Scientific Journal of Maritime Research - Pomorstvo
The Scientific Journal of Maritime Research - Pomorstvo is published by the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Croatia. The Journal aims to promote multidisciplinary approach within the complex field of maritime studies. Papers dealing with various aspects of nautical science, marine engineering, marine electrotechnology, shipbuilding, traffic, mobility, logistics, blue economy, marine and coastal protection, and maritime law are welcome. Interested in submitting to this journal? We recommend that you review Author Guidelines. Authors need to register with the journal prior to submitting or, if already registered, can simply log in and begin the five-step process.
University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies
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A COM-B Perspective on Integrating Sustainability into Maritime Education
The maritime industry, responsible for over 80% of global transport and around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces mounting pressure to decarbonise, increasing the need for sustainability education in Maritime Education and Training. Maritime education is crucial for equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skills to address environmental and social challenges. This study examines maritime educators’ commitment to sustainability principles, their awareness of sustainability issues in port services, and the integration of behavioural change approaches into teaching. A quantitative study, guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation=Behaviour (COM-B) model, was conducted using an online survey completed by 86 maritime educators from various countries. The findings indicate that educators are motivated to integrate behavioural change approaches, but need to strengthen their capability through training and resources and have limited opportunities, such as real case studies and interactive learning methods. The study also explores differences across demographic characteristics and offers implications that underscore the role of educators in fostering awareness and adoption of sustainable behaviours among maritime professionals, contributing to environmental and economic sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tutku EKER İŞCİOĞLU, TANER ALBAYRAK, Hüseyin Gençer, NICOLETA ACOMI, GHEORGHE SURUGIU, MLADEN JARDAS, SANJIN VALCIC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Optimization of Cleaning Blades for Underwater Biofouling Removal Robots
To address the issues of increased resistance and energy consumption caused by biofouling on ship hulls, a scraping blade design method based on cutting theory is proposed for a model of an underwater robot. A dynamic model of the blade is established by combining classical cutting theory and extrusion cutting theory, and the analysis indicates that a rake angle of 20° satisfies the removal requirements of barnacles while reducing resistance and energy consumption. On this basis, an idealized attachment model of barnacles and ship hulls is constructed in ABAQUS to perform finite element simulations for single barnacle, double barnacles, and various distribution patterns, including aligned, staggered, and dense multi-barnacle arrangements. The results demonstrate that the blade generates stresses significantly higher than the maximum adhesion strength of barnacles under all conditions, confirming the feasibility of the 20° rake angle. Compared with ultrasonic cavitation cleaning, the proposed method achieves higher cleaning efficiency, lower energy demand, and better environmental compatibility, providing an effective and sustainable solution for ship hull maintenance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaochang Shi, Changsheng Yang, Wenbin Ma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
TRIZ – Driven Design of Inspection ROVs for Offshore Oil andGas Infrastructure
The development of the oil and gas sector, particularly offshore production and transportation, requires the creation of a wide range of diagnostic equipment capable of inspecting risers, pipelines, and platform foundations under challenging conditions. Elements of this infrastructure may be exposed to strong currents, high water turbidity, great depths, seabed burial, or biological fouling. As a result, the use of standardized remotely operated vehicle (ROV) configurations is often impractical. It leads to a set of challenges spanning the design of marine vehicles as well as the resolution of physical, technological, and software-related problems, including optimization of equipment placement and layout. During the design of an ROV, engineers must address issues related to power supply, buoyancy, hull strength, communication systems, installation of control and monitoring instruments, integration of diagnostic equipment, and the principles for data handling and storage. These parameters are typically interdependent, which necessitates multivariate analysis and comprehensive optimization. The study develops and presents a method for optimizing the parameters of an ROV intended for the inspection of risers and offshore oil and gas platform foundations, based on TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). The existing regulatory framework for ROVs is incorporated, the types of optimization tasks are identified, and the necessary input data sets are examined. The work demonstrates how combining TRIZ principles with multifactor optimization methods can yield an optimal design and layout solution for an ROV. As a result, TRIZ methods have been adapted to the problem of designing ROVs for the inspection of offshore oil and gas facilities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pavel Shcherban https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mapping the Maritime Economy: A Thematic Analysis of Research Trends and Emerging Directions
The maritime economy, a cornerstone of global trade and economic development, is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, sustainability challenges, and evolving regulatory frameworks. This study systematically organizes and analyses 827 scientific articles from the Web of Science, employing a hybrid methodology integrating Social Network Analysis (SNA), the Binary Space Partitioning (BSP) clustering algorithm, and large language models (LLMs) to identify key research themes and emerging trends. Through an iterative "human-in-the-loop" process, we refine the clustering process, resulting in six main clusters and 26 subclusters spanning topics such as governance and strategic management, forecasting and modelling, port operations, digital innovations, sustainability, and risk management. The results reveal a marked shift toward sustainability-oriented and technology-driven research, emphasizing the convergence of environmental responsibility, digital transformation, and operational resilience. The findings also highlight the growing role of autonomous technologies, big data analytics, and blockchain in reshaping maritime systems, while underscoring the need for adaptive governance frameworks and cross-sectoral collaboration. By offering a structured, data-driven overview of the maritime research ecosystem, this study contributes a novel methodological framework for bibliometric exploration and provides actionable insights for scholars, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to advance innovation and sustainability in the maritime domain.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dragan Cisic, prof.dr.sc. Saša Drezgić, prof.dr.sc. Saša Čegar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effects of Long-term Seawater Ageing on the Mechanical Properties of FFRP
This study examines the effects of natural seawater ageing on mechanical properties, including tensile strength and flexural strength of flax fiber reinforced polymers (FFRP). Specimens were subjected to a natural seawater environment in periods of exposure of one, three, and five months, as well as a reference group that was kept at room temperature. Water absorption and desorption were measured by weighing the specimens before and after exposure. All submerged specimens exhibited varying levels of microorganisms and adhering algae attachment to the material surface, as well as subsequent growth rates. Both tensile and flexural properties were measured and compared to reference specimens, which were kept in a dry room environment. Various levels of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) degradation were observed for different exposure times for tensile testing specimens, as well as a reduction in maximum flexural strain for three-point bending test specimens.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aleksandar Banjanin, Goran Vizentin, Ph. D. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Strategic Responses to Market Disruptions in the Shipping Industry: A Case Study of Three Leading Companies
The global shipping industry has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains and forced companies to adapt their business and marketing strategies. The aim of this research is to examine the transformation of marketing strategies in the shipping industry in response to these market disruptions. The research analyses three leading companies: Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM, using a qualitative case study approach. The findings show that all three companies have accelerated digital transformation, integrating it into their marketing strategies to strengthen customer relationships through transparent communication. Maersk expanded digital platforms, MSC introduced blockchain-based electronic bill of lading, while CMA CGM implemented the Business Continuity Pack. These measures mitigated disruption and set long-term standards for resilience, innovation, and responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gorana Mudronja, Sendi Bujanović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Eye Tracking in Maritime Research: A Systematic Review
Eye-tracking technologies have evolved considerably since their inception, enabling increasingly sophisticated analyses of human visual behavior. These technologies have subsequently been applied to examine the gaze behaviors of maritime professionals. As of 2020, approximately 15 English language research articles focused on eye-tracking applications in maritime contexts; since then, the number has more than doubled, reflecting growing interest in the field. This review examines 37 studies that met predefined eligibility criteria, encompassing a wide range of research themes and diverse eye-tracking metrics. It synthesizes the potential benefits and limitations of eye-tracking in maritime settings, identifies methodological and practical challenges, and highlights notable research gaps. The findings have implications for researchers, informing study design and metric selection; for maritime educators, enhancing training and assessment methods; and for designers of nautical charts, navigational equipment interfaces, and bridge layouts, supporting the development of more effective and user-friendly designs.
Copyright (c) 2026 KHAIRUL IZZATI BIN KAMARUMTHAM, Dr Thuta Kyaw Win, Dr Tatsuro Ishida, Prof. Koji Murai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Game Theory Applications in Port Management –A Literature Review
This paper aims to examine, systematize, and analyze relevant research on port operators and/or port authorities cooperation, competition, and capacity investment decisions. It also includes papers that model the dynamics of competition and cooperation under various management models using game theory. Our methodology employed a comprehensive search of English-language peer-reviewed journal articles across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, which identified 69 peer-reviewed journal articles that were analysed through bibliometric methods to synthesize current trends and evaluate methodological approaches. the findings reveal that Bertrand and Nash models are predominantly employed, with a strong emphasis on inter-port competition, primarily concentrated in Asian and European regions, thus highlighting a regional disparity in the literature. However, there is a notable gap in exploring cooperative strategies and utilizing more complex, dynamic models to better understand port collaboration and evolving competitive dynamics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ivana Vukićević Biševac, Ivana Jovanović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Understanding the Core Values of Seafarers: A Study Based on Schwartz’s Value Theory
Values of seafarers influence the safety of maritime operations and determining them helps in understanding seafarers’ behavior and decision-making. This empirical study investigated the predominant personal values among seafarers using Schwartz’s Value Theory as the theoretical framework. Employing a quantitative approach, this study surveyed 1002 seafarers using a revision of the Schwartz Revised Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ-RR). The revised version (in English) was tested for validity and reliability and was pilot tested, then translated into eight other languages. Quantitative analysis involved statistical analyses which followed the recommendations of Schwartz (2021) to determine the values that seafarers hold, including their significant differences based on demographic profiles. The findings reveal that the predominant values among seafarers are Self-transcendence and Conservation, specifically Security, Benevolence, Universalism and Conformity broad values. Universalism-Nature, Security-Personal, Benevolence-Caring, Security-Societal, Benevolence-Dependability and Universalism-Concern were the narrowly defined values that seafarers hold. Also, there was no significant difference in the values that seafarers hold in terms of their demographic profile except for their nationality. To the knowledge of the researchers, this is the first study that used the 19 value-framework to determine the value priorities of seafarers. The determined values of seafarers are significant to maritime stakeholders, including the Maritime Education and Training institutions in designing/redesigning programs to address the affective domain of learning, specifically values and their internalization.
Revised Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ-RR)
Copyright (c) 2026 Jeric Bacasdoon, Dr. Johan Bolmsten, Dr. Inga Bartuseviciene https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Marine Coolant Fluids’ Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composites
This study examines the effect of coolant and antifreeze solutions such as distilled water, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with organic acid technology (OAT), and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with inorganic inhibitors and glycerol (IAT/HOAT) on the tensile strength of glass fiber-reinforced polyester (GFRP-P) and vinyl ester (GFRP-VE) composites. Standardized specimens were produced and immersed in these solutions for three months at room temperature. Following exposure, tensile tests were conducted using the universal testing machine, supported by microscopic analysis to evaluate surface damage and internal structural changes such as composite layer delamination. The tensile test results show the highest decrease in tensile strength for GFRP-P specimens immersed in HOAT antifreeze (16.3%), whereas GFRP-VE specimens exhibit only a minimal reduction (3.4%). This difference is attributed to the higher chemical aggressiveness and alkalinity of the HOAT antifreeze. Furthermore, the decrease in the tensile strength of GFR-P exposed to OAT antifreeze is 6.1%, whereas GFRP-VE demonstrates a significantly smaller reduction of 1%, which can be attributed to the less aggressive chemical composition of the OAT formulation compared to HOAT. In contrast, the influence of distilled water on GFRP-P specimens is manifested as a tensile strength decrease of 12.7%, whereas GFRP-VE specimens show a reduction of 11%, attributed to the fluid’s density and the rate of hydrolytic degradation. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects of various coolant media on the performance of GFRP in marine cooling systems, highlighting GFRP-VE as a more suitable matrix for prolonged exposure to coolant environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dean Bernečić, Marino Mikelić, Goran Vizentin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Corrosion of additively manufactured steel – A Review
This paper performs a bibliometric and critical review on the topic “corrosion of additively manufactured steel” using RStudio software and its tools. Data for analysis is collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The critical review reveals mechanical behavior, corrosion mechanisms, microstructural evolution, and additive manufacturing (AM) process development, highlighting that corrosion performance is strongly influenced by AM process selection, parameter settings, alloying elements, and post-treatment methods, all of which shape microstructure, surface morphology, and passive layer formation. Based on the reviewed literature, AM techniques produce stainless steels with material properties that promote the formation of a passive oxide film significantly thicker, more electrically resistive, and more uniform than in conventionally produced counterparts. Moreover, the repeated heating and cooling cycles in AM suppress chromium-carbide precipitation along twin boundaries, thereby significantly enhancing resistance to intergranular corrosion compared to wrought counterparts. By optimizingAM parameters, it may be possible to refine grain structure, reduce process-induced defects, enhance post-processing efficiency, and stabilize passive films, enabling AM stainless steels to possibly match or even exceed the corrosion resistance of wrought steels, thus accelerating the use of AM stainless steel in marine engineering applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Benjamin Mihaljec, Marko Kopić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
CFD Analysis of a Stern Flap Effect on the Hydrodynamics of a Catamaran Ship
Maritime transport is under increasing pressure to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and decrease emissions. catamarans offer operational benefits; however, they are limited by wave-making resistance at high speeds. Stern flaps are effective for monohulls, but their optimization for catamarans is inadequately investigated owing to the complexities of twin-hull hydrodynamics. this work utilizes computational fluid dynamics simulations to comprehensively assess stern flap performance on a catamaran under varying ship speed conditions and angles of attack. the findings indicate that a 0° flap decreases overall resistance by an average of 5.5%, despite a 1.76% increase in wetted surface area, accomplished by separation-free flow and balanced trim correction, which includes a 42% reduction in stern-squat at higher Froude numbers. conversely, a 20° flap elevates resistance by up to 8.8% at high froude numbers due to flow separation, which exacerbates a 4.48% increase in wetted area and a 0.49% rise in heave, despite its 93% geometric trim correction. research results indicate that neutral flap angles improve catamaran efficiency by avoiding three hydrodynamic drawbacks of higher angles: increased pressure drag, expanded wetted surface, and reduced stability. High-angle configurations are not recommended for any operating profiles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmad Firdhaus, Samuel, Muhammad Luqman Hakim, Ocid Mursid, Julian Raditya Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Cybersecurity of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Systems: Overview of EU Standards, Regulations, and Audit Procedures
This paper reviews cybersecurity standards, regulations, and audit procedures relevant to EU Onshore Power Supply systems. These systems link maritime and energy infrastructures via high-capacity ship-to-shore connections. Such hybrid operational technology environments introduce vulnerabilities that neither maritime nor energy sector standards fully address. Using a qualitative, comparative review, the authors evaluate key frameworks. Analysis reveals gaps in authentication, mutual assurance, runtime monitoring, incident response, and management of legacy operational technology. the findings provide a foundation for risk-informed, cross-sector cybersecurity audits and highlight the need for harmonized yet adaptable security requirements to safeguard Onshore Power Supply-enabled ports against evolving cyber threats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Matej Plenca, mag. ing. logist., izv. prof. dr. sc. Sasa Aksentijevic, prof. dr. sc. Edvard Tijan, izv. prof. dr. sc. Srdjan Skok https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A review of Rescue Methods After Intelligent Rescue Equipment Approaches a Drowning Person
Drowning is still the main cause of accidental death worldwide, and intelligent rescue technology is needed for rapid and effective intervention. This study investigated the rescue methods used by intelligent devices - autonomous rescue devices, auxiliary self-rescue devices, and wearable intelligent rescue devices - when reaching a person who has fallen into the water. Using IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science and other digital databases, this paper systematically reviews the research on hardware design, sensor integration, control algorithm and human-computer interaction from 2009 to 2025. The results show that multi-sensor fusion, adaptive stability and safe human computer interaction are crucial for reliable performance in complex aquatic environments. Future advancements are proposed, include enhancing robust perception, adaptive stabilization, and human-computer interaction security to critically address system-level challenges of cross-domain coordination, standardized interoperability, and reliable algorithmic decision-making in complex aquatic environments. These insights provide a basis for advancing intelligent drowning rescue systems, linking technological innovation with practical safety applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Editor; Dewei Pan, Qiang Zhang, Zhijie Liu, Wei Zhang, Runqiang Li, Binglin Wen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Towards Decarbonization of the Maritime Transport Sector: A Review of Hydrogen as an Alternative Marine Fuel
This review examines the current landscape of hydrogen production technologies, including thermochemical, electrochemical, and biological methods, highlighting their efficiencies, feedstock requirements, and environmental implications. Furthermore, the paper explores the challenges and advancements in hydrogen storage technologies, primarily on compressed gas, liquefied hydrogen, and solid-state storage. Hydrogen technology across industries, from transportation, to grid energy storage and industrial processes are discussed, with a focus on maritime sector applications, showcasing hydrogen’s versatility and decarbonization potential. Despite its promise, large-scale hydrogen adoption is constrained by high costs, infrastructure limitations, and energy efficiency concerns. This review aims to provide a foundational understanding for researchers and policymakers to support the advancement of hydrogen as a key component in future energy systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fran Torbarina, Josip Dujmović, Goran Vizentin, Mateo Kirinčić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Optimizing Waste Heat Recovery in Marine Power Plants
In today’s world, the demand for marine industries to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact from marine power plants through waste heat recovery (WHR) is increasing daily. the energy efficiency of the marine engine is about 50% with a large amount of energy removed as waste heat, especially in exhaust gases. The present research paper proposes the optimization of the WHR by adopting the artificial neural network (ANN) model, exploring real-world data extracted from marine power plants on board to investigate the optimization of waste heat recovery. The ANN model, which was trained with operational parameters including exhaust gas temperature, engine load and ambient conditions, showed a very good predictive capability producing an R2 of 0.95, RMSE of 3.85kW, and MAE of 2.68kW. The ANN model proved to be more accurate and reliable than conventional thermodynamic methods considering fluctuating operational conditions. as indicated by the sensitivity analysis, exhaust gas temperature and engine load were found to produce the greatest impact on the potential of WHR. The results have a tremendous impact on the maritime sector, enabling ship operators and owners to improve efficiency and sustainability while reducing exhaust gas emissions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kombo Theophilus-johnson, Ogboada (Mr), John (Dr) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessing coating degradation along a scribe in a ballast tank environment
This study evaluates the suitability of corrosion testing methods for analyzing the scribe performance of coated steel in environments resembling ballast tanks. While the fog/dry test effectively accelerates corrosion on bare steel, it falls short of replicating ballast tank conditions for coated scribed steel. It shows significant variability, which limits precise evaluation. A procedure previously developed at AMACORT, the AMACORT CIFD-01 test procedure, proves more reliable for scribe performance analysis, offering greater precision and repeatability. This study also explores the effects of surface cleanliness and roughness on coating performance using the fog/dry test method. Fog/dry testing is used as it is widely recognized and commonly applied, whereas the AMACORT CIF D-01 protocol requires significantly more handling. Increased salt contamination correlates with a greater mean creep, which becomes significant when PSPC15 standards are being exceeded. Regarding dust contamination and surface roughness deviations, no significant effects were observed, like those seen with increased salt contamination. A dust contamination increase contributes to performance degradation but not significantly, nor do surface roughness deviations. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate test methods and maintaining adherence to surface cleanliness and roughness standards, in particular salt contamination, to ensure optimal coating performance and adhesion durability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Remke Willemen, Geert Potters, Sam Van Vlem, Silvia Lenaerts https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Failure Behavior Analysis of Crack Propagation in Ship Sandwich Structures
Damage to ship structures leads to a reduction in strength, which increases the risk of structural failure. The vulnerability of damage in sandwich panel structures made of low-density steelpolyurethane elastomer needs to be evaluated and predictions made regarding failure modes, particularly crack propagation through the core thickness. Variations in structure thickness and the size of the initial crack are evaluated to determine the impact of structural design on damage under the ship’s operational loads. Finite element analysis, validated with experimental data, is used to simulate the dynamics of crack propagation. It was found that a thicker core and a smaller initial crack length result in slower crack propagation rates and shorter crack extensions. Increasing the core thickness from 15 mm to 24 mm reduced the crack propagation rate by up to 28% and improved crack extension resistance by as much as 54%. Thicker face and bottom plates further contributed an additional reduction in crack growth rate, providing an extra margin of structural toughness. Shorter initial cracks also proved significant, with propagation rates decreasing by about 73% when comparing a 25 mm crack to a 75 mm crack. These factors lowered the strength reduction factor (SRF ) and extended crack growth times, confirming that thicker cores and smaller initial cracks improve damage resistance in ship sandwich structures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Husein Syahab, Achmad Zubaydi, Heni Siswanti, Rizky Chandra Ariesta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Improving the accuracy of the oil spill model: A case study of the Hai Phong Sea area
Oil spill modeling is a crucial tool in marine environmental management, enabling early prediction and mitigation of pollution impacts on coastal ecosystems. This study presents a high-resolution oil spill simulation framework developed for the Hai Phong coastal region in northern Vietnam, where risks from maritime activities are significant. The proposed approach utilizes a Lagrangian particle tracking method to simulate the transport and dispersion of oil particles driven by wind, wave, and tidal forces. A hydrodynamic model underpins the simulation, with its input parameters systematically calibrated to improve accuracy. Model calibration was guided by widely accepted error assessment metrics, including Root Mean Square Error, Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency, and Percent Bias. These indicators were used to iteratively refine the simulation until a satisfactory match with empirical observations was achieved. Unlike traditional models that often rely on static inputs, this study incorporates dynamic environmental forcing and applies adaptive calibration strategies, allowing for reliable forecasts even when the spill source is uncertain or data availability is limited. The model demonstrates strong predictive capacity during the critical early hours following an oil spill, highlighting its potential for integration into rapid-response systems. Overall, the framework contributes to advancing oil spill preparedness and response strategies in data-scarce coastal regions, supporting both ecological protection and maritime risk management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Van Cuong Do, Xuan Long Nguyen, Manh Cuong Nguyen, Trung Kien Do https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Operational performance of container terminals in the North Adriatic ports
The significant increase in the number of calls by larger container ships also has an impact on productivity and therefore on the performance of container ports in the northern Adriatic. The productivity of a container terminal depends heavily on the processes at the berth, yard and in the gate area. In our analysis, we have therefore analysed the current capacity and operational performance of each terminal subsystem using KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) and outlined the investment plans required to enable the ports of Koper, Trieste and Rijeka to accommodate larger container vessels. These container ports handle less than 2.4 million TEU per year (2024), which is below what they could achieve given the backhaul market. Analyses have shown that improving the productivity of loading and unloading in the berth area is an effective measure to increase container traffic in the ports of the North Adriatic and improve their market share. Investments in the procurement of new quay cranes, increasing the draught at the berths and expanding the berths play a key role in this. Only with timely measures will the ports of the northern Adriatic be able to compete with their northern European rivals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maja Stojaković, Elen Twrdy, Bojan Beškovnik, Gašper Fatur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluating Customer Satisfaction with Clearing and Forwarding Agents: A SERVQUAL Approach with Application to Kuwait Shuwaikh Port
This study investigated the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction with clearing and forwarding C&F agents using the SERVQUAL model. C&F agents play a crucial role in facilitating the clearance and delivery of goods for businesses, and their service quality is heavily dependent on port operations. This research employs a quantitative approach, using survey data from 397 customers of C&F agents in Kuwait to examine the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. This study analyzes the five SERVQUAL dimensions of tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Although the correlation analysis shows that all dimensions were statistically significant for customer satisfaction, the regression results reveal that assurance was not significant. Tangibles emerged as the most influential factor, followed by empathy, reliability, and responsiveness. This research contributes to the academic literature and practical industry knowledge by addressing the gap in understanding service quality dynamics in Kuwait’s C&F sector. The findings provide valuable insights for industry professionals seeking to enhance service quality and improve customer satisfaction. This study focused on Shuwaikh Port, but it establishes a foundation for future research across other ports and suggests the adoption of mixed-method approaches for a more comprehensive analysis. The results offer practical recommendations for improving C&F services and maintaining competitiveness in this vital sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Alsalfiti, Theo Notteboom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Strategic Development of Logistics Distribution Centers in Port Hinterland Regions – A Case Study of Croatia’s Bakar Industrial Zone
This paper provides a systematic literature review regarding the strategic development of the logistics distribution centers in port hinterland regions, specifically on the Bakar Industrial Zone as a case study. The search of the ISI Web of Science database, combined with the research objective criteria, revealed a total of 17 key papers for the study. Based on the thematic relevance, the papers were grouped into six research clusters: General overview and background, Problem definition and conceptual framework, Optimization models and algorithmic approaches, Simulation and empirical studies, Supply chain integration and network optimization, and Sustainability and efficiency considerations. Cluster content analysis identified nine proposed strategic guidelines for sustainable development of logistics distribution centers: Infrastructure modernization and investment, Supply chain integration, Advanced optimization and algorithm adoption, Green and sustainable practices, GIS and digitalization integration, Uncertainty management via grey systems, Simulation and empirical validation, Continuous improvement and sensitivity analysis, and Integrated decision support systems. Together, these nine strategic guidelines advance the sustainable development of LDCs by ensuring the state-of-the-art infrastructure, integrated supply chain planning, advanced optimization and digital technologies, and adopting green practices to improve operational efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment. The above guidelines were implemented on the Bakar Industrial Zone case study, in order to improve infrastructure, harmonize regulations, attract investments and apply sustainable solutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marijan Brubnjak, Miljen Sirotić, Marko Paliaga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of Excessive Towing Load on The Motion and Tension Behaviour of 50,000 DWT Single Point Mooring System
Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) systems are vital for offshore oil and gas operations to moor Tankers and transfer cargo. A common issue arises when Tankers exceed the mooring system’s design capacity, leading to shifts in the Single Point Mooring (SPM) coordinate. This study examines the structural integrity of a 50,000 DWT CALM-type SPM system under excessive mooring loads, simulating conditions with Tankers of 55,000, 75,000, and 100,000 DWT. The analysis follows API RP 2SK, DNV OS E301, ABS standards and includes three stages: (1) Hydrodynamic analysis to obtain the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO); (2) 3D coupled dynamic time-domain simulation to determine mooring line tension; and (3) Von Mises stress analysis of the Y-connection. Results show that increasing tow loads elevate mooring line tension, with the highest force found in Chain 1C under beam sea with a 100,000 DWT Tanker. The maximum stress occurs at the Y-connection in hole C facing the seabed, failing to meet safety requirements. These findings highlight the critical need for adherence to design load limits to ensure safe and reliable mooring system performance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tuswan Tuswan, Adam Adam, Alfiy Alfatarizqi, Ahmad Fauzan Zakki, Berlian Arswendo Adietya, Zulfaidah Ariany, Aulia Windyandari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Developing an AIS Big Data-Driven Framework for Ship Emission Monitoring in Ports
The rapid expansion of maritime transportation has significantly impacted air quality due to increased ship emissions. This study aims to develop a ship emission monitoring system utilizing Automatic Identification System (AIS) big data, with Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia (ID TPP) as the case study. The system is designed to monitor and analyze ship emissions based on historical AIS data, providing actionable insights to mitigate environmental impacts. By integrating various data processing techniques, including data preprocessing, database development, sailing time and speed calculation, and emission estimation, this research provides a comprehensive framework for a ship emission monitoring system. The system can be implemented in ports through the development of an interactive web-based dashboard, enhancing the decision-making capabilities of port authorities and other stakeholders. The results demonstrate the system’s potential for effectively monitoring emissions and promoting sustainable maritime operations .
Copyright (c) 2025 Andi Wibisono, Achmad Riadi, Muhammad Taqiyyuddin, Muhammad Budiyanto, Dimas Muzhoffar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The prediction of ship groundings: A review
Ship grounding is one of the most common and devastating maritime accidents. This article aims to present a retrospective review of models used to estimate the frequency of such incidents. Given the increasing growth of maritime traffic, this is the type of maritime accident that today’s modern science should better address and present modern solutions to minimize such accidents. Numerous grounding risk assessment models have been developed throughout the history of maritime research, contributing significantly to the reduction of ship grounding incidents. However, while research and related models on this topic are abundant, they are often unstructured and fragmented, lacking detailed and comprehensive analysis necessary to clearly identify key shortcomings and areas for improvement. A thorough search of relevant databases was conducted to better capture academic articles and general publications addressing the estimation of ship grounding frequency. Using the bibliographic mapping capabilities of the VOSviewer software, the study identified research clusters related to grounding issues. The inclusion of bibliometric analysis enhances this article by providing a comprehensive overview of the literature and highlighting the researchers who have made the most significant contributions to the development of ship grounding assessment models—thus laying the groundwork for future advancements.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stipe Galić, Zvonimir Lušić, Saša Mladenović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analytical Control of the Mass of Injected Fuel into Diesel Engine Cylinder
In real operating conditions, the engine indicator diagram is the most common source of data for analyzing its current technical condition. Despite this, it is not possible to determine all diagnostic parameters directly from it, for example, the mass of fuel injected into the cylinder. To determine the fuel supply, it is possible to use the calculation of heat release in the cylinder or by solving a system of differential equations describing the working process in the cylinder. However, in those cases, the approximate value of the average temperature of the cylinder walls is unknown, as well as which of the empirical formulas for calculating the heat transfer from the gases to the cylinder walls should be used. Therefore, an additional method for calculating the mass of fuel injected into the cylinder was developed, in which the actual working process, under certain assumptions, was represented by a calculated cycle with isochoric and isobaric sections of fuel combustion. As a result, two systems of algebraic equations were compiled, the solutions of which can be used to find the mass of injected fuel. During the research, the process of solving equations was modernized, which allowed for a significant increase in accuracy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oleksiy Yeryganov, Vladyslav Kyrnats, Alexey Popovskyi; Vitalii Gunchenko, Vladymyr Glebov, Oleksiy Melnyk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Recommendations for the Development of a Legal Framework for Remote Piloting
Development of technology allows the sea pilot to operate remotely, from the mainland assisting vessel through areas complex for navigation. A Sea pilot (a marine pilot, a harbor pilot, a port pilot, or simply a pilot) is a mariner who advises a master how to safely navigate the vessel and his role is well known in maritime world. The challenge lies in defining his role when the ship is being monitored via live-streaming cameras. Remote pilotage offers significant cost reduction benefits; however, this mode of pilotage necessitates comprehensive regulations and standardization. It is crucial to delineate the pilot's role, including the commencement and termination of their duties, as well as their legal responsibilities within the regulatory framework. The paper presents tasks for remote pilotage legal regulations, considering that the lack of regulation at the international level could pose significant legal challenges to its implementation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Goran Vojković, Melita Milenković, Lea Vojković, Toni Meštrović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Cybersecurity Applications in the Maritime Industry: A Scientometric Approach
The maritime industry, which holds significant importance for international logistics operations and global trade, is increasingly exposed to cybersecurity risks in this era of accelerating digitalization. In this context, cybersecurity research conducted within the maritime sector is crucial in maintaining international trade, preventing economic losses, and effectively managing global supply chains. In this regard, the primary objective of this study is to examine research on cybersecurity applications in the maritime field using the scientific mapping method and to identify prominent topics and themes. Accordingly, a search was conducted in the Web of Science database using maritime-related keywords in combination with the terms “cybersecurity,” “cyber risk,” “cyber threats,” or “cyber risk management.” Covering the period from 2014 to December 2024, including early-access publications slated for 2025, 248 studies incorporating maritime concepts and these cybersecurity-related terms were analyzed using the R programming language. The analysis results indicate that research in this field began in 2014 and that there has been a notable increase in the number of studies conducted since 2018. The findings reveal that the most frequently used keywords in this field include “model,” “cybersecurity,” “performance,” and “safety.” Additionally, the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering stands out as the journal that has published the highest number of studies and received the most citations in this domain. The top three countries with the highest number of publications in this field are Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, respectively. Furthermore, the prominent thematic focus identified in the research is collision-avoidance navigation. These findings are significant for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, as they also contribute to developing recommendations for future studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Burcu YILMAZ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Environmental Ageing of Structural Materials in Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering – A Review
The mechanical properties of structural materials in shipbuilding and marine engineering are significantly affected by environmental stressors such as corrosive environments, UV radiation, and chemical treatments, all leading to material degradation. This review examines nearly 1,000 studies published between 2015 and 2025 to reveal key trends in the research on the impact of environmental factors on material degradation. The review has two parts. The bibliometric review maps the structure of academic research and identifies patterns and trends, while the critical review provides research gaps and future research directions. Specifically, the study highlights that UV-C radiation accelerates surface embrittlement and strength loss in polymers, while chlorination promotes localized corrosion in stainless steels, notably AISI 316. A critical gap was identified in the limited research on combined environmental stressors, despite their real-world relevance in marine environments. The findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary study of the interplay of various environmental effects on marine materials and structures. Also, there is a certain lack of long-term studies in the natural marine environment. Additionally, attention should be paid to the behavior of modern materials (composites, additively manufactured materials) to allow their faster uptake in the maritime industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marko Kopic, Benjamin Mihaljec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analysis and Management of Human-Based Risks in Ship Operations with Fuzzy FMEA and Fuzzy DEMATEL Methods
The operations carried out on ships, which bear most of the world trade load and constitute the fundamental element of maritime commerce, involve many risks. In today’s context, the concept of risk has evolved into the assessment of risk, and various methods have been developed to reduce or eliminate risks. In this perspective, the objective of the study is to identify and assess human errors, a major risk factor in accidents occurring in ship operations, through an integrated fuzzy approach, and manage them accordingly. By emphasizing the inherent risk in the nature of the human factor in maritime operations, this study makes a noteworthy contribution to maritime literature by identifying human-based risk factors using Fuzzy FMEA and Fuzzy DEMATEL methods. Although FMEA and DEMATEL methods are widely used in risk assessment in literature, there are limited number of research integrating Fuzzy Logic into these methods. Therefore, this study holds importance in presenting human-based risk factors through two different methods and highlighting the impact of the human factor in ship operations, which inherently involve risks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mert Susoy, Murat Yorulmaz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0