(03)

Science

↓ (W23 ‘26 · Jun 1–7)
01openalex2026-06-07Satoshi KawauchiDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Research on a Distributed Logistics Network Using Autonomous Resupply Vessel ARV-S: Self-Optimizing Resupply Infrastructure Technology in High-Threat and Communication-Denied Environments ― A Next-Generation Resupply Infrastructure Model Integrating Autonomous Navigation, Distributed Resupply, Modular Payloads, Resilient Communication, Phased Autonomy, Environmentally Adaptive Logistics, and Quantum Thinking Circuit OS ASI ― (opens in a new tab)

This research introduces ARV-S, an autonomous maritime logistics system designed for high-threat and communication-denied environments. It replaces traditional centralized resupply methods with a self-optimizing network of distributed, intelligent vessels using swarm intelligence and continuous learning. Key features include modular payloads, resilient communication, predictive maintenance, and a Quantum Thinking Circuit OS for adaptive decision-making. The goal is a self-healing logistics ecosystem supporting disaster response, remote resupply, and environmental monitoring.

02openalex2026-06-01Sujin Jung, Yongjohn ShinDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Core Onboard Functions for Crewed Ships Under Hybrid Autonomous Operations with Remote Operation Center Supervision: A Delphi-Based Study (opens in a new tab)

This study used a three-round Delphi method with 20 maritime experts to identify essential onboard functions for crewed ships under hybrid autonomous operations with Remote Operation Center (ROC) supervision. Four key function groups were validated: Management, Operation and Control, Maintenance and Recovery, and Automation/ICT/Network, all meeting importance and stability criteria. "Operation and Control" ranked highest in expert agreement, emphasizing the need for onboard decision-making, manual control, and technical recovery. The findings provide a basis for manning, training, and regulatory frameworks for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

03openalex2026-06-02Xingchen Ji, Jinichi Koue, Ruolan Zhang, Katsutoshi HirayamaDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Monitoring and service for ships from the perspective of the remote operations center (opens in a new tab)

This paper examines the role of Remote Operations Centers (ROCs) in monitoring and managing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), particularly Level 2 and 3 vessels, to improve navigational safety in high-traffic waterways. Current ROCs depend on tools like AIS, radar, and cameras but face challenges such as data latency and radar limitations in complex areas. The authors propose a real-time monitoring system using navigation buoys equipped with cameras, AIS receivers, VHF transceivers, and edge computing to fuse and analyze data locally. The framework aims to enhance monitoring and service quality by enabling collaboration between buoys and ROCs.

05crossref2026-04-28Yongshun Xie, Chengyong Liu, Yixiong He, Yong Ma +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Hierarchical multi-port route planning and nearshore navigation control for autonomous surface vessels in multi-disturbance maritime environments (opens in a new tab)

No abstract or body text was available, so this entry is reported from metadata only.

06openalex2026-06-02Santeri Henriksson, Mehdi Asadi, Amin Majd, Juha KalliovaaraDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

MariData: One-Step Unpaired Image Translation for Maritime Environments (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents a framework using CycleGAN-turbo for one-step unpaired image translation to generate synthetic maritime data, addressing the lack of diverse training data for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The method incorporates zero-convolution skip connections to preserve small navigational details, such as distant vessels, during domain translations like Day-to-Foggy or Day-to-Night. A dataset of 7,000 maritime images was used to train and evaluate models, showing strong structural retention in foggy and sunset conditions but challenges like semantic hallucination in night translations. The approach aims to overcome data scarcity in autonomous maritime navigation by efficiently synthesizing realistic atmospheric conditions.

07openalex2026-06-02Ogul Gorgulu, Ahmet Can Özcan, Anders BerglundDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Designing algorithmic infrastructures for environmental regeneration: Autonomous systems in marine contexts (opens in a new tab)

This paper examines how AI and autonomous systems in marine environments redistribute responsibility between humans, algorithms, and ecosystems. It introduces an *Ethics of Autonomy* framework, combining posthuman design theory, Actor–Network Theory, and explainable AI to balance human oversight with machine decision-making. Three case studies—FloatyBoats, Seaswarm, and Vatoz—demonstrate how adaptive robotic systems shift from monitoring to active ecological intervention. The authors argue that ethical innovation requires transparent, interpretable, and accountable algorithmic infrastructures.

08openalex2026-06-01Klaas De Hert, Marcella Castells-Sanabra, Clara Borén, Cristina Campos +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Preparing MASS Operators for Port and Short-Sea Operations: Linking Industry Experience with Training Design (opens in a new tab)

This study examines training needs for shore-based Remote Operation Centre (ROC) operators managing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in ports and short-sea settings. Interviews with ROC providers highlight key competences like estuarial navigation, system understanding, screen-based situational awareness, and structured communication, alongside soft skills such as teamwork and stress management. While existing training frameworks align with core competences, they underemphasize context-specific challenges like multi-vessel coordination in confined waters. The findings advocate for tailored MET curricula integrating simulator-based training and scenario development for port and short-sea operations.

09crossref2026-06-01L. Grbić, M. Koren, I. Mišlov, K. LovničkiDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Using Eye-Tracking Insights to Redesign Maritime Navigation Instruments (opens in a new tab)

This study examines how eye-tracking data can improve the design of maritime navigation instruments like ECDIS and radar. Researchers are analyzing gaze patterns, fixation durations, and cognitive workload in simulated bridge environments to identify ergonomic flaws such as poor symbol placement, color contrast, and visual clutter. The goal is to propose redesigns that reduce human error, particularly for less experienced navigators. Findings may inform both equipment manufacturers and maritime training programs.

10openalex2026-06-01Gines Yanez-Saura, Rosa M. Fernandez-Canti, German de MeloDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

MSB for Autonomous Power Plant with SEFR circuit breakers (opens in a new tab)

This paper examines the critical role of Main Switch Boards (MSBs) in autonomous ships, focusing on power management, generation, and distribution to ensure uninterrupted operation. It introduces SEFR (Safety, Effectiveness, and Reliability) contacts, which must meet specific electrical and mechanical standards to prevent supply failures. The study categorizes contacts into three criticality levels: Level 1 (non-essential), Level 2 (essential), and Level 3 (vessel survival-dependent), with varying redundancy and control measures. The SEFR framework is applied to design MSB supply lines, ensuring continuous power for autonomous vessels.

11openalex2026-06-04Sercan KülcüDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TARGET LOCALIZATION ACCURACY IN RADAR PPI IMAGES USING GEOMETRIC ENCLOSURES (opens in a new tab)

This study evaluates three geometric methods—bounding boxes, convex hulls, and concave hulls—to improve ship localization accuracy in radar PPI images using the DLR Baltic Sea dataset. After compensating for a 4.5° azimuth offset, concave hull centroids achieved the lowest average localization errors (58–70 m) when validated against AIS data. The method outperformed bounding boxes by up to 12.7% and convex hulls by 2.1%, better handling irregular echo shapes caused by sea clutter and noise. It provides a lightweight, real-time solution for Vessel Traffic Services and autonomous surface vehicles.

12crossref2026-06-04Zhanheng Xie, Lei Liu, Xiaosong LiDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Prescribed-Time Trajectory Tracking and Collision Avoidance of Unmanned Surface Vehicles for Maritime Sports Assistance (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents an adaptive predefined-time sliding mode control (APTSMC) strategy for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to improve trajectory tracking and collision avoidance in maritime sports support. The method uses a predefined-time sliding surface and adaptive compensation to ensure predictable convergence and disturbance rejection without prior knowledge of disturbances. A velocity-modulated artificial potential field corrects paths for obstacle avoidance, adjusting repulsion based on proximity. Simulations demonstrate the framework’s effectiveness in balancing tracking accuracy and safety in dynamic environments.

13crossref2026-06-01Paško Ivančić, Zaloa Sanchez-VarelaDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Rethinking the Security of Ship Communication Systems: A Systemic Perspective on GMDSS Vulnerabilities in Maritime Transport (opens in a new tab)

The paper examines security vulnerabilities in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), highlighting risks like unauthorized access, false distress alerts, and manipulated safety information due to weak authentication and validation. It argues that these issues stem from systemic gaps in governance, procedures, and security integration rather than technical failures alone. The study calls for a holistic approach, combining technological, procedural, human, and regulatory measures to strengthen GMDSS security. Findings emphasize the need for coordinated strategies to address interconnected vulnerabilities in voice and data communication without undermining maritime safety.

14openalex2026-06-01Jonathan EarthyDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Evolution of Human Factors Standards (opens in a new tab)

Jonathan Earthy’s paper outlines the development of ergonomics standards, showing their shift from product-focused rules to principle-based approaches for robotic, intelligent, and autonomous (RIA) systems. It emphasizes human-centered design, where users are seen as active agents, and highlights key standards like ISO 9241-210 and ISO 11064 for ensuring usability and safety in automation. The chapter uses maritime examples to illustrate how these standards apply to autonomous ships. It argues that standards now serve as design tools to embed trust and resilience in intelligent systems.

17openalex2026-06-04Grigorios Papanikolaou, Ioannis Kontopoulos, Giannis Spiliopoulos, Dimitris Zissis +1 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Trajectory-Aware Adaptive Inference in Object Detection Models (opens in a new tab)

This paper introduces a method to improve real-time object detection in autonomous maritime navigation by using GPS trajectory data. It modifies a YOLOv8-based detector with an early-exit mechanism that adjusts computation based on vessel motion, such as distance and speed. Frames with close or fast-converging vessels use the full model, while simpler scenes use a reduced network. Tests show the approach maintains accuracy while cutting inference time and computational costs.

18crossref2026-06-01I. Mišlov, K. Lovnički, L. Grbić, M. KorenDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Enhancing Navigation Safety through Proposed Ergonomic Modifications of Navigational Instruments (opens in a new tab)

This study examines how ergonomic flaws in navigational instruments, particularly ECDIS and INS, contribute to human error in maritime accidents. Researchers use eye-tracking technology in a full-mission simulator to analyze navigators' visual behavior under different lighting conditions and tasks. The project compares expert and novice strategies and aims to identify critical interface issues affecting cognitive workload and decision-making. Findings will inform design improvements, training standards, and theoretical understanding of digital interface impacts on maritime safety.

19openalex2026-06-01Olena Shyshova, Anurag Singh Rawat, Dirk SöffkerDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

POD-based validation and reliability-critical function fusion for safety-certifiable autonomous systems (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents a framework for certifying the safety of autonomous inland vessels by integrating sensor availability, perception reliability, and adaptive control. It uses a pre-computed lookup table to manage degraded sensors, reducing computational load while ensuring predictable behavior. The approach combines redundancy, reliability validation, and risk-based control to support safe navigation under varying conditions. The method aims to meet certification requirements for autonomous systems.

20openalex2026-06-02Martin Siegert, Thomas J. Bracegirdle, Peter Convey, Katharine Hendry +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Antarctic science operations must account for climate change and extreme environmental events (opens in a new tab)

Antarctic research operations face increasing disruptions from extreme environmental events (EEEs) due to climate change, affecting personnel deployment, equipment use, and access to remote sites. Research stations, airfields, and vessel routes are becoming less reliable, threatening traditional levels of scientific activity. Autonomous systems may help supplement fieldwork to maintain research capabilities. Preparing for these challenges will be critical ahead of the 5th International Polar Year (2032-33).

22openalex2026-06-04J. Gmeiner, Jonah Hasse, Gerrit A. Luinstra, Andreas Liese +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Esterification in an Autonomously Controlled Reactor: Exploiting the Chemo-Mechanical Properties of a Smart Organogel (opens in a new tab)

A smart organogel made of iron(III)-reinforced poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) acts as a chemo-mechanical valve in a reactor for esterification of acetic acid and ethanol. The valve autonomously adjusts flow rates—starting below 7 mL·min⁻¹ and increasing to 135 mL·min⁻¹—based on reaction progress, using a noninvasive gravimetric control loop. The valve’s opening rate was roughly half the reaction rate, and the gel demonstrated durability for repeated use. This system enables self-regulation in the reactor through intrinsic chemical feedback.

24crossref2026-06-01Mate Barić, Luka Grbić, Vinko Pavić, Mate VukicDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Influence of bank-effect on safety of navigation of full form vessels (opens in a new tab)

This study examines how the bank effect—hydrodynamic forces between a vessel and fairway banks—influences navigation safety for full-form vessels like tankers. Using a validated navigational simulator, researchers tested vessel trajectories near sloped banks at varying speeds and distances, comparing results with towing tank data. A polynomial regression model (accuracy: 0.9746) determined minimum safe distances, revealing sloped banks can pose greater grounding risks than vertical walls, especially when vessels sail over the slope. The findings highlight the need for situation-specific safety measures to reduce navigation risks.

26openalex2026-06-03Xueming Liu, Lin Li, Xiang Zhou, Tianjiang Hu +1 more

Cooperative Circumnavigation for Multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles Without External Localization (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents a method for multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to circle a target without relying on external positioning systems. The USVs use onboard sensors and communication to measure distances and angles, employing two types of Kalman filters to estimate positions relative to the target and each other. A formation controller based on coupled oscillators ensures the system remains observable while maintaining a uniform circular formation. Simulations confirm the approach works effectively.

27openalex2026-06-02Stepan Konev

StandardE2E: A Unified Framework for End-to-End Autonomous Driving Datasets (opens in a new tab)

The paper introduces StandardE2E, a unified framework for end-to-end autonomous driving datasets. It standardizes preprocessing, enabling cross-dataset experimentation and combined training via a single PyTorch DataLoader. The framework simplifies adding new datasets by requiring only a mapping to a shared schema. It currently supports six datasets and is available as an open-source Python package.

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