This paper analyzes the relationship between the maritime domain boundary and the port area boundary in the context of nautical tourism ports, examining the legal and property law implications of their potential overlap. The hypothesis is that the current dual boundary determination system is not fully adapted to the specific characteristics of nautical tourism ports. The study focuses on the relationship between the maritime domain boundary and the port area boundary, with particular emphasis on the property law consequences of their overlap. The maritime domain is a public good outside private legal circulation, managed by the state, while the port area is a functionally defined space intended for port activities. In practice, the port area boundary is generally located within the maritime domain, but the procedures for determining these boundaries arise from different legal frameworks and are implemented through distinct administrative and normative mechanisms. This normative dualism can create legal ambiguities, especially in nautical tourism ports (marinas), where the maritime domain and port area almost always coincide both spatially and functionally. Problems arise when the maritime domain boundary has not been clearly established before determining the port area and granting a concession for the economic use of the maritime domain, or when the maritime domain boundary has been established but the port area boundary remains unclear. These situations can result in inconsistencies between the concession scope, the land registry status of the properties, and spatial planning documents. The consequences include legal uncertainty for investors, disputes over the extent of concessions, and challenges in managing and developing port infrastructure. The paper uses a range of scientific methods, including inductive and deductive reasoning, analysis and synthesis, abstraction and concretization, generalization and specialization, proof and refutation, classification, description, historical analysis, compilation, and comparative methodology. The application of these methods confirmed the hypothesis and led to the conclusion that the possibility of unified determination of the maritime domain boundary and the port area boundary needs to be considered during the establishment or concession granting process of a port.
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the institute of shipmortgage in Croatian law, with particular emphasis on its legal nature, effects, and practical issues. The analysis encompasses the normative framework of the Maritime Code, case law, and international sources of law. The paper proceeds from the thesis that the dualism between ship mortgages and maritime liens causes legal uncertainty and increasesfinancing risk. Ship mortgage represents one of the key instruments for financing maritime activities. A ship, as an object of rights, possesses a specific legal nature that requires deviation from the general rules of property law. It is precisely this specificity that generates a number of theoretical and practical issues that are the subject of this paper. The analysis also includes doctrinal positions and implications for legal certainty. The Maritime Code of the Republic of Croatia constitutes the fundamental source of law for this paper, particularly through the provisions of Articles 219-234, governing the registration of ships and ship mortgages, as well as Articles 241-254, governing maritime liens. The specific nature of ship mortgage, as a real right over another's property effective erga omnes, derives from the fact that it concerns a movable asset treated as immovable property. This is also evident in the manner of regulating legal relationships through agreements on securing monetary claims by establishing a mortgage on a ship, which is presented in detail in the paper. Through the analysed case law for the purposes of this paper, the thesis hasbeen confirmed that maritime liens take priority over mortgages, as well as that there is a clear emphasis on the limitation of the principle of reliance on registers, which demonstrates a deviation from general rules. The main issues include the slowness of procedures for registration and recording of ships and rights therein in ship registers, in relation to the evident conflict between mortgages and liens, particularly in light of the fact that the registration of maritime liens in ship registers is not mandatory. The conclusion is that a ship mortgage constitutes a developed but insufficiently balancedsystem, and that modernisation of the system through the digitalisation of registers, more precise regulation of priorities in the registration of encumbrances on ships, and the acceleration of enforcement proceedings would undoubtedly lead to greater legal certainty and ensure a balance between creditor protection and market functionality.
This study examines the spatial interactions between microbiological indicators and environmental factors, including water flow characteristics, in the coastal wetlands of Chabahar Bay, Iran, to assess ecological risks and guide conservation strategies. The objectives are to quantify Total Coliforms (TCs) and Fecal Coliforms (FCs) at six sampling stations and identify key environmental drivers of microbial proliferation through qualitative analysis. Field sampling was conducted over three days in October 2018 at six stations along a river feeding Chabahar's coastal wetland. Water samples were collected during low tide. In-situ measurements of temperature, pH, humidity, and electrical conductivity were recorded. Microbiological analyses quantified total and fecal coliforms using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was measured using standard laboratory procedures, and Total Organic Matter (TOM) was determined by the loss-on-ignition method. Duplicate samples ensured data reliability, and data normality was tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Descriptive statistics, graphical methods, and matrix analysis assessed relationships between TCs, FCs, temperature, pH, EC, TOC, and TOM. TC counts peaked at S2 (1500 MPN/100 ml), exceeding Iranian Class 2 water quality standards (1500 MPN/100 ml), with FCs detected only at S2 (900 MPN/100 ml) and S3 (23 MPN/100 ml). Temperature ranged from 30.6 degrees C (S6) to 35.9 degrees C (S1), showing an inverse relationship with coliform levels. EC ranged from 1900 to 24,610 mu S/cm, displaying a strong inverse correlation with TCs and FCs due to salinity-induced osmotic stress. TOC and TOM peaked at S3-S4 (TOC: 2.8-3.2%; TOM: 5.1-6.0%), correlating inversely with TCs and FCs, suggesting microbial competition. pH (7.71-8.06) showed no significant correlation with coliform levels. Matrix analysis confirmed a high correlation between total and fecal coliforms (p < 0.05), with temperature and pH as independent factors. Sewage inputs at S2 drive significant microbial contamination, with coarse sediments and optimal temperatures facilitating coliform proliferation, while high EC and organic matter in mangrove zones (S3-S4) reduce coliform levels through osmotic stress and microbial competition. Mangroves at S4-S5 act as effective biofilters, mitigating contamination. These findings underscore the need for targeted sewage control and mangrove conservation to protect Chabahar Bay's wetlands from ecological risks. Future research should examine seasonal variations and additional pollutants to improve management strategies.
This paper is an insightful exploration of the intricate relationship between applicable law and the scope of Himalaya Clauses in the context of the carriage of goods by sea, particularly in their application to specific third parties engaged in the multimodal carriage of goods. Himalaya Clauses are provisions that are commonly found in contracts of carriage for goods transported by sea. These clauses are specifically designed to extend the limitation of liability benefits accorded to contracting maritime carriers to third parties involved in the transportation process. This arrangement guarantees that all parties potentially affected by the carrier's actions can also avail themselves of the liability protections specified in the contract. This paper adopts a qualitative legal and black letter approaches, applying a critical analysis to the pertinent provisions of the newly enacted UAE Maritime Law 2023 (UAEML), English law, and key international conventions and instruments that govern the contractual relationships between parties to contracts of carriage of goods by sea. Additionally, it examines relevant case law and precedents that address the scope of applicability of Himalaya Clauses. By shedding light on the discrepancies between these legal frameworks, this study emphasizes the challenges encountered in the evolution and practical application of Himalaya Clauses, whether concerning contracting parties, their agents, their servants, or independent contractors. The paper outlines the inconsistency in the provisions of the Rotterdam Rules 2008 and the UAEML with respect to the primary objective behind the innovation of Himalaya Clauses in shipping. With a commitment to fostering clarity and cohesion, the paper proposes thoughtful recommendations designed to bridge these gaps. Such efforts are not merely academic; they aspire to promote harmonization within the shipping industry and enhance the efficiency of the multimodal carriage of goods, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and effective transportation landscape.
The Maritime Institute of Jakarta has implemented an English-Only Policy (EOP) through immersion classes to enhance students' English proficiency across all maritime disciplines. This study investigates how Indonesian maritime students perceive and navigate the EOP implementation within their local context. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected from thirty students through questionnaires and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that while students demonstrate strong ideological support for EOP, the realities of limited English proficiency and a predominantly non-English environment have naturally led to the development of localised English practices. Analysis shows that these localised practices, particularly code-switching and code-mixing between Indonesian and English, serve as valuable pedagogical tools and communication strategies. Rather than viewing these practices as policy violations, they emerge as effective bridges facilitating both language acquisition and cross-cultural communication within the maritime education context. This study contributes towards understanding how institutional language policies interact with local linguistic realities in specialised educational settings.
This study analysed the economic potentials and sustainability challenges in marine resource management across the Ionian and Adriatic region, focusing on the tourism, fisheries, and maritime transport sectors. The research used a mixedmethods approach combining quantitative economic analysis with sustainability assessment frameworks to examine the complex interrelationships between economic development and environmental conservation. Data from 2019 to 2024 were collected from international databases, regional reports, and field studies across eight countries bordering these seas. Results revealed significant economic dependence on marine resources, with tourism contributing 18 - 24% to coastal economies, fisheries supporting many livelihoods despite declining stocks, and maritime transport experiencing 7.3% annual growth. Identified sustainability challenges included tourism seasonality, overfishing, and transport-related pollution. Countries showed varying management effectiveness, with governance integration scores ranging from 0.34 to 0.81, directly correlating with both economic and environmental performance. Integrated coastal zone management achieved 34% better environmental outcomes while maintaining economic benefits. Maritime Spatial Planning emerged as the most effective integration tool, improving economic performance by 18.4% and environmental indicators by 23.6% compared to areas lacking such frameworks. Multi-sectoral cooperation initiatives reduced resource conflicts by 27%, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement. The research confirmed that balancing economic growth and environmental protection requires region-specific governance frameworks tailored to local conditions. These findings contribute to understanding the complexities of marine resource management in semi-enclosed seas by identifying governance mechanisms that effectively balance economic needs with ecological limits while reducing cross-sectoral conflicts in spatially constrained marine environments, informing stakeholder decisions toward sustainable blue economy development.
The principle that "land dominates the sea" is the doctrinal cornerstone of international maritime boundary law, affirming that all maritime entitlements derive from lawful sovereignty over land territory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982). This study re-examines the principle through a comparative analysis of four landmark cases; Ligitan and Sipadan (2002), Black Sea (2009), Colombia v. Nicaragua (2012), and the South China Sea Arbitration (2016), to assess how courts and tribunals have applied land-based entitlement and to identify gaps between judicial authority and state compliance. Using a normative-doctrinal approach, the paper traces the doctrinal sequence of title, entitlement, method, and compliance, revealing that while jurisprudence has strengthened legal certainty, enforcement remains undermined by power asymmetry and institutional fragmentation. To address this gap, the paper proposes targeted legal innovations, including an Implementing Agreement under UNCLOS Part XV, expanded advisory jurisdiction of ITLOS, and a binding ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) to reinforce regional compliance and cooperation. The findings demonstrate that transforming the "land dominates the sea" doctrine into an operational rule of enforcement is essential for ensuring equity, predictability, and stability in contemporary maritime governance.
The aim of this paper is to examine the use of specific terms in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), one of the key conventions established by the International Maritime Organization. This interdisciplinary study highlights the importance of accurately understanding specialized terminology, which is essential for the effective implementation of the STCW Convention, particularly in the training and education of seafarers. Recognizing that legal texts reflect broader social, economic, legal, and political narratives (van Dijk, 2001, 2008; Fairclough, 2004), the paper uses Critical Discourse Analysis to explore how language reveals legal paradigms within the Montenegrin regulatory context. The findings show that the nuances of legal discourse extend beyond terminology; proper interpretation and implementation require a deeper understanding of social, cultural, and political factors.
The integration of volunteers into coastal Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in Croatia is analysed through a strategic framework aligned with established practices within the Norwegian SAR system. Although Croatia formally recognises volunteer involvement in its maritime legislation, the absence of practical structures-such as standardized training, formal protocols, and coordination mechanisms-limits effective participation. Building on successful elements from the Norwegian model, the proposed framework, adapted to Croatian conditions, is designed to strengthen SAR performance by improving response times, expanding coverage, and drawing on local knowledge. The study employs a qualitative comparative case study design structured around a cross-national analytical framework, providing an evidence-based analysis of the gap between legislative recognition and operational implementation of volunteer SAR integration. The findings identify the institutional conditions under which volunteer integration becomes operationally viable, and offer a transferable framework for coastal states facing similar challenges.
The maritime industry faces increasing pressure to use sustainable materials for ship construction, especially in brackish water, which is common in estuarine regions of Indonesia. As an alternative to steel, bamboo laminated board composites represent a notable innovation. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanical properties of bamboo laminated boards made from 'Gigantochloa apus' when exposed to brackish water conditions. The research includes a series of experiments involving the number of bamboo laminate layers, immersion periods, and immersion environment conditions. The mechanical properties of the bamboo laminated boards-including impact, bending, and tensile strength-were carefully evaluated and compared to the Indonesian Classification Bureau (BKI) standard as a safety requirement. The results reveal a complex relationship among the number of layers, immersion time, brackish water temperature, and the performance of bamboo laminated boards. Our research indicates that 'Gigantochloa apus' bamboo laminated boards exhibit remarkable resistance to brackish water, maintaining structural integrity and resilience over time, in contrast to other materials. As immersion time varied, the mechanical strength properties of all layer variations decreased by approximately 5 to 9 percent. According to data analysis and comparison with BKI standard safety regulations, apus bamboo laminated board is suitable for ship hulls.
The rapid integration of digital technologies in maritime education requires teachers to adopt digital tools aligned with 21st century pedagogical practices. This study examines the relationship between technology acceptance and digital citizenship among maritime teachers in Cebu City, Philippines, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its theoretical framework. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 253 maritime teachers across higher education institutions in Cebu City, through a validated structured questionnaire measuring demographic characteristics, technology acceptance, and digital citizenship dimensions. Descriptive statistics, mean analysis, and multiple linear regression were performed to examine predictive relationships among the variables. Respondents were predominantly early- to mid-career teachers with varied teaching experience. They demonstrated high mean scores for technology acceptance (M = 4.015, SD = 0.323) and digital citizenship (all dimensions M > 4.00), reflecting positive attitudes toward digital integration. Regression analysis revealed that only actual use of technology marginally predicts digital citizenship (beta = 0.210, p = 0.062), while other TAM variables are not significant predictors. These findings suggest that, beyond personal acceptance, structural and institutional factors, such as access to simulation tools, e-navigation systems, and administrative support, significantly influence responsible digital engagement. The study highlights the importance of hands-on technological experience and comprehensive institutional support in developing digitally competent maritime teachers, thereby supporting effective 21st-century teaching in specialized, technology-intensive educational contexts.
Concerns have arisen over the potential for fires in electric cars (EVs) during maritime transport, particularly following recent incidents involving car carrier fires. The aim of this study is to provide a clearer picture of the environmental conditions that affect electric vehicles during transport at sea and to provide insight on how to improve maritime practices related to fire risks from battery thermal runaway. This study examines the thermal behavior of Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) batteries during a one-month voyage on a car carrier. Temperature data from 95 PHEVs distributed across two decks (one near the vessel's fuel tanks and one nearer to the superstructure) were analyzed to investigate potential correlations among the temperatures of the sea, outside air, ambient hold, and fuel tank surface. The research shows that PHEV battery temperatures correlate with sea, air, ambient hold, and fuel tank surface temperatures to various degrees, with notable spatial variability across the vessel. Sea temperature effects are most prominent near the starboard side, while passive ventilation on the port side creates a localized cooling microclimate with negative correlations. On upper decks, outside air and ambient hold temperatures show strong correlations, especially where direct sunlight exposure and limited airflow create warmer zones, though anomalies under ventilation hatches show the existence of microclimates within. Proximity to heated fuel tanks on lower decks increases PHEV battery temperatures, confirming their impact, but there is a need for more detailed monitoring and localized analysis. The correlation analysis indicates that PHEV battery temperatures are strongly influenced by environmental factors. Spatial variability across decks shows that localized conditions, such as proximity to heat sources and passive ventilation, play a big role in potential battery heat buildup. Current stowage practices are inadequate for PHEVs as they lack identification standards, temperature monitoring records, and data collection. The author calls for revised protocols, including ventilation-aware placement, vertical separation of PHEVs, and sharing temperature data among vehicle carriers for a database buildup.
Ship demolition practices continue to face substantial environmental, social, and regulatory challenges demanding attention. A pivotal development in this domain was the enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention), which entered into force on June 26, 2025. Given that the Convention was adopted in 2009, there is a need to evaluate whether its provisions on hazardous materials remain adequate. Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are currently listed in Appendix 2 to the Hong Kong Convention as hazardous materials having potentially significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. This policy-driven narrative review examines whether the current regulatory treatment of PCNs adequately safeguards human health and the environment. Guided by this policy-relevant question, this review synthesizes and analyzes recent scientific evidence and ship recycling practices. The analyses conducted identified a significant knowledge gap and factors impeding accurate risk assessment. Consequently, this paper recommends further policy consideration of the potential benefits of reclassifying PCNs from Appendix 2 to Appendix 1 (materials whose use or installation is prohibited) to strengthen their environmental management.
Research on language and identity in multicultural contexts has gained much attention, including studies on professional identity. This qualitative study examines the role of English in constructing the professional identity of Indonesian seafarers serving on multicultural ships, where none of the crew members are native English speakers. The study includes participants with both apprenticeship experience and experience as ship officers working with culturally diverse crews. Data were analyzed using a combination of inductive and interpretive methods. The study identified challenges in using English as the primary means of communication onboard. Variations in spoken English and strategies for choosing whether or not to use a second language, for example, influence seafarers' identities. The study also highlights the significance of English in professional identity development and career advancement on multicultural ships.
This technical note article presents the static stability considerations in determining the number of decks and the general arrangement of a floating hotel barge according to standard rules. An increased number of decks elevates the vertical center of gravity, potentially compromising stability and increasing the risk of capsizing. Additionally, in emergency situations, the simultaneous movement of a large number of passengers to one side of the hotel barge can lead to accidents and disasters. Therefore, stability considerations in hotel barges differ significantly from those of commercial ships. To address this, the stability characteristics of a hotel barge have been simulated as a case study. The general arrangement of the hotel has been evaluated to determine the centre of gravity, ensuring that heavier decks and tanks are placed in the lower sections, while lighter components are positioned on the upper levels. The simulation results indicate that the floating hotel model can safely accommodate up to nine decks, while maintaining a minimum reserve of buoyancy of 30% and adequate metacentric height. Finally, the article provides key design recommendations for improving the stability and general arrangement of floating hotel barges.
This research examines the impact of digital storytelling about Rijeka's maritime heritage on the perceived authenticity of the tourist experience and the sharing of that experience through digital media. The paper addresses the empirical gap in the literature by focusing on the specific context of maritime heritage. A mixed-methods approach was used. Qualitative content analysis preceded quantitative research. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed to a convenient sample of N=150 tourists after they watched the storytelling video 'How to Read a Neighborhood: The First Port of Rijeka'. The instrument included three main scales based on previously validated questionnaires (Likert scale 1-5): storytelling of maritime heritage, authenticity of the experience and sharing of experiences. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis with IBM SPSS. The results show statistically significant positive effects: storytelling on authenticity (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), storytelling on sharing experiences (r = 0.268; p < 0.001) and authenticity on sharing (r = 0.210; p = 0.010). Storytelling had a stronger effect on authenticity than on sharing. The study provides empirical evidence on the role of digital storytelling in creating authentic experiences. It contributes to theory by extending Wang's typology of authenticity into digital heritage contexts. In practice, the study recommends that DMOs integrate digital storytelling of maritime heritage into their cultural tourism development strategies, invest in involving local communities and tourists as co-creators in disseminating heritage narratives, and monitor improvements in perceived authenticity and the effectiveness of sharing authentic tourist experiences.
As marine fuels transition toward zero carbon dioxide emissions, hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative due to its near-zero emissions and high energy density. However, hydrogen's high flammability presents a significant risk of fire-related accidents onboard ships. Among the various operations involving hydrogen in the maritime sector, bunkering is one of the most critical. This process carries risks such as leakage, pressure failures, and human errors, which can lead to severe consequences. This study analyzes the safety of the liquefied hydrogen bunkering process. Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) was used to identify failures within the bunkering system, employing a top-down approach that traces failures from the top event to the basic events. Fuzzy Set Theory was applied to quantify risk by aggregating linguistic variables from five experts to estimate the probabilities of basic events. Bayesian Networks (BN) were then used to establish causal relationships between factors and identify the minimum cut sets leading to the top event of bunkering failure. Rate of Variation (RoV) analysis of the posterior probabilities of basic events revealed that human error, particularly due to task execution problems and human-machine interface issues, is the most significant factor influencing bunkering failures. The findings highlight critical areas that require attention to enhance the safety of liquefied hydrogen bunkering operations in the maritime sector, especially for relevant stakeholders.
This study examines the volatility spillovers between oil prices (WTI, Brent, Dubai) and shipping indices (BDI, BCTI, BDTI) from January 02, 2015, to July 31, 2024. Using the methods of Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) and Barun & iacute;k and K & rcaron;ehl & iacute;k (2018), the volatility relationships between energy and shipping markets are analysed in directional and frequency terms. The findings show that oil prices have a strong volatility effect on shipping indices, which is particularly pronounced in the long run. The long-term impact of Brent oil prices on shipping indices suggests that shocks in energy markets can have lasting effects on global transportation costs. Moreover, global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, have further amplified the spillover of energy market volatility to shipping indices. The study results emphasise the need for firms operating in energy and shipping markets to develop stronger risk management strategies against volatility. Future research should examine the effects of larger data sets and macroeconomic factors on these relationships.
Beacon buoys are essential for maritime safety, providing navigation guidance. However, loss of beacon buoys due to environmental factors or theft necessitates an effective monitoring solution. This study develops and tests an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system for beacon buoys, utilizing a SIM7000E GSM module and an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with GNSS to transmit real-time location data to the Ubidots IoT platform. The system design includes solar panels for power, a step-down module, a TP4056 battery charger, and local data storage using a micro SD card. The study was conducted from April to June 2024, with testing at the Dompak Water Navigation District Beacon Buoy. Test results showed an average power consumption of 0.64 W, enabling the device to operate for 78,625 hours. The 5-day field test recorded beacon buoy movement with a difference of up to 279 meters compared to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, attributed to tides and sea waves. The packet loss ratio was 28%, indicating challenges in data transmission due to electromagnetic attenuation by seawater. The results confirm the potential of IoT systems in buoy beacon monitoring but also highlight the need for improvements in design and communication mechanisms to address packet loss and ensure data accuracy and reliability. This study contributes to the development of improved maritime monitoring technologies and has the potential to enhance navigation safety.
Maritime transport systems represent complex socio-technical environments characterised by strong interdependencies between technical, organisational, environmental, and human subsystems, as well as by pronounced uncertainty and dynamic behaviour. Traditional deterministic planning approaches are often insufficient to adequately capture such complexity or to support robust operational decision-making. This paper examines the modelling and optimisation of complex maritime transport systems by integrating network-based optimisation and stochastic modelling approaches. The methodological framework combines operational research techniques with simulation in order to represent maritime transportation as a directed time-space network with stochastic demand and time windows. Uncertainty related to operational disturbances, port congestion, and variable demand is explicitly incorporated into the optimisation process. A case-oriented application demonstrates how stochastic network-based optimisation can improve routing, scheduling, and recovery strategies compared to purely deterministic approaches. The results indicate that controlled flexibility in arrival times and routing decisions leads to improved operational performance, enhanced resilience, and better trade-offs between fuel consumption, service reliability, and recovery costs. The proposed framework serves as a decision-support tool for maritime operations, providing structured analytical support, while preserving the role of human judgment in safety-critical environments. By bridging systems theory, operational research, and applied maritime modelling, the study contributes to the development of robust decision-support approaches for complex and uncertain maritime transport systems.
