(03)

Science

↓ (W40 ‘26 · Sep 28–Oct 4)
01openalex2026-09-28Aqsa Yaseen, Marvin Roshan Crompton Ramesh, Karl Janson, Pentti KujalaDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

A Review: Learning-Based Collision Avoidance Methods for Autonomous Vessels (2021–2025) (opens in a new tab)

This review examines machine learning methods for autonomous vessel collision avoidance from 2021 to 2025, analyzing 445 studies after screening 832 records. Reinforcement learning, particularly Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), and Deep Q-Network (DQN), emerged as the leading approaches. The adoption of these techniques surged after 2022, reflecting their growing role in adaptive decision-making and trajectory prediction. The paper also outlines challenges in real-world deployment and future research directions.

02openalex2026-09-30Eren Deniz, Emine SezerDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Breaking the Sorting Barrier in Practice: A Comparative Analysis of Deterministic Path Planning for Autonomous Surface Vessels (opens in a new tab)

This study compares a new deterministic path-planning algorithm, BMSSP, against Dijkstra’s and A* for autonomous surface vessels. BMSSP theoretically surpasses the sorting barrier with $O(m \log^{\frac{2}{3}} n)$ complexity and expands 29% fewer nodes than A* in simulations. While A* was fastest in CPU time (322 ms), BMSSP produced smoother trajectories with the lowest angular deviation (664.08°). Results suggest BMSSP improves navigation stability and energy efficiency in dynamic maritime environments.

03openalex2026-09-30Huu Quyen NguyenDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

TRAJECTORY TRACKING WITH COLLISION AVOIDANCE FOR AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VESSELS IN DYNAMIC OBSTACLE ENVIRONMENTS USING TRAJECTORY PREDICTION AND ADAPTIVE SLIDING MODE CONTROL (opens in a new tab)

This paper introduces a control system for autonomous surface vessels that handles both trajectory tracking and collision avoidance in dynamic environments. It uses Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA), Distance at Closest Point of Approach (DCPA), and Collision Risk Index (CRI) to assess risks and adjust the vessel’s path in real time. An Adaptive Sliding Mode Control (ASMC) ensures precise tracking and resilience against disturbances without needing prior knowledge of their limits. Simulations confirm the method’s effectiveness in avoiding collisions while maintaining stability and accuracy.

04openalex2026-09-29Yiren Wang, Wang Shengzheng, Wei Liu, Xinwei Lin +4 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Hierarchical robust control for autonomous berthing of MASS under dynamic switching of multiple propulsion modes (opens in a new tab)

This paper introduces a hierarchical robust control system for autonomous berthing of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) to handle dynamic propulsion-mode switching and environmental disturbances. The method includes a reverse spatial-temporal planning algorithm, a decoupled adaptive guidance law, and a dynamic-truncation SQP allocation strategy to improve thrust management and actuator transitions. Testing under strong wind-current conditions (Beaufort force 7) demonstrated sub-meter berthing accuracy and reduced yaw-rate deviation by 13.8% compared to conventional methods. The system also prevented collisions with the shoreline during sudden disturbances.

05openalex2026-10-02Bo Wu, Jing Yu, Zuyuan LiuDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

A Reliability-Based Robust Design Optimization Method for Unmanned Surface Vessel Berthing Trajectory Planning Under Uncertainty (opens in a new tab)

This study introduces a reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) method for improving unmanned surface vessel berthing trajectory planning under uncertainty. The approach integrates line-of-sight guidance, artificial-potential-field obstacle avoidance, and sliding-mode control, while modeling collision risks for various obstacle shapes and accounting for vessel-position uncertainty. Simulations demonstrate that RBRDO outperforms baseline and deterministic optimization methods by reducing terminal distance errors, failure probability, and variability in berthing performance. The method enhances robustness and reliability in uncertain berthing conditions.

06openalex2026-10-01Marko Perkovič, Ivica Pavić, Maciej Gucma, Sebastian Feuerstack +1 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Maritime Security and Risk Assessments—2nd Edition: From Risk Identification to Decision Support and System Resilience (opens in a new tab)

This paper updates maritime security research, addressing challenges from digitization, automation, cyber-physical risks, and geopolitical threats. It expands on risk identification, decision-making, and system resilience, covering collision-risk sensing, human-technology interaction, and port safety. The studies highlight gaps like limited validation, incomplete causal analysis, and weak cross-scale integration. Effective implementation demands trustworthy data, uncertainty management, and coordinated response plans for cyber-physical and security failures.

07openalex2026-09-30Samuel Cohen-Salmon, Itzik KleinDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Benchmarking EMlog Calibration for Autonomous Surface Vehicles (opens in a new tab)

This paper evaluates calibration methods for electromagnetic logs (EMLogs) used in autonomous surface vehicles when Doppler velocity logs (DVLs) are unavailable. It compares four calibration models using two estimation pipelines on 221 minutes of real-world data from the MARVEL vehicle. Results show the bias and scale error model with a Kalman filter improves speed estimation by 71%. Dynamic maneuvers, rather than straight-line paths, further enhance calibration accuracy, enabling real-time online EMLog calibration.

08openalex2026-09-30Aleksandr Konoplin, Alexander Yurmanov, D.V. KopylovDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Method for generating program control signals for the positioning of a vessel supporting auv operations (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents a method using model predictive control to maintain stable hydroacoustic communication between an AUV and a support vessel or USV. The approach optimizes vessel positioning by predicting AUV trajectories, vessel dynamics, and hydroacoustic channel conditions to maximize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Simulations showed the method prevented communication loss and reduced unnecessary vessel movements compared to alternatives. The technique was validated as effective for reliable AUV operations in open sea conditions.

09openalex2026-10-03Neng Sri Komala, Nur Zaeni, Uti Indrawati LestariDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Ship Safety Analysis in Indonesia: Determining Crew Competence, Port Digitalization and Ship Technology Innovation (opens in a new tab)

This study examines ship safety in Indonesia by analyzing crew competence, port digitalization, and ship technology innovation. Using a systematic literature review of 50 articles (2021–2026), it finds these factors significantly improve safety outcomes like seaworthiness and risk control. The research relies on qualitative methods, including data reduction and thematic analysis. Limitations include the absence of direct quantitative statistical validation.

10openalex2026-10-02Jonas JostenDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Team cognition in remote maritime operations: a scoping review and cross-domain theoretical synthesis (opens in a new tab)

This scoping review analyzed 51 studies on team cognition in remote maritime operations, identifying five key themes: situation awareness, team learning, human-autonomy collaboration, interface design, and distributed cognition. Findings show a shift from individual to dynamic, interaction-driven models of team cognition involving humans, technology, and environmental factors. Challenges include integrating autonomous systems, improving interface design for shared understanding, and measuring team cognition effectively. The study recommends aligning design, training, and regulations with distributed cognition principles to enhance safety in remote maritime settings.

11openalex2026-09-28Marvin Roshan Crompton Ramesh, Aqsa Yaseen, Inga Zaitseva-Pärnaste, Pentti KujalaDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Towards Autonomy Crew Transfer and Service Vessels in Offshore Wind Farms: Technologies, Challenges, and Research Gaps (opens in a new tab)

This paper reviews technologies and challenges for autonomous Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) in offshore wind farms. It highlights gaps in current manual operations, limited validation of autonomous systems, and the potential for improved efficiency, safety, and cost reduction. Key advancements in sensors, automation, and risk assessment are discussed, along with operational hurdles. The authors outline research priorities to advance autonomous vessel development.

12openalex2026-09-30Pierre Marcello Lopulalan, Febria SurjamanDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Exception Exposure Deprivation and Emergency Readiness Vulnerability among Seafarers in Highly Standardized Ship Operations (opens in a new tab)

This study examines how strict procedures and automation in modern ship operations may limit seafarers' exposure to unexpected situations, reducing their emergency readiness. A survey of 100 seafarers and trainees in Indonesia found that less experience with abnormal events correlates with lower preparedness for emergencies. The research suggests that realistic training and varied scenarios could enhance maritime safety. Statistical analysis confirmed the link between exception exposure deprivation and vulnerability in emergency response.

13openalex2026-09-28Na-Yeon ParkDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Digital Archiving Status and Utilization Strategies for Korean Maritime History Materials (opens in a new tab)

This study examines Korea’s fragmented maritime history archives, which are scattered across institutions and difficult to access. It proposes an integrated digital platform featuring unified search, AI-enhanced document access, and sensor-based data (e.g., underwater sonar, 3D imaging) to preserve and analyze maritime cultural heritage. The platform aims to boost research, public engagement, and K-content development while addressing gaps in systematic archiving. Recent advances in marine technology and digital humanities highlight the need for a centralized system to improve accessibility and global dissemination.

14openalex2026-10-02Florian Zimmer, Marcel Nicolaus, Evgenii Salganik, Ran Tao +6 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Contrasting Light Transmission in Different Arctic Sea Ice Regimes During Summer (opens in a new tab)

A 2025 expedition measured light transmission through three Arctic sea ice types—first-year, mixed first- and second-year, and multiyear ice—using underwater surveys in July and August. First-year ice allowed the most light (21% transmittance), while multiyear ice transmitted only 6%, with second-year ice in between (12%). Snowfall and seasonal changes altered transmission, reducing first-year ice transmittance by 40% but increasing second-year ice’s nearly twofold. The study found transmitted solar radiation contributed 30-47% of basal ice melt energy, emphasizing sea ice type’s role in Arctic Ocean heating and ecosystems.

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