Marine technology is defined by WEGEMT (a European association of 40 universities in 17 countries) as "technologies for the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in, the marine environment." In this regard, according to WEGEMT, the technologies involved in marine technology are the following: [1] naval architecture, marine engineering, ship design, ship building and ship operations; oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and production; hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering; marine resources (including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources); transport logistics and economics; inland, coastal, short sea and deep sea shipping; protection of the marine environment; leisure and safety. [1]
According to the Cape Fear Community College of Wilmington, North Carolina, the curriculum for a marine technology program provides practical skills and academic background that are essential in succeeding in the area of marine scientific support. Through a marine technology program, students aspiring to become marine technologists will become proficient in the knowledge and skills required of scientific support technicians.
The educational preparation includes classroom instructions and practical training aboard ships, such as how to use and maintain electronic navigation devices, physical and chemical measuring instruments, sampling devices, and data acquisition and reduction systems aboard ocean-going and smaller vessels, among other advanced equipment. [2]
As far as marine technician programs are concerned, students learn hands-on to trouble shoot, service and repair four- and two-stroke outboards, stern drive, rigging, fuel & lube systems, electrical including diesel engines. [3]
Marine technology is related to the marine science and technology industry, also known as maritime commerce. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) of the government of Massachusetts in the United States defined marine science and technology industry as any business that deals primarily with or relates to the sea. A marine science industry includes businesses and technologies, research facilities, and higher education learning institutions. Companies and businesses involved in marine science and industry produce products such as ropes used for commercial fishing, undersea robotics, and stabilized sensor systems. The marine science industry has five sub-sectors, namely marine instrumentation and equipment, marine services, marine research and education, marine materials and supply, and shipbuilding and design. [4]
The maritime sector, a cornerstone of global commerce and economic infrastructure, is in the midst of a transformative phase propelled by emerging technologies. These innovations aim to elevate operational efficiency, safety, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulations. The shift toward more interconnected, automated, and data-centric maritime operations signifies a significant evolution in industry practices [5] .
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are leading the wave of innovation in the maritime sector, offering advanced solutions for predictive maintenance, voyage optimization, and autonomous decision-making processes. Utilizing extensive datasets, AI algorithms are capable of anticipating machinery malfunctions, optimizing navigation routes for fuel and emission reduction, and automating critical navigational decisions, thereby markedly improving safety and operational efficiencies.
The Internet of Things (IoT) technology fosters enhanced connectivity within shipboard systems through an extensive network of sensors, facilitating real-time monitoring and analytical data processing. This innovation optimizes maintenance schedules, augments cargo management, and promotes operational transparency. Additionally, IoT's application in smart ports revolutionizes cargo handling and port operations through automation and efficient data exchange.
Blockchain technology introduces a robust framework for secure, transparent, and efficient transactions within the maritime supply chain. By establishing an immutable transaction ledger, blockchain ensures the integrity of cargo documentation and enables the execution of smart contracts, thereby streamlining maritime logistics operations with unprecedented reliability and efficiency.
Technological advancements in autonomous navigation, integrating sensors, data analytics, and AI, are paving the way for the advent of unmanned vessels. These autonomous ships aim to diminish human error, significantly contributing to maritime incidents, and enhance operational efficiency. The exploration of autonomous vessels also fosters innovative ship design, emphasizing cargo space and energy efficiency without the need for crew facilities.
Augmented reality (AR) technology significantly bolsters navigational safety and crew training in the maritime domain. By superimposing digital data onto the real-world environment, AR provides immediate navigational assistance, identifies potential hazards, and offers immersive training scenarios, thereby enhancing crew preparedness and operational safety.
The utilization of big data analytics in maritime operations enables the processing and examination of extensive datasets for informed decision-making. Insights from fleet management, route optimization, and compliance data contribute to the achievement of greater operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Big data is also instrumental in predictive maintenance and logistics planning.
Marine technology is important for commerce and sustainable development. Therefore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 calls for an increase in transfer of marine technology and research capacity to least developed countries (LDCs). [6]
The Port of Hong Kong located by the South China Sea, is a deepwater seaport dominated by trade in containerised manufactured products, and to a lesser extent raw materials and passengers. A key factor in the economic development of Hong Kong, the natural shelter and deep waters of Victoria Harbour provide ideal conditions for berthing and the handling of all types of vessels. It is one of the busiest ports in the world, in the three categories of shipping movements, cargo handled and passengers carried. This makes Hong Kong a Large-Port Metropolis.
A logbook is a record used to record states, events, or conditions applicable to complex machines or the personnel who operate them. Logbooks are commonly associated with the operation of aircraft, nuclear plants, particle accelerators, and ships.
A second mate or second officer (2/O) is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship holding a Second Mates Certificate of Competence, by an authorised governing state of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The second mate is the third in command and a watchkeeping officer, customarily the ship's navigator. Other duties vary, but the second mate is often the medical officer and in charge of maintaining distress signaling equipment. On oil tankers, the second mate usually assists the chief mate with the cargo operations.
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robot that travels underwater without requiring continuous input from an operator. AUVs constitute part of a larger group of undersea systems known as unmanned underwater vehicles, a classification that includes non-autonomous remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) – controlled and powered from the surface by an operator/pilot via an umbilical or using remote control. In military applications an AUV is more often referred to as an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV). Underwater gliders are a subclass of AUVs.
Seafaring is a tradition that encompasses a variety of professions and ranks. Each of these roles carries unique responsibilities that are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring vessel. A ship's crew can generally be divided into four main categories: the deck department, the engineering department, the steward's department, and other. The reasoning behind this is that a ship's bridge, filled with sophisticated navigational equipment, requires skills differing from those used on deck operations – such as berthing, cargo and/or military devices – which in turn requires skills different from those used in a ship's engine room and propulsion, and so on.
Marine engineering is the engineering of boats, ships, submarines, and any other marine vessel. Here it is also taken to include the engineering of other ocean systems and structures – referred to in certain academic and professional circles as “ocean engineering.”
A shipping line or shipping company is a company whose line of business is ownership and operation of ships.
Kongsberg Maritime (KM) is a Norwegian technology enterprise within the Kongsberg Gruppen (KOG). Kongsberg Maritime deliver systems for positioning, surveying, navigation, and automation to merchant vessels and offshore installations. Their most well known products exist within dynamic positioning systems, marine automation and surveillance systems, process automation, satellite navigation, and hydroacoustics.
A Sector is a shore-based operational unit of the United States Coast Guard. Each Sector is responsible for the execution of all Coast Guard missions within its Area of Responsibility (AOR), with operational support from Coast Guard Cutters and Air Stations. Subordinate commands within a Sector typically include Stations and Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) Teams. Some Sector commands also have subordinate units such as Sector Field Offices and Marine Safety Units that are responsible for mission execution in parts of the Sector's AOR. There are 37 sectors within the Coast Guard.
Samsung SDS Co., Ltd., established in 1985 as a subsidiary of Samsung Group, is a provider of Information Technology (IT) services, including consulting, technical, and outsourcing services. SDS is also active in research and development of emerging IT technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and outsourcing in engineering. In 2019, Samsung SDS reported a net profit of 750.4 billion won, an increase of 17.5% year-on-year. The company is estimated to have the 11th most valuable brand among global IT service companies, at US$3.7 billion as of January 2020. Samsung SDS has headquarters in South Korea and eight other overseas subsidiaries, one in America, Asia-Pacific, China, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, India, and Vietnam.
e-Navigation is a strategy developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN specialized agency, to bring about increased safety of navigation in commercial shipping through better organization of data on ships and on shore, and better data exchange and communication between ships and the ship and shore. The concept was launched when maritime authorities from seven nations requested the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee to add the development of an e-navigation strategy to the work programs of the IMO's NAV and COMSAR sub-committees. Working groups in three sub-committees and an intersessional correspondence group, led by Norway, has subsequently developed a Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP). Member states of IMO and a number of Intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations have contributed to the work, including the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Comité International Radio-Maritime (CIRM), the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
The United States Navy job rating of electronics technician (ET) is a designation given by the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) to enlisted members who satisfactorily complete initial Electronics Technician "A" school training.
Smart manufacturing is a broad category of manufacturing that employs computer-integrated manufacturing, high levels of adaptability and rapid design changes, digital information technology, and more flexible technical workforce training. Other goals sometimes include fast changes in production levels based on demand, optimization of the supply chain, efficient production and recyclability. In this concept, as smart factory has interoperable systems, multi-scale dynamic modelling and simulation, intelligent automation, strong cyber security, and networked sensors.
Bridge OperationsQuality Assurance is a methodology utilised in shipping and which originates from the similar FOQA/FDM concept in aviation. BOQA is a methodology with which ship owners/operators, ship Captains, and other associated shipping stakeholders can automatically and systematically monitor, track, trend and analyse operational quality of (seagoing) vessels. The main target with BOQA is to provide a non-punitive platform for proactive analysis of vessel data to enable the enhancement of maritime safety. The BOQA methodology can be used in both conventional crewed ships and in autonomous or uncrewed vessels provided that adequate data sources are available.
A smart port equips the workforce with relevant skills and technology to solve the unique internal and external challenges of the organisation, and to facilitate the efficient movement of goods, delivery of services and smooth flow of information.
Autonomous cargo ships, also known as autonomous container ships or maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), are crewless vessels that transport either containers or bulk cargo over navigable waters with little or no human interaction. Different methods and levels of autonomy can be achieved through monitoring and remote control from a nearby manned ship, an onshore control center or through artificial intelligence and machine learning, letting the vessel itself decide the course of action.
The freight technology sector, also known as FreightTech, refers to software companies and technologies which assist in supply chain management and the movement of freight. In the five years following 2014, investment in FreightTech companies grew from $118 million to $3 billion per year.
Autonomous and Remote Navigation Trial Project is the trial of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) in commercial operations hold within 2020 in three different sea water areas of Russia.
Nautical operations refers to the crew operation of a ship. It is the term used in academic education to refer to the studies of this professional field. Nautical operations refers to all the operational procedures, specific roles of officers and crew members, and regular functions and technical processes, which together shape the structure and functions for the general operations of a ship.