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Sailing cargo ships can benefit from new aerodynamic tech

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to reduce ship aerodynamic drag, which could lead to significant energy efficiency gains and reduced fuel consumption. The method uses the Coanda effect to create a more efficient airflow around the ship's superstructure, reducing drag by 7.5%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Outbreak of typhoid on Dutch ship traced to contaminated drinking water

A large typhoid outbreak on a Dutch ship was traced to contaminated drinking water, with 72 cases confirmed. The investigation found that sewage containing Salmonella typhi leaked into freshwater tanks, highlighting the importance of regular water quality inspections.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 1, 2023

Pusan National University researchers build a numerical algorithm to study continuous ice-breaking

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

What do you do if a hacker takes over your ship?

A new course at Norwegian University of Science and Technology teaches risk management and resilience in maritime digital security. Despite the importance of training, many deck officers reported uncertainty about handling cyber incidents on board.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalWMU Journal of Maritime Affairs·DateMar 22, 2023

Breakthrough in the understanding of quantum turbulence

Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered how energy disappears in quantum turbulence, a crucial step towards mastering this phenomenon and its applications. The study reveals the role of Kelvin waves in transferring energy from macroscopic to microscopic length scales.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Future cargo ships could be powered by wind to fight climate change

A pioneering project aims to retrofit large vessels with ultramodern wing-sails to cut carbon emissions from the maritime sector. The research, funded by Innovate UK, will create software tools to predict fuel savings and support further investment in the UK's marine technology sector.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 14, 2023

New research reveals shifting identities of global fishing fleet to help bolster fisheries management

A new study used satellite data and public registry information to track the changing identities of commercial fishing vessels, revealing that nearly 20% of high seas fishing is carried out by unregulated or unauthorized vessels. The study found hotspots of potential IUU fishing in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and western Indian Ocean.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New “semi-sub” shows spy potential of sailing at waterline

Researchers developed a semi-submersible vehicle that can travel quickly with low drag and a low profile, making it ideal for military, commercial, and research purposes. The vessel's design allows it to collect and transmit data while minimizing energy expenditure.

SourceWashington State University·JournalUnmanned Systems·DateJan 4, 2023

Leveraging machine learning to help predict ship exhaust gas emissions

Researchers develop AI model to predict exhaust gas emissions from ships under different air-to-fuel ratios. The ensemble dataset and double ensemble models produce the most accurate emission predictions for CO2, NOx, and SO2 gases.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 4, 2023

New analysis maps out impacts of marine chokepoint closures

A new study by Lincoln F. Pratson at Duke University uses GIS data and international trade simulations to estimate the types and amounts of disrupted trade if a chokepoint is closed, including increased shipping times and costs. The analysis highlights the importance of marine chokepoints in global economic security.

SourceDuke University·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Eco-friendly paint most effective against fouling on ships and boats

Researchers found biocide-free silicone-based paint to be more effective against fouling than copper-based paints in the Baltic Sea region. The environmentally friendly alternative drastically reduced heavy metal releases into sensitive sea ecosystems.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Container ship accidents are a little understood but emerging threat to marine ecosystems, a new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study reveals that container ship accidents are a growing concern, with significant shortcomings in maritime cargo safeguards. The researchers found that existing regulations are inadequate, and the lack of data makes it difficult to adopt new regulations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Understanding rogue waves of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

A team of researchers led by Francesco Fedele investigated the extreme sea states and potential hazards for ship navigation in the eastern Mediterranean. They developed a novel theory of space-time wave extremes, indicating that rogue waves do not 'steal' energy from neighboring waves.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Skaftö wreck’s cargo tells a tale of 15th century trade routes

A study of the Skaftö wreck's cargo has provided new insights into 15th century trade routes. The research team mapped the origins of its cargo, including copper mined in Slovakia and Poland, and quicklime from Gotland, indicating that the ship took on cargo in Gdańsk before heading to Western Europe.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·TypeCase study·DateOct 24, 2022

Research reveals large emissions from ship scrubbers

The study found that scrubber discharge water accounts for up to 9% of certain carcinogenic and environmentally harmful substances in the Baltic Sea. This increase is partly due to a significant growth in ships equipped with scrubbers, which has tripled since the study was carried out.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New satellite imagery first to identify endangered Gulf of St. Lawrence North Atlantic right whale from space

A new type of satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 15 cm has been used to detect and monitor critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The technology allows for the identification of individual whales and their habitats, which will have significant implications for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

Scientists say a shipwreck off Patagonia is a long-lost 1850s Rhode Island whaler

A team of researchers identified a shipwreck off the coast of Patagonia as the Dolphin, a 19th-century whaling ship from Rhode Island. The discovery was made possible by the analysis of tree rings in the timbers, which showed that the ship was built in New England and felled around 1850.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalDendrochronologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

CSU researcher links real encounter with ‘milky seas’ to satellite pictures

A CSU researcher has obtained photographic evidence of milky seas observed from both the Earth's surface and space at the same time. The observations were made possible by a private yacht's encounter with the rare phenomenon off the coast of Java, providing new insights into its formation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 15, 2022

Strain-sensing smart skin ready to deploy

The new system, S4, offers a high-resolution view of stressed specimens comparable to or better than established technologies like DIC. It also overcomes optical challenges posed by cement in concrete, providing a reliable strain measurement technology.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Melting Arctic ice could transform international shipping routes, study finds

Climate change is causing rapid warming in the Arctic Ocean, which may lead to shorter, more eco-friendly maritime trade routes. This could reduce the shipping industry's carbon footprint and weaken Russia's control over trade routes through the Arctic. New trade routes could also increase global shipping infrastructure resilience.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

Invasive marine species can survive under surprising environmental conditions

A study from Tel Aviv University found that invasive marine species can survive in extreme conditions, including changing temperatures and salinity. The researchers' experiment demonstrated the importance of regulating trade routes to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can harm local environments and resident species.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 19, 2022

Wreck of historic royal ship discovered off the English coast

The Gloucester, a warship that sank in 1682 while carrying James Stuart, has been discovered off the Norfolk coast. The wreck is significant due to its age and political context, offering insights into 17th-century social, maritime, and political history.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Major climate benefits when ships “fly” over the surface

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to make shipping industry significantly greener by using hydrofoils to reduce water resistance. The new technology can increase the range of electric vessels and reduce fuel consumption by up to 80%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Shipping poses significant threat to the endangered whale shark

A recent study led by the University of Southampton reveals that whale sharks are facing a significant threat from industrialised shipping. The research, which tracked over 350 whale sharks across the globe, found that over 90% of their movements overlapped with global fleets of cargo ships.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022

Historic graffiti made by soldiers sheds light on Africa maritime heritage, study shows

Researchers at University of Exeter discovered engravings in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago made by soldiers on guard duty, revealing ships that sailed on the western Indian Ocean during the 19th century. The graffiti depict various vessel types, including European-style frigates and settee-rigged ocean-going vessels, providing valuab...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAzania Archaeological Research in Africa·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2022

Wireless self-powered ammonia leakage monitor system developed for ammonia-energy ships

Researchers have developed a full-set wireless self-powered ammonia leakage monitor system for ammonia-energy ships, which includes a honeycomb triboelectric nanogenerator-based power generation system and a carbon nanotube doped polypyrrole-based ammonia detection system. The system exhibited good performance with low detection limits...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNano Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 6, 2022

Centuries-old capture documents now online

The 'Prize Papers' Project has made available online court documents related to the capture of approximately 1,500 ships between 1793 and 1815. Researchers can access digital copies of case books, trial records, and other materials, providing unique discoveries on global maritime history.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateFeb 22, 2022

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers champion LPG as a green alternative ship fuel

Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on tourist and research ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New energy systems could cause a sea change in energy efficiency during shipping

Researchers have created two novel heat recovery systems for LNG ships, boosting energy efficiency by up to 25%. The systems use the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to recover heat from engine exhaust gas, with substantial improvements in performance depending on fluid combinations.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers use new x-ray technique to conserve Henry VIII’s favorite warship

A multidisciplinary team of researchers used a new X-ray technique to discover zinc-containing nanoparticles lodged within the wooden hull of the Mary Rose, leading to its deterioration. The nanoparticles, likely from anaerobic bacteria, have been found in conjunction with polymer deposits that were added to preserve the ship's remains.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalMatter·DateOct 28, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cooperative control brings ‘smart shipping’ closer to port

Drones are not the only vehicles at the forefront of automating deliveries; researchers have developed a control strategy for ships and partnered tugs to navigate environmental disturbances. The multi-layer, multi-agent control scheme increases efficiency in the shipping process while reducing human error.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 20, 2021

Wind and waves: A step toward better control of heavy-lift crane vessels

Researchers developed a new modeling system to enhance dynamic positioning, allowing ships to stay fixed in challenging sea conditions. The approach includes a digital observer that translates wind or wave disturbances into specific measurements, enabling the vessel to respond in a reasonable timeframe.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 18, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study of marine noise highlights need to protect pristine Australian waters

A new study found that while man-made noise dominates in some Australian waters, the vast majority of regions remain unpolluted by ship noise. The research highlights the need to protect Australia's pristine oceans and set out proactive measures to manage marine environments.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·DateApr 28, 2021

Ship traffic dropped during first months of Covid pandemic

Researchers tracked global ship movements and found a 70.2% decrease in Exclusive Economic Zones during the pandemic's early stages. The impact of reduced boat traffic allowed some marine ecosystems to recover, with clearer water observed in Venice's canals and reduced underwater noise at Vancouver.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2021

Freeze! New model to help protect ships from ice accretion

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict ice accretion on ships, helping improve safety in the Arctic climate. The model simulates the freezing of water droplets moving in cold air and their interaction with ship surfaces.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalEnergies·DateApr 26, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

What is the probability of ships becoming beset in ice in Arctic waters?

Statisticians have calculated the probability of ships becoming beset in ice along the Northern Sea Route, supporting safer maritime transport planning and oil spill prevention. The study's results also benefit authorities regulating maritime traffic by providing a foundation for statutes and legislation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateMar 18, 2021

Using ships themselves to monitor and predict waves

Researchers used ship movement data to estimate wave conditions in real time, without extra costs for measurement instruments. The approach combines cause-and-effect calculations with ship geometry and dynamic motions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalMarine Structures·DateMar 18, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.