H/D = 0.9–1.9) on the flow-induced motion (FIM) and hydrokinetic energy conversion performance of an elastically mounted circular cylinder with T-shaped attachments (Cir-T-Att). The results indicate that the aspect ratio critically governs the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) to galloping transition by modulating the effective angle of attack. While larger H/D promotes galloping and higher amplitudes under low damping, this benefit is negated under elevated system damping, where amplitudes are uniformly suppressed. Consequently, the maximum power output exhibits a non-monotonic dependence with H/D. Within the investigated parametric range, peak performance occurs at H/D = 1.1, with a total damping ratio ζ_total = 0.122 and reduced velocity U_r = 11.25. For practical harvester design, the optimal H/D should be selected by aligning the intended oscillation regime with local flow characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Energy)

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21 pages, 15198 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Slamming-Induced Whipping on Fatigue Damage of an Ultra-Large Container Ship Advancing in Irregular Waves

by Ying Tang, Ziyin Huang, Xiaojun Lv, Yucun Pan, Shili Sun, Huilong Ren and Yiheng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121125 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Slamming-induced whipping has been recognized as a key contributor to fatigue damage of large ships operating under severe sea states. However, accurate prediction of whipping responses remains challenging because of complex nonlinear fluid–structure interactions. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of slamming-induced [...] Read more.

Slamming-induced whipping has been recognized as a key contributor to fatigue damage of large ships operating under severe sea states. However, accurate prediction of whipping responses remains challenging because of complex nonlinear fluid–structure interactions. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of slamming-induced whipping and quantitatively analyze its influence on the fatigue damage of an ultra-large container ship. A three-dimensional fully nonlinear time-domain hydroelastic method, in which the boundary element model is coupled with a Timoshenko beam model, is employed to predict the slamming-induced whipping responses. Segmented model tests in long-crested irregular waves are conducted to provide wave loads of hull girders under severe sea states. The total and wave-frequency vertical bending moments are separated by the fast Fourier transform, and their statistical characteristics are evaluated through probability distributions. Fatigue damage is assessed on the basis of the rainflow counting method and the Palmgren–Miner cumulative damage rule. The contribution of high-frequency whipping responses to fatigue damage is quantitatively evaluated using a fatigue damage factor. It is demonstrated that slamming-induced whipping can significantly amplify fatigue damage by increasing stress amplitudes and cycle counts, particularly under high forward speeds and severe sea conditions. The findings provide a reliable reference for the fatigue design and safety assessment of ultra-large container ships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fatigue and Dynamic Response of Marine Structures)

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47 pages, 3664 KB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review of Risk Assessment and Control Strategies for Ammonia Storage and Handling in Maritime Decarbonisation

by Zahra Barbari, Saleh S. Meibodi, Jinoop Arackal Narayanan, Soheil Mohtaram, Mohammad Ja’fari and Sina Rezaei Gomari

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121124 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Ammonia is a promising zero-carbon energy carrier for maritime decarbonisation, but its deployment is limited by safety risks that are not adequately addressed by conventional marine fuel safety frameworks. This study critically reviews safety assessment, risk management and control strategies for ammonia storage [...] Read more.

Ammonia is a promising zero-carbon energy carrier for maritime decarbonisation, but its deployment is limited by safety risks that are not adequately addressed by conventional marine fuel safety frameworks. This study critically reviews safety assessment, risk management and control strategies for ammonia storage and handling in maritime applications using a PRISMA-informed literature synthesis. Evidence is analysed across hazard characterisation, storage configurations, transfer operations, risk assessment methods, mitigation barriers and regulatory frameworks. The review shows that ammonia safety is governed by coupled release–exposure–barrier interactions shaped by storage condition, tank configuration, pressure–temperature behaviour, material compatibility, transfer mode, ventilation, ship geometry and human intervention. Existing methods, including HAZID, HAZOP, risk matrices and QRA, support hazard screening and prioritisation, but remain limited in representing flashing two-phase releases, dense gas dispersion, confined-space accumulation, exposure duration, ventilation effectiveness and safeguard timing under maritime conditions. CFD, FTA, Bayesian approaches and Monte Carlo analysis offer higher analytical resolution, but their reliability is constrained by limited validation data, uncertain leak-frequency inputs and simplified assumptions for human exposure and emergency response. Effective risk control therefore requires a toxicity-centred barrier strategy linking containment integrity, ammonia-compatible materials, gas and process monitoring, emergency shutdown, ventilation, water-based mitigation, PPE, competency-based training and emergency planning. Current regulatory and classification guidance provides an essential foundation but remains fragmented and insufficiently aligned with ammonia-specific requirements for exposure modelling, safety-zone definition and approval pathways. This review contributes a maritime-specific synthesis of ammonia storage and handling safety by connecting hazard behaviour, storage design, transfer operations, risk assessment limitations, control-barrier logic and regulatory approval needs. The findings highlight the need for validated source-term models, full-scale release and dispersion data, exposure-based safety criteria and harmonised regulatory pathways to support the safe and scalable use of ammonia in maritime decarbonisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Fuels for Marine Engine Applications)

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27 pages, 23238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Mooring Configuration Effects on the Hydrodynamic Response of a Hexagonal Rigid FPV Platform

by Haitao Li, Jijian Lian, Dongming Liu, Zheng Cao and Yong Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121123 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Maintaining structural stability and reliable mooring performance remains a key challenge for offshore floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. This study investigates the coupled hydrodynamic and mooring behavior of a novel large-scale hexagonal rigid FPV platform through 1:25-scale physical model tests. A near-zero-pre-tension slack mooring [...] Read more.

Maintaining structural stability and reliable mooring performance remains a key challenge for offshore floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. This study investigates the coupled hydrodynamic and mooring behavior of a novel large-scale hexagonal rigid FPV platform through 1:25-scale physical model tests. A near-zero-pre-tension slack mooring arrangement was adopted to isolate the effects of mooring type, including anchor chain (M1), steel cable (M2), and elastic cable (M3). The results show that the influence of mooring configuration is strongly degree-of-freedom dependent. Surge motion is highly sensitive to mooring type, whereas heave and pitch remain largely consistent among the three cases. In regular waves, the maximum surge-acceleration RAO of M2 is 1.82 and 2.27 times those of M1 and M3, respectively. Peak mooring tension shows a strong correlation with maximum surge acceleration in both regular and irregular waves, indicating that surge motion can serve as a useful indicator of extreme mooring loads under similar slack-mooring conditions. Among the three configurations, M1 exhibits the strongest short-term peak-load buffering. Under extreme irregular waves, its peak mooring tension is 82.4% and 24.7% lower than those of M2 and M3, respectively. These results provide experimental guidance for the mooring design of large-scale rigid FPV systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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23 pages, 6261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Field Evaluation of a Non-Conventional Mobile Square Cylinder Fish Enclosure with Variable Aft-End Constriction

by Si Thu Paing, Louise Kregting, Glen Aspin, Peter Bell, Benie Chambers, Sharon Ford, Ross Jacobs, Greg Knox, Scott Rhone, Malcolm Smeaton, Ross Vennell and Suzy Black

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121122 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study presents field measurements for a non-conventional mobile square cylinder fish enclosure, with permeable ends, evaluated under both towed and moored conditions at a semi-open ocean test site. Novelty lies within the enclosure design that enables both mobility and control of internal [...] Read more.

This study presents field measurements for a non-conventional mobile square cylinder fish enclosure, with permeable ends, evaluated under both towed and moored conditions at a semi-open ocean test site. Novelty lies within the enclosure design that enables both mobility and control of internal flow through the incorporation of an adjustable aft-end perimeter constriction to regulate internal flow and support fish welfare by enabling control of swimming conditions. Enclosure motion, internal flow speeds and hydrodynamic loads were measured for three constrictions (0%, 40% and 60%). The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of aft-end constriction in regulating internal flow to levels compatible with sustainable swimming speeds for finfish culture. The enclosure remained stable at approximately 9 m depth across all vessel speeds and constriction settings in both towed and moored scenarios. During towing, increasing constriction to 40% reduced time-averaged internal flow by up to 24% without a significant increase in hydrodynamic load. A 60% constriction achieved a larger reduction (~51%) but resulted in a substantial load increase (~90% relative to 0% constriction), indicating a trade-off between flow control and towing resistance. Under moored conditions, aft-end constriction had minimal influence on both internal flow and hydrodynamic load. Mooring loads showed no clear relationship with wave height and only a weak correlation with ambient current speed. Overall, the results demonstrate that aft-end constriction is an effective mechanism for controlling internal flow during towing, but has limited impact when moored. The enclosure’s stability and controllability highlight its potential advantages over conventional gravity cages for mobile open-ocean finfish aquaculture applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infrastructure for Offshore Aquaculture Farms)

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19 pages, 2358 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Ship-to-Shore Emergency Response System for Instantaneous Microbial Inactivation in Ballast Water

by Youxia Lu, Qiong Wang, Lin Yuan and Huixian Wu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121121 - 18 Jun 2026

Abstract

To address the risks of cross-border transmission of pathogenic microorganisms posed by the failure or non-compliance of shipboard ballast water treatment systems, ports urgently require efficient and flexible emergency response solutions. This study presents a novel, containerized, integrated ship-to-shore emergency response system specifically [...] Read more.

To address the risks of cross-border transmission of pathogenic microorganisms posed by the failure or non-compliance of shipboard ballast water treatment systems, ports urgently require efficient and flexible emergency response solutions. This study presents a novel, containerized, integrated ship-to-shore emergency response system specifically designed for the rapid inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in ballast water. The core innovation lies in the integration of a three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) hydraulic robotic arm, a vision and positioning system, and a dynamic inflatable sealing structure designed for rapid, automated docking with a ship’s ballast water discharge outlet (DN250), thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The system employs a purely physical treatment process of “ultrasound (US) pre-treatment + dual-stage ultraviolet (UV) disinfection,” allowing for reception and treatment without secondary chemical pollution. The integrated treatment train, consisting of US (30 kHz, 7.6–12 kW, minimum acoustic energy density ≥ 0.45 J/cm²) followed by dual-stage UV disinfection (minimum UV dose: 147 mJ/cm²), maintained effective microbial inactivation at turbidity levels of 15, 125, 250, and 500 NTU. US alone showed little direct bactericidal effect, whereas the first UV stage achieved log reduction values (LRVs) of 3.31–4.13, and the complete US + UV + UV process achieved total LRVs of 5.07–7.34 for Escherichia coli. The results showed that dual-stage UV disinfection was key to achieving high inactivation efficacy (p < 0.001), while ultrasound, despite its limited direct bactericidal effect, may have facilitated downstream UV disinfection within the sequential treatment train. This system not only fills a critical gap in port biosecurity emergency infrastructure but also provides an experimentally validated, efficient, environmentally friendly, and flexibly deployable shore-based solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Pollution)

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18 pages, 852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Yaw Control for an Unmanned Surface Vessel System with Transient Error Analysis

by Zhonggang Xiong, Tianpeng Huang, Huishuang Shao and Xiaozhao Jin

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121120 - 17 Jun 2026

Abstract

In this paper, an adaptive tracking control technique is proposed to stabilize the yaw angle of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) system subject to input saturation and external disturbances. Unlike existing saturation systems and disturbance rejection methods, the proposed control scheme simultaneously considers [...] Read more.

In this paper, an adaptive tracking control technique is proposed to stabilize the yaw angle of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) system subject to input saturation and external disturbances. Unlike existing saturation systems and disturbance rejection methods, the proposed control scheme simultaneously considers input saturation and unknown disturbances in a unified adaptive framework. First, an adaptive second-order system is presented to compensate for control input saturation. Such a saturated system can effectively reduce the amplitude of controller output. Then, an adaptive learning law is designed to estimate online the unknown upper bound of an external disturbance, removing the requirement for prior information on the disturbance. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the convergence of the tracking error of closed-loop system and the uniform boundedness of all closed-loop signals are strictly proved. Furthermore, the transient performance of the real yaw tracking error is analyzed by considering the selected Lyapunov function, and an explicit upper bound of the transient error is derived for the first time in USV yaw control. Finally, simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Intelligent Control and Navigation of Unmanned Marine Vehicles)

31 pages, 3341 KB

Open AccessReview

Review on Impact Loads for Launch Vehicles and Offshore Launch Platform Dynamic Characteristics

by Yifang Sun, Dapeng Zhang, Zongduo Wu and Yiquan Yu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(12), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14121119 - 17 Jun 2026

Abstract

Offshore rocket launches offer advantages such as unrestricted launch locations, convenient recovery, large effective payload capacity, and long satellite service life. However, due to the complex marine environment, variations in wind, waves, and currents significantly impact the dynamic performance of the launch platform. [...] Read more.

Offshore rocket launches offer advantages such as unrestricted launch locations, convenient recovery, large effective payload capacity, and long satellite service life. However, due to the complex marine environment, variations in wind, waves, and currents significantly impact the dynamic performance of the launch platform. The study of rocket plume impact on platforms and the influence of wind, waves, and currents on their dynamic performance, as well as corresponding optimization measures, is of critical importance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the dynamic issues concerning offshore launch platforms, covering theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental research. Firstly, the research on rocket plume impact loads is introduced. Subsequently, the research achievements in the hydrodynamic performance, structural dynamics, and motion prediction of launch platforms are summarized. On this basis, recent performance optimization methods for launch platforms are presented. Finally, unresolved issues and future research directions are highlighted. The aim is to offer valuable insights for further advancements in offshore rocket launches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coupled Hydrodynamics and Innovative Mooring Systems for Offshore Floating Structures)

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