A 96,000 m³ semi-submersible heavy liquid carrier is proposed, with the cargo hull axis located at a depth of 31–32 m and an 11 m diameter surface tower. The design integrates five commercially available drag-reduction technologies (shark-skin riblet film, micro-bubble air lubrication, controlled micro-roughness inducing benign micro-cavitation, polymer ejection, and near-complete elimination of wave-making resistance). Full-scale CFD simulations (42.8 million cells) and HSVA tank tests demonstrate 73–87 % lower frictional resistance compared with modern Aframax/Suezmax tankers at 14–20 knots. Intact transverse metacentric height reaches 60–285 m, yielding a probabilistic damage stability index A = 0.9876. Seakeeping analysis in JONSWAP spectra (Hs = 9.5 m) shows maximum pitch ±1.8° and roll ±2.3°, with bridge vertical acceleration ≤ 0.11 g and no green water up to Beaufort Force 10. Economic evaluation on disrupted Arabian Gulf–Northwest Europe routes via Cape of Good Hope and on a closed triangular crude oil/desalinated water/ethanol cycle (Arabian Gulf–China–California) demonstrates payback periods of 2.9–5.1 months and 25-year net present values of 12.4–41.7 billion USD at November 2025 market rates. The concept offers a technically mature solution for decarbonization and geopolitical risk mitigation in maritime bulk liquid transport.
Shipyard industry in Cartagena is a very important hub for social and economic development. It is included in the region’s strategic long term plan (2008) as a high priority productive sector, “as a result of the city's port development”. Extreme competition, not only in terms of price but also in quality, flexibility, high-end technology and velocity has caused shipyard business to implement technologies in an integral manner to be both effective and efficient. Digital transformation is the structured implementation of several technologies and methodologies that imply hyper-connection to automate and streamline manufacturing, operations and services processes. This study aims to find how digital transformation in logistics processes can leverage supply chain integration in a shipyard company. It will be analyzed how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and the Internet of Things (IoT) can transform key processes such as inventory management, purchasing, foreign trade and administration of relationships with suppliers and customers, generating greater efficiency, cost reduction and improvement in quality. The proposed research focuses on the implementation of emerging technologies to optimize the entire supply chain within a typical Cartagena shipyard. The study will examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can transform key processes such as inventory management, procurement, importation, and supplier relationship management, resulting in increased efficiency, cost reduction, and improved quality.
Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels have been the fundamental basis of human progress, driving economic growth and industrial expansion on a global scale. For more than two centuries, coal, oil and natural gas have been the energy pillars that have powered our societies, providing the energy needed to light our cities, power our machines and move our vehicles, among many other applications. However, this extraordinary development has not been without adverse consequences and significant environmental impacts. In this context of growing awareness of the devastating impacts of fossil fuels on the environment and the urgent need to move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) emerges as a promising alternative for the global energy transition. It is there where the National Navy requires the implementation of new technologies as environmentally sustainable, efficient and effective alternatives in the fulfilment of the mission. This scientific paper presents the conceptual design of an LNG-powered bay tug as a logistic support vessel for the National Navy units as a milestone in the naval energy transition.
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the design and simulation of an integrated electric propulsion system for small boats, with the purpose of optimizing river transport from an environmental and energy perspective. The research proposes a propulsion system that combines an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery-based storage system and a three-phase charger designed for in-port recharging processes. The system components were modeled and simulated using Matlab/Simulink, incorporating real operational data and navigation profiles adapted to typical Colombian river conditions, specifically in the Atrato River. The vessel operating profiles were defined in three main modes: maneuvering (5 knots), economic (12 knots) and maximum speed (27 knots). For each mode, critical variables such as required power, energy autonomy and the frequency of recharges needed on the river route were simulated. The results indicate that operating at low speeds maximizes energy autonomy, reduces the number of refueling stops and allows a shorter cumulative operating time, highlighting higher energy efficiency compared to higher speeds. The article highlights the importance of simulation in the preliminary design of electric propulsion systems, facilitating the optimization of configurations and parameter tuning prior to implementation.
The lengthening of vessels represents an efficient solution to enhance operational performance and reduce environmental impact by optimizing hull design and lowering emissions. This study analyzes the structural and hydrodynamic effects of a 5-meter lengthening for a Field Support Vessel (FSV) intended for offshore operations in Talara, Peru. The structural analysis, conducted with DNV's Poseidon software, confirms the feasibility of the lengthened design, showing a 14% increase in the required sectional modulus and a significant improvement in load capacity. The vessel's maximum allowable length is determined as 76 meters, with an optimal sectional modulus of 0.90 m³. The hydrodynamic analysis, performed with Maxsurf Motion software, highlights significant improvements in seakeeping performance. The lengthened design decrease 10% of rolling amplitude and 5% pitching under critical conditions, particularly in beam and heave seas. Although the calculated freeboard suggests a draft of 5.58 meters, an operational draft of 4.25 meters at a speed of 14 knots is selected to ensure optimal performance under the maritime conditions of the region. This study demonstrates that hull lengthening not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the environmental sustainability of offshore operations.
Naval structures, such as ships and other artifacts, have a limited life and begin to degrade as soon as they enter service due to fatigue and fracture processes. To manage this deterioration, periodic inspections are needed to determine corrective actions on cracked structures. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems are designed to continuously measure or periodically monitor cracked components, helping to prevent catastrophic failures. This paper presents a methodology to assess the integrity and prognosis of cracked structural components on ships through a combination of numerical computation, data from SHM systems on crack size and satellite meteo-marine data. This methodology seeks to plan maintenance or repair operations in shipyards. Marine loads on the ship's route are obtained using geolocation tools and satellite meteo-marine information systems. Using NOAA's WaveWatch III model for wave prediction and seakeeping analysis with future wave spectra, the future likely behavior of the ship is determined. The hydrodynamic loads and accelerations are transferred to a mechanical structural model based on the Finite Element Method to evaluate the structural response of the affected component. The state of stress and strain in the crack zone is determined by submodeling. The Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is used to analyze the crack fatigue and estimate its remaining service life, based on fracture growth models.
Enhancing sustainability in ship design requires innovative solutions that improve environmental impact and operational efficiency. This study evaluates the impacts on propulsion and stability of lengthening five meters at midsection an offshore field support vessel FSV. The primary goal of this modification is to increase deck cargo capacity and reduce the Energy Efficiency Design Index EEDI. However, this hull modification introduces technical challenges related to the vessel's stability and operational performance, particularly in maneuvers requiring precise positioning. The comparison between the original vessel and its lengthened version using the same propulsion system assessed parameters such as intact stability, brake power, performance under dynamic positioning systems, and potential resonance during dynamic anchoring conditions. Results highlight an increase of 138 tons in deck cargo capacity, working with the same draft of 4.25 meters and a significant 19,67% improvement in the EEDI, positioning the lengthened vessel as a sustainable and competitive alternative. On the other hand, a 2.23% increase in brake power BkW required at 14 knots was observed, along with a slight 0.36% reduction in propeller efficiency due to alterations in hydrodynamic flow.
The increasing integration of advanced technological solutions within maritime environments, such as ships and ports, combined with the adoption of emerging technologies and the establishment of new standards and guidelines, has elevated cybersecurity to a critical concern. This study focuses on the development of specific strategies and technical measures to strengthen cybersecurity in these environments, emphasizing key challenges such as the human factor, identified as the weakest link in the defense chain. The research explores how attentional biases influence individuals' responses to cyber threats. Through the use of a technological tool with integrated biofeedback, a training program was developed to improve cybersecurity awareness. The findings revealed that fostering a cybersecurity culture had a more significant impact than prior knowledge on the subject, as it facilitated the identification of errors during tasks. Moreover, repeated use of the tool led to a reduction in errors, which correlated with increased awareness and emotional self-regulation. This pioneering study in the field of cybersecurity underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate engineering, psychology, and cybersecurity training to mitigate human vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of maritime systems.
The present work analyzes the increase in axial forces in the mooring system and connecting mooring ropes of a feed barge and support vessel during side-by-side operations, using a coupled analysis in the FEM software AquaSim. Through this analysis it is possible to verify the compliance of the materials used in the mooring system of the feed barge when subjected to a load increase due to support vessel´s operations, as well as assessing the program's capability to conduct this type of analysis under regular and irregular wave conditions. The study was conducted using environmental data recorded at an actual fish farm in southern Chile, along with the geometry of an existing feed barge. This data was used to create a numerical model, to which a combination of environmental loads was applied in eight cardinal directions. The impact on the mooring system was then evaluated when a ship connects to the feed barge, both on port and starboard side. The results show that the mooring system distributes loads homogeneously when isolated, but significant imbalances occur in side-by-side operations. Additionally, a mooring maneuver performed on the starboard side of the feed barge in this case, leads to significantly higher axial loads compared to maneuvers performed on the port side of the barge. However, these increases remain below the material limit and within safety factors established by local regulations
In this study, the impact of a ship during docking maneuvers with a floating structure used in the Chilean aquaculture industry is analyzed using a structural finite element model. The commercial finite element software ANSYS, specifically its Explicit Dynamics module, is used to evaluate the effects of the collision on the fish farm structure. The geometry of the floating structure is simplified, considering only main structural components while the portion of the vessel impacting the floating system is modeled as a rigid plate to represent ship displacement and total kinetic energy. A low-velocity, high-energy impact was simulated to quantify stress distribution, deformation and energy dissipation on the system. The proposed methodology is useful for designing reinforcements on the structure, optimize fenders positions and define the appropriate ship speed in the maneuvers to prevent irreversible damage to the fish farm structure. The application of this methodology generates valuable information to improve the safety and efficiency of maneuvers between vessels and floating structures, considering the challenges that may arise during docking and load/crew transfer in protected waters. Further on-site validation of the proposed methodology is required and the use of a more complex solver to describe nonlinear behavior of structures, particularly, large inelastic deformations is proposed based on numerical results.
In some ship engine room designs, the bearing supports of the propulsion system shaft are not aligned with the primary structure, such as side girders and floors, which compromises the structural stiffness of the supports and leads to vibration problems in the propulsion train. This research aims to analyze how varying the height and position of a bearing support impacts its stiffness and natural frequency. The study focuses on parametric analysis, evaluating the results in the three main directions of motion—longitudinal, transverse, and vertical—using finite element models. The graphs and data obtained in this research should serve as a reference for installing bearing supports and to prevent vibration problems by having a stiffness that can vary depending on the location of bearing supports between primary structures.
This paper introduces and explores the development of the Electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) as an evolution of the well-recognized mechanical version (VSP) patented almost 100 years ago (1926). This study highlights the extraordinary technological contribution of Voith’s Maritime Division R&D department, which aims to encourage and promote reliable and efficient solutions for the improvement of the maritime industry regarding the concepts of digitalization, electrification and decarbonization based on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) goal of driving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Throughout the document, different perspectives will be presented in order to represent the original system concept and its evolution, seeing several technological considerations, the impact of the solution in Latin America and the potential applications in the region due to the technical advantages of this propulsion system especially for rough navigation and operational conditions reflecting the environmental contribution in terms of fuel consumption, energy savings, low emission and noise and high efficiency related on the operational life cycle cost impact.
The rim-driven propeller (RDP) is an attractive propulsion system for ship designers across various maritime applications. In this study, the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations were employed, using the moving reference frame (MRF) method and steady-state numerical simulations to address applicability challenges. The study also incorporated the SST turbulence model. Initially, a Ka-Series; (Ka4-0.70) +19A ducted propeller (DP) was selected, and the numerical results for hydrodynamic characteristics showed a close correlation with experimental data. The study subsequently focused on the RDP, which, while utilizing the same propeller, features a distinct duct design due to its rim-driven configuration. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the RDP were obtained and compared with those of the DP. The results revealed that the RDP exhibits lower efficiency than the DP, primarily due to the gap and presence of the rotor in RDP.
The comparative assessment of hull forms remains a critical element in the optimization of small-craft design, particularly in terms of resistance and manoeuvering performance. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of two hull configurations: a conventional bow and an alternative wide bow. Simulations were carried out in Star-CCM+ using a predefined velocity–heel–drift matrix, ensuring equal displacement for both hulls. The results are discussed with reference to hydrodynamic resistance and flow patterns. In addition, numerical outcomes at 6.50 knots without heel or drift were compared against the Delft Systematic Yacht Hull Series (DSYHS) to validate the computational approach. The findings highlight the influence of bow geometry on resistance characteristics and provide insight into the associated design trade-offs between seakeeping and efficiency. This research contributes to the understanding of hull optimization for naval applications, by offering a methodological framework for integrating CFD-based assessments with systematic experimental benchmarks.
The development of autonomous and unmanned vessels has become a central focus of maritime research and innovation. The literature includes various studies related to the subsystems and algorithms for the autonomous operation of vessels. However, discussions surrounding the regulatory and normative framework appear to lag behind technological progress. Despite this, the debate cannot be considered null. Some authors have analyzed the operation of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) considering the current regulatory framework. There are also reflections on the role of the human component and on the interaction with conventional vessels. On the other hand, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and different entities have included the topic on their agendas, for which they have activated different mechanisms and scenarios for the development of the debate. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the regulatory and normative framework of the operation of autonomous vessels, trying to identify some of the facets that make up the current debate. The entry into operation of vessels in real-world contexts will be a reality soon and points of convergence between the technological aspect and the social component must emerge. Considering the potential impacts and advantages of integrating new technologies with conventional ones, it is expected that the social debate will develop in such a way that the regulations are timely and appropriate.
The integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is transforming project management in the naval industry. This article proposes the design of a comprehensive management system for naval design and engineering projects that incorporates AI and machine learning technologies in each phase of the project life cycle. Using Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST), the study examines how design project managers implement these tools to optimize processes from conceptualization to delivery. Factors such as Innovative Attitude, Peer Influence, and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) are considered. The proposed system includes modules for document analysis, activity planning, cost and timeline forecasting, and risk and requirements management, all powered by AI. An integration plan and evaluation framework are presented to measure the potential impact of the system on the efficiency and effectiveness of naval project management. This study offers a significant contribution to the understanding how generative AI can transform project management in the naval industry, while addressing the associated ethical and practical challenges.
This study examines the midsection lengthening of a 4629 DWT tanker by adding proportional segments equivalent to the length of one tank. The still water bending moment of the original ship was estimated, and the combined bending moments for different scenarios in unrestricted waters were analyzed using MaxSurf. The original sectional modulus was calculated and compared using POSEIDON software, as well as the formulas provided by ABS and DNV for longitudinal strength assessment. To reduce CO₂ emissions, a dual-fuel propulsion system was proposed, taking advantage of the additional space made available by the lengthening. The EEXI of the original engine, the EEDI of the LNG-powered engine, and the CII were calculated, demonstrating notable emission reductions. As part of the optimization proposal, the tanker’s cargo capacity was increased, revealing the potential to boost revenue per voyage while simultaneously improving maritime routes through reduced emissions. Lastly, a structural and propulsion analysis of the lengthened vessel was performed using the Campbell diagram. The natural frequencies of the ship’s beam were estimated with POSEIDON, identifying critical zones and potential resonances that could impact structural integrity.
Global energy demand has driven the oil industry to develop floating systems with stability, low response motions, high production capacity for oil and gas in deep and ultra-deep water. Its development is an iterative process, due to the fact that it analyzes the production and safety requirements according to the bases of the project, and subsequently it will advance or go back, according to its performance, one step in the design spiral. Hernandez-Menez (2020) states that it is a meticulous process, given the high cost it represents, it requires an excellent and functional design, according to the specifications required for a safe operation. For this reason, new floating systems have been developed, such as Spar-type platforms. Hernandez-Hernandez (2020) mentions that the environmental conditions, hull shapes and weight distribution are key factors for the stability and hydrodynamic response of a floating production system which is why stability and minimal motion are sought to prevent a stoppage or failure in oil and gas production equipment. Currently there is not a floating system of this type in Mexican territory, this study analyzes a case under environmental conditions of the Gulf of Mexico, establishing the hull shape, stability criteria and loading conditions to determine the motions of the platform.
This work describes the conceptual design process of a vessel intended to transport green hydrogen to aquaculture farms in the Aysén Region, Chile. The design proposes a hybrid power generation configuration, which integrates PEM fuel cells (PEMFC) and a battery bank, to ensure efficient and continuous operation. Within the propulsion system, the implementation of an azimuthal Z-drive system is established, enhancing maneuverability for efficient operations in the cultivation centers. The process includes an exhaustive analysis of the ship's mission profile, together with improvements in hull design, evaluating the forward resistance by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Power demand under different sailing conditions is also considered, with the objective of optimizing the power generation capacity of the plant and the hydrogen storage required for the propulsion and transport system. The development of this work is part of the PT02 project at the Sustainable Acceleration Center for Electromobility (CASE).
This article discusses the installation of TACAN and DF navigation systems on the Colombian Ocean Patrol Vessel to enhance operational and safety capabilities, especially for helicopter operations. It outlines the technical challenges of integrating these systems due to limited space and potential electromagnetic interference, detailing the analysis and planning process from 2017 to 2022. In 2023, naval commands confirmed the critical importance of the TACAN system. The main technical issue that has been identified pertains to optimizing both systems’ antennas within the mast’s confines to ensure optimal functionality and mitigate interferences. The article examines a range of technical solutions and integration strategies that have been devised to address these challenges.
