International Journal of Maritime Engineering

Exploring the Use of the Finite Point Method in Validating Free Surface Flows and Fluid-Structure Interactions Around a Naval Hull

Aaron Mai, Garth Pearce, Bruce Cartwright, Allen Chhor — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This paper explores the use of the incompressible and viscous Finite Point Method (FPM) embedded within a generic structural finite element software suite to validate free surface flows and fluid-structure interactions around a naval hull. The study proposed an inflow-outflow and towing tank setup to investigate the wake wave profiles, and wave-making resistance around the model DTMB5415 naval hull. FPM was successful in predicting the wake wave profiles relatively well without major deviations. The viscous effects were found to increase the accuracy of the wave profiles without much dissipation in the wave propagation. Both methods of simulation also accurately captured the wave-making resistance between the Froude number of 0.15 and 0.4 but tended to overpredict at other speeds. Although still water results for a rigid hull have been presented here, the results are an encouraging first-look at the use of a structural solver with embedded fluid coupling for analysing ship response. The long-term goal is to use the same modelling approach with waves and fully structural models within the single software suite.

An Algorithmic Framework for Fire Behaviour Monitoring and Evaluation in Shipboard Extinguishing Operations

Ender Yalcin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This study presents a novel approach for ship fire assessment using a custom hybrid model and tailored image processing. The model utilizes auto-adaptive edge and colour detection algorithms to identify various fire features, including flames, smoke, and fire extent. It contributes significantly to firefighting research, particularly in ship fire detection, offering potential for early intervention in dynamic marine environments. Validation with the Carnival Freedom cruise ship fire confirms the model’s practicality. In summary, this study showcases the hybrid model’s effectiveness in fire analysis and firefighting performance evaluation, paving the way for further research in diverse scenarios. The insights gained are relevant for fire monitoring and evaluation in various contexts, encouraging future investigations into the model’s adaptability and efficient fire extinguishment strategies, enhancing fire safety and management.

Integrating Qualitative AHP and Quantitative AIS to Berth Location Selection for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship Mooring at the Kaohsiung Port

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Maritime transportation has gradually moved towards using Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) to reduce the cost of human resources, increase people’s safety and improve operational efficiency. This article explores which berth of the Kaohsiung port is suitable for mooring a MASS. After reviewing the literature and gathering experts’ opinions, a hierarchy structure with three assessment aspects, nine criteria and three potential alternatives suitable for the berth selection of a MASS were obtained. We then integrate the subjective Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and the objective Automatic Identification System (AIS) technique to select an appropriate berth for the mooring of a MASS. The empirical result indicates that “the 7th Container Centre” of the Kaohsiung port is more suitable for mooring a MASS. Moreover, the conclusions and recommendations are given to maritime government authorities and port operators for reference when upgrading from traditional ports to intelligent ports in the future.

Design of Distributed Ship Systems in the Early Stage Design of Complex Vessels Through a Submarine Example

Muhammad Hary Mukti, Rachel Jean Pawling, David John Andrews — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

This paper builds upon the 2021 IJME publication by the same authors, which introduced the application of network theory to the design and evaluation of a simplified submarine power and propulsion system for early-stage ship design. The current work presents significant advancements from that initial investigation, detailing the UCL Network Block Approach (NBA). The NBA integrates the strengths of a proven 3D Computer Aided Ship Design (CASD) system’s architecture-driven approach using a network theory approach, specifically for the design of distributed ship service systems in complex vessels, demonstrated through a submarine case study. The proposed approach has now been validated through three design sensitivity studies, which examined variations at three levels: overall ship performance, main-level design styles, and micro-level design styles. The findings indicate that the NBA facilitates the holistic investigation of distributed ship service systems during early-stage ship design. Additionally, it enables naval architects and marine engineers to quickly size and balance energy requirements for different distributed systems and visualise the intricate structure of submarine systems within a 3D CASD environment and a 3D multiplex network layout. Furthermore, the NBA provides a basis for assessing the potential impacts of emerging technologies, such as the development of net-zero carbon based energy solutions for future naval vessels.