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Blue economy has the potential to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems. This research uses a comprehensive analysis of secondary data sources to assess various blue economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean mining. By examining the blue economy experiences of developed nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, and Australia, the study identifies the best SDG practices and strategic lessons applicable to Bangladesh. In the case of Bangladesh, the research focuses on the blue economy initiatives, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The blue economy and SDGs nexus in the context of Bangladesh demonstrates that out of 17 goals, 12 SDGs (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 16 and SDG 17) are linked with blue economy practices in Bangladesh. However, in the case of developed countries, only six SDGs (SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14) are connected to the blue economy because of the diversity of blue economy practices across the countries. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has significant potential to utilize its marine resources for sustainable development. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, environmental risks, and limited technological advancements. The study thus emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder coordination, investments in sustainable infrastructure, public–private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence aims to be the solution to multiple engineering problems by trying to emulate the human learning process. In this sense, maritime transport standards have clearly evolved, which are based on two principal pillars: the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Based on a formal safety assessment research process, these pillars try to solve most of the maritime transport accidents, which, in their final steps, are associated with human factors. In this research, an original methodology employing a deep learning process for image recognition during mooring line operation, a dangerous process on ships, is developed. The main results indicate that the proposed method is an excellent tool for advising ship officers on watch and, consequently, provides a new way to prevent human factors onboard from causing accidents, which in the future must be considered in international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to systematically review and analyze the literature on green shipping, focusing on research trends, key areas, and future directions. A bibliometric analysis is conducted on 1339 articles published between 2000 and 2023, using data from the SCI-EXPANDED and SSCI core collections on the Web of Science platform. Co-occurrence analyses are performed for authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. The analysis reveals exponential growth in green shipping research over the past decade, with a significant increase since 2019. China leads in publication output and international collaboration. Key research areas identified include sustainable development, green energy, green ports, and green supply chain management. Green shipping research is rapidly expanding, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements. Future research is expected to integrate artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and other advanced technologies to further promote sustainability. Strengthening international cooperation and interdisciplinary integration will be crucial for advancing the global green shipping agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global economy's relentless growth and heightened environmental consciousness, sustainable maritime transport emerges as a pivotal development trajectory for the shipping sector. This study systematically analyzes 478 publications searched in the Web of Science Core Collection, from 2000 to 2023, utilizing bibliometric methods to investigate the application areas in sustainable development within the shipping industry. This study begins with an analysis of annual publication trends, which reveals a substantial expansion in research endeavors within this discipline over recent years. Subsequently, a comprehensive statistical evaluation of scholarly journals and a collaborative network assessment are conducted to pinpoint the foremost productive journals, nations, organizations, and individual researchers. Furthermore, a keyword co-occurrence methodology is applied to delineate the core research themes and emerging focal points within this domain, thereby outlining potential research directions for future research. In addition, drawing on the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the advancements in intelligent shipping technologies and green port construction applications within sustainable maritime transport are discussed. Finally, the review discusses the existing challenges and opportunities of sustainable maritime transport from a theoretical and practical perspective. The research shows that, in terms of intelligent shipping technology, data security and multi-source data are the focus that people need to pay attention to in the future; a trajectory prediction for different climates and different ship types is also an area for future research. In terms of green ports, Cold Ironing (CI) is one of the key points of the green port strategy, and how to drive stakeholders to build sustainable green ports efficiently and economically is the future developmental direction. This review serves to enhance researchers' comprehension of the current landscape and progression trajectory of intelligent shipping technologies, thereby fostering the continued advancement and exploration in this vital domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The punctuality of vessel arrival at port is a crucial issue in contemporary port operations. Uncertainties in vessel arrival can lead to port handling inefficiency and result in economic losses. Although vessels typically report their estimated time of arrival (ETA) en-route to the destination port, their actual time of arrival (ATA) often differs from the reported ETA due to various factors. To address this issue and enhance terminal operational efficiency, we first quantitatively evaluate vessel arrival uncertainty in different time slides prior to arrival at the port using 2021 vessel arrival data for Hong Kong port (HKP). Our results confirm that the overall vessel arrival uncertainty decreases as vessels approach the HKP. Then, we implement a random forest (RF) approach to predict vessel arrival time. Our model reduces the error in ship ATA data prediction by approximately 40% (from 25.5 h to 15.5 h) using the root mean squared error metric and 20% (from 13.8 h to 11.0 h) using the mean absolute error metric compared with the reported ETA data. The proposed vessel arrival time evaluation and prediction models are applicable to port management and operation, laying the foundation for future research on port daily operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Port Law requires a specialized study due to the different actors, regimes and contractual terms involved in the maritime business related to the dynamics of the vessel, its cargo and the modalities of exploitation of a vessel, which necessarily require rigorous distinction and must be individualized considering the safety of the dock for embarking, disembarking and environmental challenges, among others. The study of port law is concerned with its institutions that are not found in other disciplines, so it should not be seen only from the perspective of the public-administrative sphere because the associated activities imply an integral knowledge of international trade. The essence of port law is interdisciplinary, considering that it brings together elements that cover the public state service and its control of the development of private commercial activities involving navigation, cargo and freight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve net zero emissions from ships by 2050 and align with the IMO 2023 GHG strategy, the maritime industry must significantly increase zero-emission vessels by 2030. Transitioning to fully electric ferry lines requires enhanced energy supply through renewable energy sources (RES) for complete GHG mitigation and net-zero emissions. This study presents a GIS-based framework for optimally selecting offshore wind farm locations to meet the energy demands of electric ferry operations along coastal routes. The framework involves two stages: designing feasible zero-emission ferry routes between islands or to the mainland and identifying optimal offshore wind farm sites by evaluating technical, spatial, economic, social, and environmental criteria based on national legislation and the academic literature. The aim is to create a flexible framework to support decision making for establishing sustainable electric ferry operations at a regional level, backed by strategically located offshore wind farms. The study applies this framework to the Greek Coastal Shipping Network, focusing on areas with potential for future electrification. The findings can aid policymakers in utilizing spatial decision support systems (SDSS) to enhance efficient transportation and develop sustainable island communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Blue economy has the potential to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems. This research uses a comprehensive analysis of secondary data sources to assess various blue economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean mining. By examining the blue economy experiences of developed nations like the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, and Australia, the study identifies the best SDG practices and strategic lessons applicable to Bangladesh. In the case of Bangladesh, the research focuses on the blue economy initiatives, opportunities, and challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The blue economy and SDGs nexus in the context of Bangladesh demonstrates that out of 17 goals, 12 SDGs (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 16 and SDG 17) are linked with blue economy practices in Bangladesh. However, in the case of developed countries, only six SDGs (SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14) are connected to the blue economy because of the diversity of blue economy practices across the countries. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has significant potential to utilize its marine resources for sustainable development. However, it faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, environmental risks, and limited technological advancements. The study thus emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks, stakeholder coordination, investments in sustainable infrastructure, public–private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement.

This special issue of Business Systems Research (SI of the BSR) is being co-published by the Slovenian Society INFORMATIKA – Section for Operational Research (SSI -SOR). It focuses on recent advances in Operations Research and Management Science (OR / MS), with a particular emphasis on linking OR / MS with other areas of quantitative and qualitative methods in the context of a multidisciplinary framework. The ten papers that were chosen for this Special Issue of the BSR present advancements and new techniques (methodology) in the field of Operations Research (OR), as well as their application in a variety of fields, including risk management, mathematical programming, game theory, gravity, spatial analysis, logistics, circular economy, continuous improvement, sustainability, e-commerce, forecasting, Gaussian processes, linear regression, multi-layer perceptron, and machine learning.

EU recently decided to include shipping, meaning all intra-European shipping and 50% of extra-European voyages, in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) beginning in 2024. This article provides an early assessment of the impacts of the EU ETS on the shipping sector's potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for different types of ships. It further examines selected mitigation measures and the impact on modals split and costs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative estimates (based on data from the EU monitoring, reporting and verification system) with qualitative data and information from interviews with key actors and from previous literature. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of the EU ETS. The inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS is expected to introduce significant incentives to reduce emissions. We estimate that switching to bio-methanol at an emissions allowance price of €90–100/tCO2 will be cost-effective for a minor share of shipping segments (representing about 0.5-5% of all ships), whereas at a price above €150/tCO2 it could be cost-effective for a considerable share (potentially 75%) of ships. In the short term, the costs incurred by the EU ETS will be passed on to transport customers as a surcharge. The increased cost may, unless properly addressed, drive carbon leakage. Meanwhile, a modal shift away from shipping may occur in the roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) and roll-on passenger (RoPax) segments due to direct competition with road and rail transport and the relative ease of shifting to other modes of transport. Integrating shipping into the EU ETS is an important step towards reducing GHG emissions in the sector but also will reduce emissions of NOX, SOX, and PM. CO2 emissions from shipping constitute about 8% of GHG emissions from all sectors in the EU ETS. The need to purchase allowances will increase operating costs, which will initially be passed on to transport customers as a surcharge. Interviews confirm that a modal shift away from shipping to road and rail may occur in the RoRo and RoPax segments. Switching to bio-methanol may be cost-effective mainly for some ships in the RoRo, RoPax and reefer segments at an allowance price below €100/tCO2, while for most ships (about 85–100% of ships) it will be cost-effective above €200/tCO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient vessel arrivals and departures are crucial for the smooth functioning of port operations and global supply chains. Nonetheless, the emergence of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the end of 2019 has presented unprecedented challenges to the shipping industry worldwide, disrupting vessel schedules and operations due to measures aimed at minimizing in-person interactions and restricting the movement of goods and people. The influence of the COVID-19 on vessel arrivals at ports around the world has been significant and far-reaching, with many ports struggling to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness. This study takes the Hong Kong port (HKP) as an example to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vessel arrivals and port operations. Data from 2019 to 2022 on vessel arrivals and port operations are collected to examine whether, how, and why the pandemic has affected these arrivals and the related port operations. Specifically, we use four general indicators, namely the number of vessel calls, vessel total net tonnage (NT), vessel average gross tonnage (GT), and port total throughput, to comparatively evaluate the COVID-19 impact on vessel arrival. Additionally, we quantitatively assess the effects of COVID-19 on vessel arrival punctuality and vessel turnaround time at the HKP. Our analysis reveals that the COVID-19 and associated restrictions have led to fewer vessel calls across various vessel types, a decrease in overall port throughput, and consequently, reductions in total vessel NT and average GT. Furthermore, the pandemic-related restrictions have exacerbated vessel arrival delays and increased vessel turnaround time during the pandemic, further reducing the efficiency of port operations. To address these challenges, our study also proposes policy recommendations and management guidance for the port to enhance its resilience and efficiency in the post COVID-19 pandemic era. By shedding light on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on vessel arrival and port operations, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the shipping industry and provides insights and recommendations for the future development of port operations in the post COVID-19 era. • Comparative analysis of Hong Kong port vessel arrival patterns and operational performance before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. • Quantitatively evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on vessel arrival punctuality and vessel turnaround time. • Analyze the correlation between vessel arrival delay and turnaround time at the HKP with global container rates. • Explore emerging approaches for efficient port operations in the post-COVID-19 era. • Propose policy suggestions and guidance on port operation and management in the post-COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ports play an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of maritime logistics. When ports encounter congestion, strikes, or natural disasters, the maritime container transportation network might be significantly affected. The Beibu Gulf sea area is a key channel to supporting China's participation in international economic cooperation in the western region. It is highly susceptible to the influence of the political and economic instability. This study introduces a dual-component framework to analyze the inherent structure and potential vulnerabilities of the container transportation network in the Beibu Gulf Sea areas. The findings show that the core layer of the network exhibited circular solidification characteristics. The entire network heavily relies on some core ports, such as Haiphong Port, Ho Chi Minh Port, and Qinzhou Port, and it highlights the potential increases in vulnerability. The finding shows that deliberate attacks have a greater impact than random attacks on the normal operations of maritime networks. If ports with high intermediary centrality are attacked, the connectivity and transportation efficiency of the Beibu Gulf maritime network will be significantly affected. However, under such circumstances, redistributing cargo transportation through route adjustments can deal with the transmission of cascading failures and maintain the network's resilience. Based on the existing knowledge and the data collected in a case study, this research stands out as the first to provide a critical examination of the spatial structure and vulnerability of container shipping networks in the Beibu Gulf sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) are transforming the future of maritime transport. They are expected to shoulder important roles in seaborne trade and maritime resilience. As the primary operator of traditional ships and a significant component of maritime transport, seafarers are inevitably directly and indirectly affected by levels of automation introduced into the shipping space. Therefore, in addition to increasing attention to automated system designs, a holistic understanding of human elements in MASS operations is necessary. The current research (1) reviews human-centred MASS research, (2) categorises MASS impacts on seafarers, and (3) summarises responses to prepare seafarers for this emerging technology. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a total of 101 articles were collected from Scopus. The systematic review reveals that MASS impacts seafarers from the following dimensions: employment, task contents, requisite skills, and human risks. Moreover, regulations and education frameworks can be adapted to respond to changes in seafarer demand and supply. Future research directions are also proposed and can serve as recommendations for future human-centred research on MASS. The research findings enhance the understanding of seafarer elements in MASS operations and provide policy implications for future seafarer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everywhere carriers incur a measure of liability for the safety of the goods. Carriers are liable for any damage or for the loss of the goods that are in their possession as carriers unless they prove that the damage or loss is attributable to certain excepted causes. Damaged and lost items can unfortunately be a common problem when shipping freight. Legal responsibilities arise due to loss or damage during transit while cargo is in their care. This study intends to investigate the nature of the liability of the maritime carrier when this liability is realized, and the extent to which it can be paid or disposed of given the risks realized from the transportation process, which may result in damage or loss of the goods, and the damage that may cause to the consignee because of this damage or loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid hydrogen (LH2), a key clean energy carrier, requires precise thermal management, especially for long-term storage and long-distance transport. Accurate prediction of thermal stratification, self-pressurization, and Boil-Off Gas (BOG) generation is considered pivotal for optimizing low-temperature cryogenic storage systems. Most of the literature uses the two-zone model, where the vapor-liquid interface is treated as a simple saturation condition. The influence of interfacial thermal behavior on the calculation of thermal stratification, self-pressurization, and Boil-Off Gas (BOG) generation has not been sufficiently analyzed. To overcome such limitations, in this study, the liquid-vapor interface is modeled by establishing a separate governing equation and optimal geometric progression grid discretization instead of treating it as a simple condition. The Diffusion-based Interface Model (DIM) of the present study transcends traditional methods by eliminating the typical saturation condition at the vapor-liquid interface, providing a deeper insight into the thermal dynamics of the interface. The DIM's findings include a daily BOG rate of 0.14%, aligning with literature, and temperature deviations of 0.008% in liquid and 0.13% in vapor near the interface, indicating a greater vapor phase influence on interfacial thermal behavior. Furthermore, a 0.35% deviation is observed in vapor pressure towards the simulation's end. The DIM can be a complementary tool for engineering works. It enables the design of safe storage of liquid hydrogen. • Novel Diffusion-based Interface Model (DIM) for LH2 storage. • Analyze the interfacial thermal behavior of LH2 storage tank. • DIM improved prediction accuracy of boil-off gas (BOG) generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic region is facing growing demands for energy to support various economic activities, while also grappling with the profound impacts of climate change. Black carbon particulate matter emissions reduction is a key objective to mitigate the susceptibility of the Arctic's ecosystems to the impact of climate change. Nuclear power has been suggested as a potential source of clean energy to decarbonize maritime transport in the Arctic. However, although the operation of nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power platforms in the region ensures energy security and reduces black carbon emissions, it may pose significant risks of nuclear material release and radiological accidents and raise concerns about improper radioactive waste disposal. In regulating these nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power platforms in the Arctic, the existing international legal regime faced a series of challenges. This research employs a method of policy analysis to analyze these legal challenges and explores how the international community could work together to cope with the challenges that arise in the Arctic during the operation of nuclear-powered vessels and platforms for maritime decarbonization purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime transport is one of the traditional alternatives for moving heavy loads around the world. Providing long ranges with high capacity and low costs are regarded to be the most important superficies of the marine transport. However, similar to the other transporting facilities some environmental impacts arise from shipping and port operations. Waste reception facilities are essential in order to minimize and manage the environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. This work aims to evaluate the practices at a waste reception plant serving for iron and steel industry. In the study, the maximum waste amounts were determined individually for all types of vessels handled at the port. The calculated quantities of ship sewage, solid waste, bilge, sludge, and waste oil were approximately 17483, 59, 616, 1715, and 123 m3 /month, respectively. The actual and calculated amounts of ship-sourced solid waste were found to be 607 and 708 m3 /year, respectively. The closer values indicate that the current disposal facility is sufficient for the management of solid wastes. On the other hand, a significant difference was found between the actual and calculated data for liquid waste. The present situation and ways to improve the overall efficiency of the plant were evaluated in detail within the study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime shipping companies have identified continuous tracking of intermodal containers as a key tool for increasing shipment reliability and generating important economies of scale. Equipping all dry containers with an Internet-connected tracking device is a need in the global shipping market that is still waiting to be met. This paper presents the methods and tools to build and test a prototype of a Container Tracking Device (CTD) that integrates NB-IoT, BLE Mesh telecommunication and low-power consumption technologies for the massive deployment of the IoT. The work was carried out as part of a project to build the so-called "5G Global Tracking System", enabling several different logistic applications relying on massive IoT, M2M standard platforms, as well as satellite networks to collect data from dry containers when the vessel is in open sea. Starting from a preliminary phase, in which state-of-the-art technologies, research approaches, industrial initiatives and developing standards were investigated, a prototype version of the CTD has been designed, verified and developed as the first fundamental step for subsequent industrial engineering. The results of specific tests are shown: after verifying that the firmware is capable of handling the various functions of the device, a special focus is devoted to the power consumption measurements of the CTD to size the battery pack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime transportation plays a crucial role in global trade, as evidenced by the vast amount of containerized cargo transported between ports. In the realm of containerized maritime transport, an increasingly critical challenge lies in the efficient assignment of berths. Effectively organizing operations at small ports is a fundamental element in establishing a more streamlined and dependable overall maritime supply chain, ultimately benefiting larger ports. In this paper, we address the berth allocation problem at small ports and use a mathematical model; aiming to minimize the service time of all ships at the port and thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. To achieve this, we employed two meta-heuristics; genetic algorithm and tabu search. Results were further optimized using a criterion for the best scheduling of ships, demonstrating their significance through comparison with the FCFS method applied at the port of Annaba in Algeria.

Abstract The main objective of this research is to analyse the connectivity of cities in a coupled network composed of planar (railways) and non-planar (maritime) topologies. It examines the state of the network during the 1880–1925 period, namely in the context of the first globalization wave (1880–1914), when trade and urban development were closely tied to progress in communications systems and steam propulsion especially. Edges represent intercity physical infrastructure on land, and inter-port ship voyages at sea. We tested several hypotheses in terms of inter-network specialisation and urban hierarchies with an application in the United Kingdom. The main results reveal that the networks are highly interdependent, whereas combined centrality is closely associated with city size and urban growth. We discuss the key results in light of network science, spatial science, maritime history, and transport research.

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

Maritime shipping companies have identified continuous tracking of intermodal containers as a key tool for increasing shipment reliability and generating important economies of scale. Equipping all dry containers with an Internet-connected tracking device is a need in the global shipping market that is still waiting to be met. This paper presents the methods and tools to build and test a prototype of a Container Tracking Device (CTD) that integrates NB-IoT, BLE Mesh telecommunication and low-power consumption technologies for the massive deployment of the IoT. The work was carried out as part of a project to build the so-called “5G Global Tracking System”, enabling several different logistic applications relying on massive IoT, M2M standard platforms, as well as satellite networks to collect data from dry containers when the vessel is in open sea. Starting from a preliminary phase, in which state-of-the-art technologies, research approaches, industrial initiatives and developing standards were investigated, a prototype version of the CTD has been designed, verified and developed as the first fundamental step for subsequent industrial engineering. The results of specific tests are shown: after verifying that the firmware is capable of handling the various functions of the device, a special focus is devoted to the power consumption measurements of the CTD to size the battery pack.

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Recent years have witnessed a growing awareness of the critical role that maritime transport plays in global sustainability, given its significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. Central to this concern is the management of ballast water, which, if not properly treated, can lead to the introduction of invasive species, biodiversity loss, and substantial economic and health repercussions. Traditional risk assessment models often fail to capture the complex uncertainties inherent in environmental risks associated with ballast water. This study introduces an innovative fuzzy logic-based risk assessment model designed to enhance decision-making processes in maritime operations by accurately assessing and mitigating the environmental risks of ballast water discharge. The model, structured using three fuzzy systems, integrates human reasoning with mathematical precision, providing an effective tool for sustainable maritime practices. The integrated fuzzy system employs 18 variables as inputs and yields three outputs (ballasting, ballast exchange, and de-ballasting risk). To evaluate the performance of the developed system, various data sets are used and tested through the MATLAB Fuzzy Toolbox. By aligning maritime operations with sustainability principles, this research contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems, supports the economic stability of marine-dependent industries, and safeguards public health, underscoring the interconnectivity of maritime transport management with overarching sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governance, as a complex and multifaceted concept, plays a significant role in the development and efficiency of the national systems. The necessity of utilizing comprehensive analytical frameworks to identify and optimally allocate roles and responsibilities within the governance systems is evident. This study presents a theoretical framework for analyzing governance systems, focusing on four essential roles: policymaking, regulation, facilitation, and service provision. In this framework, roles and their sub-roles are precisely defined, enabling the identification and analysis of interactions among governance institutions. Specifically, in analyzing Iran's maritime transport governance system, the strengths and weaknesses of existing structures are identified, and conflicts and overlaps in duties are examined. The results indicate that a lack of coordination and inappropriate role allocation has led to decreased system efficiency. Accordingly, recommendations for revising structures and strengthening regulatory and facilitative roles are provided, which can improve performance and elevate Iran's standing in the international arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motives: The choice of a transport route has long been the subject of research because it is regarded as one of the most crucial decisions in transport organizations. However, there is a lack of studies addressing this issue in the context of land-ferry supply chains, where two transport modes have to be integrated. Therefore, analyses of multimodal transport should involve a holistic approach to account not only for seaborne transport, but also for the land leg before and after the ferry trip. This knowledge gap should be urgently addressed due to the importance of land-ferry supply chains in the transport system. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and hierarchize factors that determine the choice of a multimodal transport route combining ferry and road transport. Results: The factors that determine the choice of ferry routes were identified and hierarchized according to their importance as primary, supplementary, and additional routes. The study demonstrated that the cost and time of transport are the main determinants in the decision-making process, with time being marginally more important than cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the findings of a detailed assessment of synthetic, electricity-based fuels for use in aviation, shipping, and road transport. The fuels considered correspond to the most promising alternatives that were analyzed as part of the German research project BEniVer (Begleitforschung Energiewende im Verkehr—Accompanying Research for the Energy Transition in Transport) initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Focusing on usage, infrastructure, and ecological analyses, several e-fuels were evaluated and compared to fossil fuels according to the specific sector. It turns out that for all sectors evaluated, the existing sustainable synthetic fuels are already compatible with current technology and regulations. In shipping and road transport, the use of advanced, sustainable fuels will allow for a more distinct reduction in emissions once technology and regulations are adopted. However, standard-compliant synthetic gasoline and diesel are considered the most promising fuels for use in road transport if the transition to electricity is not realized as quickly as planned. For the aviation sector, the number of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is limited. Here, the current aim is the introduction of a 100% SAF as soon as possible to also tackle non-CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the world and work in particular, but its effects on the labor market were not evenly distributed. Seafarers, who are essential workers engaging in international maritime transport, encountered exacerbated challenges to labor conditions at sea during the pandemic. Notably, the inability to conduct crew changes violated their right to rest, increasing the risk of fatigue-related safety accidents at sea. Additionally, the precarious nature of maritime employment relationships delayed seafarers waiting to enlist on the vessels, creating extended financial hardship ashore. Socio-legal analysis revealed how the pandemic, related public health measures and precarious employment heightened the vulnerability of seafarers during the pandemic. Applying the Pressure, Disorganization and Regulatory Failure model and supported by qualitative data collected through a policy review, media coverage analysis and semi-structured interviews, we identified how seafarers' health and safety rights were significantly compromised during the pandemic. Even though various initiatives were raised by international governmental and non-governmental organizations to address the "humanitarian crisis" at sea, maritime labor regulatory failures were not effectively addressed throughout the multiple waves of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, real voyage data and ship specifications of a general cargo ship are employed, and it is assumed that diesel generators are replaced with hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The effect of the replacement on CO2, NOX, SOX, and PM emissions and the CII value is calculated. Emission calculations show that there is a significant reduction in emissions when hydrogen fuel cells are used instead of diesel generators on the case ship. By using hydrogen fuel cells, there is a 37.4% reduction in CO2 emissions, 32.5% in NOX emissions, 37.3% in SOX emissions, and 37.4% in PM emissions. If hydrogen fuel cells are not used instead of diesel generators, the ship will receive an A rating between 2023 and 2026, a B rating in 2027, a C rating in 2028–2029, and an E rating in 2030. On the other hand, if hydrogen fuel cells are used, the ship will always remain at an A rating between 2023 and 2030. The capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) of the fuel cell system are USD 1,305,720 and USD 2,470,320, respectively, for a 15-year lifetime, and the hydrogen fuel expenses are competitive at USD 260,981, while marine diesel oil (MDO) fuel expenses are USD 206,435. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of maritime activities is increasingly gaining interest, with the shipping sector actively focusing on decarbonization efforts. Throughout the years, researchers have considered slow steaming for improving the environmental footprint of maritime networks. In order to assess such strategies' effectiveness on existing emissions, research also focuses on the accurate estimation of emission inventories. However, there is a significant gap concerning both fields when considering short-sea shipping, especially passenger shipping. Furthermore, while emissions are characterized by spatial aspects in several studies, there is an apparent gap in considering such aspects for detailed analysis purposes rather than only for visualization purposes. In this study, the Greek Coastal Shipping Network (GCSN) is considered, with its emissions estimated using a top-down method, creating a spatial emission inventory used for further spatial analysis for accurate identification of highly polluted areas. Results indicate that ship emissions do not spread homogeneously throughout the GCSN and that targeted interventions are necessary in several areas of the network. The effectiveness of spatially related slow steaming implementations is evaluated and compared with their implementation on the whole network. The study highlights the need for additional future emission mitigation strategies, such as service optimization, network restructuring, continuous emission monitoring, and fleet renewal with more environmentally efficient ships. The study's aim is to fill the research gap regarding the environmental assessment of passenger shipping and the effects of slow steaming on such networks while presenting an adaptable GIS-based decision support system for enhanced decision-making regarding the environmental efficiency of maritime networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growth in maritime traffic comes an increased need for precise modelling, analysis, and visualisation to enhance the monitoring capabilities of maritime authorities. To address this need, a range of sensing technologies have been developed to track vessel movements worldwide. Among these, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is particularly significant, offering high-frequency transmission of both location and identification data. This makes AIS an invaluable tool in the intricate process of modelling maritime traffic that we use in this study. Our study presents a comprehensive dataset for the Caribbean in 2019, including port calls, quay geometries, vessel trajectories, daily locations, a seven-class vessel classification, port statistics, and United Nations reference data for comparison. Beneficial for geomatics, geography, and economics, the dataset provides a versatile tool for visualising data, assessing maritime impact on coastal areas, and enhancing maritime trade analysis. The methodology extracts 1.5 million port calls from 642 million AIS messages, offering detailed data tables and reusable processes. Its granularity down to the single quay allows for flexible data analysis, facilitating in-depth understanding of port and inter-port maritime activities.

The operations of international trade drive global economies, with maritime transport serving as a key pillar in market connectivity and acceleration. The opportunities presented by Industry 4.0 to connect supply chain actors through integrated logistics pose a challenge that fuels the number of studies in this area, with a particular interest in the transportation stage due to its responsibilities for efficiency. This study conducts a systematic literature review by analyzing scientometric aspects and identifying research trends related to maritime transportation logistics. The PRISMA methodology, graph theory, and bibliometric indicators such as indegree, betweenness, and outdegree were employed to process the information related to maritime transportation logistics from the Scopus and Web of Science databases spanning from 2000 to 2022. The gathered information and results were processed and analyzed using R-studio and Bibliometrix tools. The documents were classified as original, structural, and research trends, with the latter focused on topics related to the environment, port competitiveness, logistics optimization, and economics. Finally, an agenda for future research in the field is presented.

Giant container ships of more than 12,500 TEU structure world maritime traffic, particularly Europe-Asia trade. The maritime services they provide ensure that certain ports act as gateways for hinterland services, but also for transhipment. To characterise the dynamics, this work is based on the processing of statistical data in the light of graph theory and on the strategies of the major maritime operators. Based on the AIS signals emitted by giant container ships over three years, 2016, 2018 and 2020, it proposes elements of analysis relating to the strategic positioning of the main operators of regular containerised lines (Global Carriers). These operators are approached from the angle of their own choices of ports of call but also according to the choices made by their competitors and/or commercial partners. The work thus shows the apparent lack of consideration given to the location of consumer markets. On the other hand, it reveals a service strategy that is mainly motivated by a competitive game that contributes to strategies that are not very spatial or even non-spatial.

The level of public welfare, the economic results of the activities of economic entities, the state of the aquatic ecosystem and coastal territories depend on the effectiveness of international commercial shipping. Goods delivered by sea account for over 80% of the total volume of international trade, which determines significant contribution of maritime shipping to implementation of multimodal transportation within global supply chains. The search for reserves for increasing the efficiency of shipping, the formation of economic potential based on them with a view to its subsequent implementation in the context of the concepts of sustainable development and the "blue economy" are urgent tasks. The solution of these tasks in scientific and special literature of both Russian and foreign authors is not fully disclosed. The aim of the study is to find reserves for improving the economic efficiency of maritime transport functioning in the logistics services market. Methods of economic analysis, observation, comparison, generalization, grouping, study of regulatory documentation, as well as a systematic approach were used in conducting scientific research. As a result of analysis of the current state and prospects for development of world shipping, the authors have proposed a system of indicators of the effectiveness of international maritime transport in key strategic areas of its development. Organizational and managerial, technical, and technological reserves are proposed to be evaluated. The key performance indicators of the international merchant fleet presented in the paper form the basis for an indicative analysis aimed at determining the opportunities for economic growth at the micro-, meso- and macro levels of management.

With the global economy’s relentless growth and heightened environmental consciousness, sustainable maritime transport emerges as a pivotal development trajectory for the shipping sector. This study systematically analyzes 478 publications searched in the Web of Science Core Collection, from 2000 to 2023, utilizing bibliometric methods to investigate the application areas in sustainable development within the shipping industry. This study begins with an analysis of annual publication trends, which reveals a substantial expansion in research endeavors within this discipline over recent years. Subsequently, a comprehensive statistical evaluation of scholarly journals and a collaborative network assessment are conducted to pinpoint the foremost productive journals, nations, organizations, and individual researchers. Furthermore, a keyword co-occurrence methodology is applied to delineate the core research themes and emerging focal points within this domain, thereby outlining potential research directions for future research. In addition, drawing on the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the advancements in intelligent shipping technologies and green port construction applications within sustainable maritime transport are discussed. Finally, the review discusses the existing challenges and opportunities of sustainable maritime transport from a theoretical and practical perspective. The research shows that, in terms of intelligent shipping technology, data security and multi-source data are the focus that people need to pay attention to in the future; a trajectory prediction for different climates and different ship types is also an area for future research. In terms of green ports, Cold Ironing (CI) is one of the key points of the green port strategy, and how to drive stakeholders to build sustainable green ports efficiently and economically is the future developmental direction. This review serves to enhance researchers’ comprehension of the current landscape and progression trajectory of intelligent shipping technologies, thereby fostering the continued advancement and exploration in this vital domain.

This paper aims to systematically review and analyze the literature on green shipping, focusing on research trends, key areas, and future directions. A bibliometric analysis is conducted on 1339 articles published between 2000 and 2023, using data from the SCI-EXPANDED and SSCI core collections on the Web of Science platform. Co-occurrence analyses are performed for authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. The analysis reveals exponential growth in green shipping research over the past decade, with a significant increase since 2019. China leads in publication output and international collaboration. Key research areas identified include sustainable development, green energy, green ports, and green supply chain management. Green shipping research is rapidly expanding, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements. Future research is expected to integrate artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and other advanced technologies to further promote sustainability. Strengthening international cooperation and interdisciplinary integration will be crucial for advancing the global green shipping agenda.

Artificial intelligence aims to be the solution to multiple engineering problems by trying to emulate the human learning process. In this sense, maritime transport standards have clearly evolved, which are based on two principal pillars: the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Based on a formal safety assessment research process, these pillars try to solve most of the maritime transport accidents, which, in their final steps, are associated with human factors. In this research, an original methodology employing a deep learning process for image recognition during mooring line operation, a dangerous process on ships, is developed. The main results indicate that the proposed method is an excellent tool for advising ship officers on watch and, consequently, provides a new way to prevent human factors onboard from causing accidents, which in the future must be considered in international standards.