Ocean Engineering

Could sea squirts' nano-packaging delivery system help restore sea forests?

A coastal defense that becomes stronger is showing early success

A living reef coastal defense system has been shown to significantly reduce wave power, supporting reef growth and stabilizing shorelines. The hybrid structure combines engineering and natural processes, offering a potential alternative to traditional engineered structures.

Global exchange of knowledge and technology to significantly advance reef restoration efforts

The Global Coral Tech Transfer Project brings together SECORE International, Australian Institute of Marine Science, and FUNDEMAR to share coral breeding techniques and technologies for large-scale restoration. The partnership aims to create a comprehensive toolbox for boosting reef resilience worldwide.

How loud is clean energy? Manchester-led study explores potential impact of underwater noise from tidal energy

A new research project, (not)NOISY, aims to predict cumulative underwater noise produced by tidal turbine arrays before they are built. The team will develop advanced models and AI-assisted tools to quantify how noise travels through marine environments, supporting informed decision-making.

Advancing coastal restoration across Europe, the REST-COAST project highlights results on-the-ground during its final meeting

The REST-COAST project presented scientific advances, practical tools, and governance insights developed throughout its lifetime. Researchers explored pathways for upscaling from site-specific demonstrations to broadly adaptable frameworks, linking high-resolution modelling with broader decision-support tools.

Determining an efficient method for measuring coastal currents

Researchers compared three methods to measure surface currents over large areas, identifying an ideal drone-based technique that uses short aerial videos and mathematical analysis of wave patterns to determine current speed and path. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced costs and ease of deployment.

Avoiding marine collisions with SMART-SEA

Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a system called SMART-SEA to combat marine collisions by providing seafarers with real-time guidance on how and when to maneuver their vessel. The system combines raw radar imaging data with advanced machine learning to identify stationary objects and recommend safe actions.

Kelp farming is expensive, but a new resource points to lower costs

A new resource has been developed to help kelp farmers in Maine reduce their production costs. The tool provides detailed economic analyses and identifies strategies for sustainable business plans. By using this tool, kelp farmers can achieve economic sustainability and improve their bottom line.

Can we tap the ocean’s power to capture carbon?

Marine carbon dioxide removal technologies have the potential to play a role in mitigating global warming, but verifying their effectiveness and ensuring they don't harm the ocean is crucial. The European Marine Board report highlights the need for measures to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.

McGill study shows low-grade heat from renewable sources could be used to desalinate water

A McGill University-led research team has demonstrated the feasibility of thermally driven reverse osmosis (TDRO) for desalinating seawater, utilizing low-grade heat from solar thermal and geothermal energy. The cost-effective technique could improve access to water and increase sustainability in infrastructure.

Plastic pollution could linger at ocean surfaces for over a century, new research finds

A new model shows that buoyant plastics degrade slowly at the surface, fragmenting into smaller particles over decades. These tiny fragments can then sink to the ocean floor, but it may take more than 100 years for surface plastic waste to disappear.

KIOST validates prototype ultrasonic desalination instrument of sea sand

KIOST has developed an ultrasonic washing device that effectively removes salt from sea sand, reducing water usage and processing time by up to four times. The technology uses cavitation-driven ultrasonic waves to desalinate sea sand, resulting in a significant improvement over traditional methods.

True colors: How red, green and yellow concrete can improve marine life below the sea

A new study by Macquarie University researchers found that adding colour to concrete panels increased marine biodiversity in Sydney Harbour. The team discovered that red panels supported communities distinct from other coloured panels, attracting higher numbers of green algae and barnacles.

Global Declaration endorsed to advance scientific ocean drilling

The Global Declaration of Commitment for Scientific Ocean Drilling aims to promote global cooperation and collaboration in ocean science. The declaration sets out core principles for transparent access to data and samples, inclusive participation, environmental responsibility, and alignment with the UN SDGs.

MBARI welcomes new president and CEO Antje Boetius

Antje Boetius joins MBARI as president and CEO, expanding collaborations globally to advance marine science and engineering. She succeeds Chris Scholin, who will focus on further advances with the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) instrument.

Explainable AI for ship navigation raises trust, decreases human error

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed an explainable AI model for ship navigation that explains the basis for its decisions and intentions using numerical values. This technology aims to increase trust among maritime workers and contribute to the realization of unmanned ships.

Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.

Cleaning microplastics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that actively removes microplastics from water in a single cycle. The microcleaners, made from biodegradable materials, use the Marangoni effect to self-disperse and capture microplastics, which are then collected by skimming.

Top locations for ocean energy production worldwide revealed

A comprehensive global assessment of ocean current energy identifies high power density areas off the East coast of the U.S. and Eastern coast of Africa, suitable for generating electricity from ocean currents. The study highlights the importance of expanding data collection to refine understanding and unlock the full energy potential ...

Engineering excellence: Engineers with ONR ties elected to renowned scientific academy

The Office of Naval Research congratulates Drs. Marcelo Garcia, Richard Spinrad, and Robert Weller on their election to the National Academy of Engineering. The three engineers were recognized for their outstanding contributions in engineering practice, research, and education.

E. (Sarah) Du, Ph.D., named Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors

Dr. Sarah Du, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been selected as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors for her significant contributions to advancing medical technology. Her research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic tools and monitoring ...

FAU Engineering designs new autonomous system to monitor Arctic’s melting ice

The FAU-designed autonomous observation platform system offers a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic environment and monitoring the impact of melting sea ice. The system integrates with the environment it monitors, providing new data on Arctic Sea ice melt beyond what satellites and manned ships can provide.

Baleen whales in the northwest Atlantic are particularly vulnerable to boat injuries in densely inhabited regions, shipping routes, and fishing grounds

Baleen whales face increased risk of boat injuries in densely inhabited regions due to vessel activity. The study analyzed changing whale distributions and reported incidents relative to vessel presence in the Northwest Atlantic.

A first step towards integrating marine plastics into urban recycling

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have assessed the technical feasibility of automatically separating marine plastic waste from urban recycling. They found that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated with high effectiveness using an optical separation system.

Virginia Tech researchers continue to innovate underwater robotics missions with support from the Office of Naval Research

The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics develops advanced underwater robots and autonomy algorithms, enabling intelligent operation without human oversight. The research team has received $7.4 million in grants to continue their mission, advancing unconventional marine platforms and enhancing AUV capabilities.

GPS alternative for drone navigation using visual data from stars

Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a celestial navigation system that uses visual data from stars to provide an alternative means of nighttime navigation in environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable. The system has been tested on a fixed-wing drone and demonstrated accurate positioning within fo...

To design better water filters, MIT engineers look to manta rays

The MIT team fabricated a simple water filter modeled after the mobula ray's plankton-filtering features and studied its performance. They found that the ray's filtering features are broadly similar to industrial cross-flow filters, which could inform design of water treatment systems.

DOE awards $12 million to expand marine energy initiatives at Lehigh and partner universities

The Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) will develop new research projects, infrastructure, and educational programs using the funding. Lehigh University will lead two research projects focused on tidal turbine blades and real-time stable marine energy microgrid power management.

Ethical framework aims to counter risks of geoengineering research

A new framework for responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue has been launched by the American Geophysical Union to address the risks of geoengineering research. The framework proposes five key principles to guide research, funding and policy proposals, including consideration of physical, environmental and social consequences.

Sustaining oyster farming with sturdier rafts

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.

Nature's design marvel: How shark skin's denticles adapt to wide speed

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that shark skin's denticles reduce drag at a wide range of speeds, allowing sharks to cruise efficiently and hunt effectively. The study suggests that extinct giant megalodons may have similar swimming speeds to white sharks.

A recipe for zero-emissions fuel: Soda cans, seawater, and caffeine

Researchers create fast and sustainable method to produce hydrogen gas using aluminum, saltwater, and coffee grounds. They find that adding caffeine speeds up the reaction, producing hydrogen in just five minutes.

Lehigh University researchers awarded $1 million NSF grant to investigate floating offshore wind turbines

A team of Lehigh University researchers led by Professor Muhannad Suleiman is working to develop floating offshore wind platforms that can harness both wind and wave energy. The goal is to create more efficient and resilient structures that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Special issue on “Safety and intelligent maintenance of offshore structures” by China Ocean Engineering

This special issue explores methods to analyze marine structures, carry out intelligent operation and maintenance, and ensure safe development of marine resources. Research covers topics like ice channel identification, sound source location, mechanical performance, and risk assessment.

Scientists question effectiveness of nature-based CO2 removal using the ocean

Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.

Unraveling the drought dilemma: can reservoirs be a carbon source?

Research found that during severe droughts, agricultural reservoirs in Korea's southern region experienced increased total organic carbon concentrations. The study suggests that these reservoirs may shift from carbon storage to carbon sources, emitting carbon into the atmosphere. This finding highlights the need for integrated environm...

A natural touch for coastal defense

A new study found that hybrid coastal defenses, which combine natural and hard measures, are more cost-effective and provide higher hazard reduction in low-risk areas. In contrast, soft measures such as restoring or rehabilitating natural ecosystems are also beneficial in terms of environmental benefits.

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

National Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new control method that optimizes autonomous ship navigation

A team of researchers developed a time-optimal control method for autonomous ships, optimizing maneuvering performance in dynamic sea conditions. The new control system accounts for various forces affecting ship movement and can improve efficiency and safety, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions.

Olympic tower construction at Teahupo’o, Tahiti could damage reef ecosystem

Researchers warn of devastating impacts of Olympic tower construction on coral reef habitat and local economy in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The study found that the site supports a thriving coral community worth at least $170,000, with potential economic losses estimated at $1.3 million if the reef is damaged.

Viruses that can help ‘dial up’ carbon capture in the sea

Scientists have identified ocean viruses that can help trap carbon dioxide in seawater, using similar techniques to prevent methane's escape from thawing Arctic soil. The study reveals which viruses target the most important reactions in microbial community metabolisms.

URI professor leads effort demonstrating success of new technology in conducting deep-sea research on fragile organisms

A team of researchers led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips successfully demonstrated new technologies for capturing preserved tissue and high-resolution images of deep-sea animals in minutes, preserving them for advanced genomic study. This breakthrough enables faster species discovery and can inform extinction prevention efforts.

Arctic cold snap transforms into a blessing

A recent study suggests that the Arctic cold snap significantly contributes to the heightened uptake of carbon dioxide by the East Sea. The research found that the internal circulation along the East Coast strengthened due to the Arctic cold wave, leading to a surge in carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon presents a promising sol...

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers have developed a new method for assessing the path-following performance of autonomous ships in adverse weather conditions. The computational fluid dynamics model can provide more accurate predictions of path-following performance and enhance safety in autonomous marine navigation.

Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia

Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.

Widespread Bathyarchaeia encode a novel methyltransferase utilizing lignin-derived aromatics

The study reveals a widespread presence of Bathyarchaeia species in coastal sediments, which encode novel methyltransferases utilizing lignin-derived aromatics. These enzymes facilitate O-demethylation and have significant implications for the marine ecosystem's function and carbon cycling.

Snail-inspired robot could scoop ocean microplastics

Researchers developed a robot prototype inspired by a snail's ability to collect food particles at the water-air interface. The device uses an undulating motion to suck in microplastics from the surface of oceans and seas.

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

FAU Engineering study employs deep learning to explain extreme events

Researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science employ a computer-vision deep learning technique to analyze wall-bounded turbulent flows. They successfully identify the sources of extreme events in a data-driven manner, providing new insights into non-linear relationships in fluid dynamics simulations.

Plastic cloud: New study analyzes airborne microplastics in clouds

Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.

WVU researcher to help send swarm of marine robots on climate change quest beneath ocean ice

Researchers aim to access ocean waters hidden beneath ice shelves, where critical information about climate change is stored. An intelligent mothership and coordinated marine robots will communicate data from under-ice cavities, optimizing sampling and configuration.

Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater

Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.

Blowing snow contributes to Arctic warming

A study published in Nature Geoscience found that blowing snow produces fine sea salt aerosols, increasing particle concentration and cloud formation in the central Arctic. These aerosols contribute to Arctic warming by trapping surface long-wave radiation, boosting temperatures.

Researcher finds inspiration from spider webs and beetles to harvest fresh water from thin air

A team of researchers has designed novel systems to capture water vapour in the air and turn it into liquid. They are inspired by nature, mimicking the efficiency of spider webs and desert beetles, to create inexpensive, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly freshwater generation systems.

Carbon dioxide – not water – triggers explosive basaltic volcanoes

Geoscientists at Cornell University have discovered that gaseous carbon dioxide can trigger explosive eruptions in basaltic volcanoes. The research uses a new model to suggest that magma comes directly from the mantle, stored tens of kilometers below Earth's surface.

Scientists propose new strategy for modern sails to help shipping sector meet its carbon reduction goals

Researchers have identified an operational strategy that can reduce shipping emissions by up to a quarter by combining modern sail technology with efficient routing systems. The study found that this approach can provide greater assurances of carbon savings by mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather patterns.

Emulating how krill swim to build a robotic platform for ocean navigation

Researchers at Brown University have developed a krill-inspired robot called Pleobot, which emulates the swimming method of krill to navigate complex marine environments. The platform has the potential to enable scientists to understand how to engineer better robots for ocean navigation and exploration.

10-year countdown to sea-ice-free Arctic

A new study predicts Arctic sea ice will vanish by the 2030s if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. The research, published in Nature Communications, analyzes 41 years of data and confirms human activities as the primary cause of Arctic sea ice decline.

Irish Aran Islands based science team set new maritime WiFi world record

A team of scientists achieved a record-breaking 36.83km wireless broadband transmission from a ship to shore off the Irish Aran Islands using proprietary SeaFi technology. The new record surpasses the previous 2018 world record set by the same team, enabling private networks in ports and coastal areas for maritime businesses.

Petit-spot volcanoes involve the deepest known submarine hydrothermal activity, possibly release CO2 and methane

Scientists discover hydrothermal deposits at a 5.7 km depth in the Japan Trench, indicating low-temperature hydrothermal activity and elevated CO2 and methane levels. The findings highlight the need for further studies on petit-spot volcanoes and their potential impact on global biogeochemical cycles.