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How can science support and enable the High Seas Treaty?

A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 2, 2026

Here's why seafarers have little confidence in autonomous ships

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study highlights seafarers' concerns about autonomous ships' technical safety, trust in technology, and crew competence. The researchers aim to ensure safer use of advanced technology and increase seafarers' trust in autonomy by addressing the challenges highlighted by the seafarers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalWMU Journal of Maritime Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2026

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProcess Safety and Environmental Protection·DateDec 4, 2025

Protected Antarctic oceanic life threatened by ships anchoring, first underwater videos show

A recent study has gathered the first video evidence of anchoring and chain damage in Antarctic waters, highlighting a critically understudied conservation issue. The research found that anchor impacts can cause localized destruction to seafloor habitats, leading to the loss of slow-growing, sessile species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2025

Aston University study reveals the illusion of ‘dazzle’ paint on World War I battleships

A new analysis of 105-year-old data found that while dazzle camouflage had some effect, the 'horizon effect' had a much greater influence on confusing enemy ships. The study, led by Aston University researchers, showed that when people looked at a ship in the distance, they significantly underestimated its direction of travel.

SourceAston University·Journali-Perception·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Research shows restricting flavored e-cigarettes cuts vaping rates but raises smoking rates for young adults

A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2025

Staying ahead of the next pandemic: Study identifies ventilation strategies to prevent super-spreader events aboard cruise ships

A new study from the University of Surrey identifies targeted ventilation strategies as crucial to preventing super-spreader events on cruise ships. The research found that improved air circulation in crowded areas can significantly reduce airborne infection transmission risk, with CO2 levels increasing in higher occupancy spaces.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 15, 2025

Fewer than 7% of global hotspots for whale-ship collisions have protection measures in place

A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

Towards zero-emissions by fuel-flexible technologies – New Finnish consortium brings cleaner solutions to marine and off-road transport

The Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies project aims to develop innovative clean solutions for maritime transport and off-road machinery, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% through the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels. The consortium brings together key players in Finland and international partners to shape the future ...

Liquefied natural gas carbon footprint is worse than coal

A new study by Cornell University finds that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported from the US has a one-third larger carbon footprint than coal when considering processing and shipping. LNG's extraction, processing, transportation, and storage account for approximately half of its total greenhouse gas footprint.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy Science & Engineering·DateOct 3, 2024

Thanks to humans, Salish Sea waters are too noisy for resident orcas to hunt successfully

Underwater noise pollution from human activities significantly impacts the ability of orcas to hunt successfully in the Salish Sea. The study found that increased ambient noise levels, particularly around vessel propellers, interfere with echolocation behavior and hunting efforts. This hindrance affects females more than males, potenti...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2024

Climate change: Thick sea ice flowing from Arctic Ocean shortening shipping season in Northwest Passage

A recent analysis found that thick sea ice flowing south from the Arctic Ocean has shortened the shipping season in several parts of the Northwest Passage between 2007 and 2021. This means the region is unlikely to become a viable alternative to traditional shipping routes despite hopes fueled by global warming.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2024

Updated radiocarbon dates for the Greek shipwreck Kyrenia

A revised radiocarbon calibration curve for the period between 433-250 BCE has been established, allowing for improved date estimates on Greek shipwrecks. The study confirms the Kyrenia Ship's final voyage around 280 BCE, slightly later than previous estimates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Climate change: Reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel associated with increased maritime atmospheric warming

A modelling study found substantial reductions in atmospheric aerosols and cloud droplet number density after the IMO 2020 regulation reduced sulphur content in shipping fuel. This led to an estimated 80% increase in Earth's heat energy retained, equivalent to a significant radiative warming effect.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

Millions in costs due to discharge of scrubber water into the Baltic Sea

A new study by Chalmers University of Technology finds that ship scrubber water discharges caused EUR 680 million in pollution costs between 2014 and 2022. The researchers also found that most shipping companies have already recouped their investments in scrubbers, making cheap heavy fuel oil a more lucrative option.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2024

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.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

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.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024

Beluga whales’ calls may get drowned out by shipping noise in Alaska’s Cook Inlet

Researchers found that commercial ship noise completely masks Cook Inlet beluga whales' most commonly used calls, compromising their critical communication. The study documents the complex vocal repertoire of the population and provides a quantified measure of masking by ship noise on their communication.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2023

AI can map giant icebergs from satellite images 10,000 times faster than humans

Scientists have developed an AI system that accurately maps the surface area and outline of giant icebergs in one-hundredth of a second. This technology surpasses manual interpretation methods, which can take several minutes to delineate an iceberg's outline, and offers insights into their impact on the polar environment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Unmanned and unbothered: autonomous intelligent oceanic exploration is upon us

The ISOOS system uses a smart carrier as the mobile base and control center, connecting multiple UAVs, USVs, and AUVs for simultaneous 3D observation of targeted regions. This enables fast mapping of ocean floor and studying submesoscale eddies, previously difficult to access due to variability in space and time.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2023

Modernizing the Navy’s microgrids

The project aims to assess the operational resilience of microgrids on DoD installations and ships, using new operational resilience indexes developed by Lehigh University researcher Javad Khazaei. The team will develop a dashboard to monitor resilience indexes in real-time, providing recommendations for improving the systems.

Marine environment at risk due to ship emissions

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that the marine environment is at risk due to ship emissions, particularly from scrubber discharge water and antifouling paint. The cumulative environmental risk in ports was found to be five and thirteen times higher than acceptable limits.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023