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Design of a Conceptual Underwater Wireless Communication System Integrating Electromagnetic and Optical Technologies
No full textUnderwater wireless communication is pivotal for advancing maritime technology, supporting applications such as underwater exploration, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), diver communication, search-and-rescue operations, and military systems. Traditional acoustic communication systems, while effective over long distances, are constrained by low bandwidth and high latency, limiting their suitability for data-intensive operations. Electromagnetic (EM) and optical communication technologies offer promising alternatives, providing higher data rates, greater bandwidth, and lower latency, but face challenges such as signal attenuation, scattering, and environmental interference. To address these challenges, this paper explores the potential of an integrated wireless communication and navigation system combining EM and optical technologies. Initial experimental measurements of EM wave propagation in freshwater provided valuable insights into signal attenuation and frequency-dependent performance, demonstrating the feasibility of overcoming attenuation in such environments. Building on these observations, this paper proposes a conceptual system comprising three interconnected segments: a space segment utilizing the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) for precise GNSS signals, a waterline segment processing and transmitting GNSS-like signals, and an underwater segment facilitating navigationand communication for divers and AUVs. Preliminary findings highlight the potential of combining EM and optical technologies for reliable, near real-time underwater wireless communication. Future work will focus on extending functionality, validating the system in saltwater environments, and refining the design for practical deployment
Greenwashing or sustainable environmental practices? The case of cruise tourism
No full textCruise tourism is a highly environmentally damaging form of tourism, causing various environmental degradation. This study aims to characterise cruise tourism, frame it technically and legally within international legal instruments, particularly concerning environmental policies and practices, and assess if companies' sustainability measures are steps towards sustainability or greenwashing practices. These practices are operationalised to respond to the demands of public opinion and an increasingly demanding demand in these matters, the so-called green consumers. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive range of qualitative and quantitative data was gathered and analysed. As conclusion, cruise lines have made significant changes towards the sustainability commitments established by international organisations and the public. Nevertheless, due to their distinctive characteristics, dimensions, and intricacies, there is still a dearth of technological and logistical alternatives that are commensurate with the scale of cruise ships, despite the advancement that has been made in this direction
Contribution to the improvement of maritime navigation planning, execution and monitoring in restricted navigation areas
No full textPlaniranje pomorskog putovanja i vođenje navigacije u ograničeno plovnim područjima složen je proces čija uspješnost ovisi o mnogim čimbenicima, uključujući interakciju časnika navigacijske straže s navigacijskim informacijskim sustavima. Informacijski sustav i prikaz elektroničkih karata danas se sve više ističe kao jedino primarno navigacijsko sredstvo na zapovjednim mostovima. Međutim, ljudska pogreška i dalje je glavni uzročnik pomorskih nezgoda, dok nepravilna uporaba navigacijske opreme može dodatno povećati rizike od neželjenih događaja. Cilj ovog doktorskog rada je unaprijediti sigurnost plovidbe u ograničeno plovnim područjima kroz optimiziranu primjenu navigacijskih informacijskih sustava. Istraživanje uključuje analizu prethodnih studija i dosadašnjih istraživanja te sveobuhvatan upitnik za časnike navigacijske straže i ostale dionike plovidbenog pothvata, kako bi se stekao uvid u stavove i iskustva vezana za planiranje putovanja, vođenje navigacije, izobrazbu i rukovanje navigacijskim informacijskim sustavima te kako bi se identificirali, odnosno potvrdili utjecajni čimbenici na pojavnost postupaka i radnji čija posljedica može biti pomorska nezgoda. Metode analize ljudske pouzdanosti primijenjene su na izvještajima o pomorskim nezgodama, čime su identificirani i klasificirani ključni, raznovrsni uzroci problema vezanih za korištenje navigacijskih informacijskih sustava. Nadalje, analizirani su čimbenici koji utječu na pojavnost ljudskih pogrešaka u zadacima planiranja putovanja i vođenja navigacije u ograničeno plovnim područjima. Provedena procjena rizika navigacijskih zadataka pokazala je mogućnosti njihovog pravovremenog smanjenja. Na temelju rezultata istraživanja razvijeni su modeli planiranja putovanja i vođenja navigacije u ograničeno plovnim područjima, primjenjivi na brodovima i u nastavnim procesima. Testiranje modela provedeno je na nautičkom simulatoru, čime je potvrđena njihova učinkovitost i praktična primjenjivost. Predloženi modeli doprinose povećanju sigurnosti plovidbe i unaprjeđenju obrazovnih procesa u pomorstvu.Planning a maritime voyage and navigating in restricted waters is a complex process whose success depends on many factors, including the interaction between Officers Of the Watch (OOW) and navigation information systems. The Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) increasingly becomes the primary navigation mean on the navigational bridge. However, human error remains the leading cause of maritime accidents, and improper use of navigation equipment can further increase the risks of undesirable events. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to improve the safety of navigation in restricted waters through the optimized application of navigation information systems. The research includes an analysis of previous studies and existing research, as well as a comprehensive survey for OOW’s and other stakeholders involved in the maritime voyage venture, to gain insights into their attitudes and experiences related to voyage planning, navigation, training, and handling navigation information systems, and to identify or confirm the influential factors behind procedures and actions that could lead to maritime accidents. Human reliability analysis methods were applied to maritime accident reports, identifying and classifying key and diverse causes of problems related to the use of navigation information systems. Furthermore, factors affecting the occurrence of human errors in voyage planning, execution and monitoring tasks in restricted waters were analyzed. The conducted risk assessment of navigation tasks showed opportunities for their timely reduction. Based on the research results, models for voyage planning and execution and monitoring in restricted waters were developed, which are applicable to ships and training processes. The models were tested on a nautical simulator, confirming their effectiveness and practical applicability. The proposed models contribute to increased navigational safety and the improvement of maritime educational processes
Contribution to the Research on Marine Environment Pollution from Nautical Tourism Vessels
No full textNautical tourism has experienced significant growth, particularly in the last thirty years. Alongside
its many socioeconomic impacts, there are also negative effects on the marine environment and,
consequently, on humans. The increase in the number of nautical tourism vessels can lead to high
concentrations of bacteria and other organisms that harm the ecosystem. The implementation of
international conventions aims to protect human life and the marine environment, but this is still not
enough. The adoption of specific conventions exclusively focused on nautical tourism could reduce
the ecological risks resulting from various human activities at sea and along the coast. The authors
provide an overview and analysis of legal regulations while explaining the importance of improving
the regulation of issues related to pollution in the marine environment from nautical tourism vessels.
An analysis of ecological risks of pollution in the marine environment from nautical tourism vessels
has been conducted and preventive measures are proposed. The contribution of this study lies in
the analytical review of legal literature and ecological risks, as well as proposing measures that can
contribute to the long-term reduction of pollution in the marine environment from nautical tourism
vessels
The application of artificial intelligence in fully autonomous ships
No full textAutonomni brodovi u pomorskoj industriji ne predstavljaju novost. Naime, o tehnologiji i načinima njihova funkcioniranja raspravlja se od sredine 20. stoljeća, a kontinuirani razvoj tehnologije omogućio je upravo njihovu plovidbu te primjenu unutar specifičnih dijelova pomorske industrije. Autonomni brodovi razvijeni su u nekoliko osnovnih oblika koji se uglavnom razlikuju prema stupnju automatizacije, te svaki od navedenih vrsta posjeduje i određene karakteristike. Tehnologija temeljena na umjetnoj inteligenciji, a koja se implementira u potpuno autonomne brodove osnova je njihova adekvatnog funkcioniranja te ispunjavanja svih ciljeva njihove primjene u okvirima suvremene pomorske industrije. Osnovni cilj ovog rada je analiza primjene tehnoloških rješenja temeljenih na umjetnoj inteligenciji u funkcioniranju potpuno autonomnih brodova. Rad se bavi povijesnim razvojem autonomnih brodova, njihovim osnovnim karakteristikama kao i klasifikacijom tipova brodova odnosno stupnjeva automatizacije. Također, riječ je o tehnologijama koje se primjenjuju u plovidbi autonomnih brodova, a temeljene su na umjetnoj inteligenciji. Tako je riječ o autonomnim navigacijskim sustavima, sustavima održavanja broda, automatiziranim sustavima pristajanja, automatizaciji luka te analizi operativnih podataka. Osim navedenog, u ovom radu ističu se prednosti i nedostaci implementacije umjetne inteligencije u autonomne brodove.Autonomous ships in the maritime industry are not new. Namely, the technology and functioning principle have been discussed since the middle of the 20th century, and the continuous development of technology has made it possible for them to be navigated as well as used within specific parts of the maritime industry. Autonomous ships have been developed in several basic forms that differ mainly according to the degree of automation, and each of the mentioned types has certain characteristics. Technology based on artificial intelligence, which is implemented in fully autonomous ships, and is the basis of their functioning and the fulfillment of all the goals of their application within the framework of the modern maritime industry. The main goal of this work is the analysis of the application of technological solutions based on artificial intelligence in the functioning of fully autonomous ships. The paper deals with the historical development of autonomous ships, their basic characteristics as well as their ship classification and automatization types. Also, will be disscused technologies that are applied in the navigation of autonomous ships, and are based on artificial intelligence. Also, information will be mentioned about autonomous navigation systems, ship maintenance systems, automated docking systems, port automation and operational data analysis. In addition to the above, this paper highlights the advantages and disadvantages of implementing artificial intelligence in autonomous ships
Analysis of influential factors on the ship in navigation
No full textZavršni rad bavi se analizom utjecajnih čimbenika koji djeluju na brod tijekom plovidbe i manevriranja. Temeljna svrha rada je identificirati i objasniti kako pojedini unutarnji, vanjski i ljudski čimbenici utječu na ponašanje broda u različitim plovidbenim uvjetima. Unutarnji čimbenici, poput geometrijskih i konstrukcijskih karakteristika broda, sustava propulzije, kormilarenja te vrste tereta, određuju osnovne plovne sposobnosti i upravljivost broda. Vanjski čimbenici, među kojima su meteorološki i oceanološki uvjeti, struktura plovnog puta, prisutnost drugih brodova, djelovanje tegljača te interakcija s dnom i obalom, značajno oblikuju dinamičko ponašanje broda te povećavaju kompleksnost upravljanja u realnim pomorskim uvjetima. Posebna pažnja posvećena je hidrodinamičkim efektima poput efekta dodatnog urona (engl. squat) i učinka obale (engl. bank effect), koji se javljaju pri plovidbi u plitkim i uskim akvatorijima, kao i analizi tehničkih sustava komunikacije (VHF) i suradnje s lučkim i prometnim službama. Ljudski faktor razmatran je kao ključan element u donošenju odluka i sigurnom upravljanju brodom, kako s aspekta unutarnje organizacije posade, tako i u interakciji s vanjskim akterima (peljari, VTS, drugi brodovi). Rad zaključuje da je uspješno upravljanje brodom rezultat integracije svih navedenih čimbenika te znanja, iskustva i stalnog situacijskog osvještavanja zapovjednika i časnika palube.This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors influencing a ship during navigation and manoeuvring. The main objective is to identify and explain how internal, external, and human factors affect a vessel’s behaviour in various navigational conditions. Internal factors such as the ship’s geometrical and structural characteristics, propulsion and steering systems, and the type of cargo transported define the vessel’s inherent manoeuvrability and hydrodynamic performance. External factors—including meteorological and oceanographic conditions, fairway and harbour characteristics, the presence of other vessels, tug assistance, and interaction with the seabed and shoreline—significantly influence ship handling and increase operational complexity. Special attention is given to hydrodynamic phenomena such as squat and bank effect, which occur when navigating in shallow or confined waters, as well as to the role of technical communication systems (e.g., VHF) and cooperation with port and traffic control services. The human factor is addressed as a crucial element, both in terms of internal crew organization and in interactions with external agents such as pilots, VTS centres, and nearby vessels. The thesis concludes that successful and safe ship handling depends on the integration of all these factors, requiring a high level of knowledge, experience, and situational awareness by the ship’s master and deck officers
Integrating Sustainability and Innovation in Traditional Wooden Boat Reconstruction: TOFOLA Project
No full textThis paper explores environmentally friendly approaches in the reconstruction process of traditional
wooden boats, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and the preservation of maritime heritage. Through
the TOFOLA project, methods that combine traditional shipbuilding with modern technologies, such
as reverse engineering and digital modelling, are analysed to ensure the authenticity and longevity of
the restored vessels. Special attention is given to the procurement of materials, the use of local and
certified wood, and reducing the ecological footprint throughout the boat’s life cycle. Solutions for
environmentally friendly propulsion and the integration of reconstructed boats into sustainable tourism
along the Adriatic coast are also considered. The conclusions of this research highlight the importance
of synergy between traditional craftsmanship, innovative engineering solutions, and environmentally
conscious logistics of wood procurement to preserve and revitalize the maritime cultural heritage of
the Adriatic region
The Role of Vetting Inspections and the Application of Sire 2.0 in Modern Shipping
No full textOvaj rad analizira ulogu i značaj vetting inspekcija u pomorstvu, s posebnim naglaskom na novi
inspekcijski sustav SIRE 2.0 koji je razvijen od strane organizacije OCIMF. U radu se razmatra
povijesni razvoj sigurnosnih standarda, svrha vetting sustava, te struktura i metodologija
provedbe inspekcija. Detaljno se obrađuju ključne promjene koje donosi SIRE 2.0 – uključujući
digitalizaciju procesa, uvođenje dinamičkog inspekcijskog upitnika i naglasak na ljudski faktor.
Poseban fokus stavljen je na praktičnu primjenu novog sustava, izazove u pripremi brodova i
reakcije brodarskih kompanija. Kroz analizu utjecaja SIRE 2.0 na sigurnost, usklađenost s
međunarodnim propisima i operativnu učinkovitost, rad zaključuje da novi model inspekcija
predstavlja značajan napredak u upravljanju pomorskom sigurnošću.This thesis analyses the role and significance of vetting inspections in maritime transport, with
a particular focus on the new inspection framework SIRE 2.0 developed by OCIMF. It explores
the historical development of safety standards, the purpose of the vetting system, and the
structure and methodology of modern inspections. Key innovations introduced by SIRE 2.0 are
examined in detail, including the digitalization of inspection processes, the introduction of a
dynamic questionnaire, and increased emphasis on the human element. The paper places strong
emphasis on the practical implementation of the new system, challenges in vessel preparation,
and feedback from shipping companies. By assessing the impact of SIRE 2.0 on safety,
regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, the thesis concludes that this new inspection
model represents a substantial advancement in maritime safety management
Reconstruction of Railway Transport System in the Service of the Port of Rijeka Container Terminal Development
No full textIn this article, authors emphasize the significance of the reconstruction of the railway transport system
for development of the port of Rijeka container terminal.
The most important projects related to Rijeka’s rail transport system are the multimodal platform
development and interconnection to the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal, and the future construction
of a new high-efficiency railway Rijeka – Zagreb.
Reconstruction of the “Brajdica” railway station and building extension of the railway infrastructure
has increased the loading/unloading capacity of the port Rijeka for container delivery by rail.
The aim of this article is to show how the reconstruction of the “Brajdica” railway station and terminal
within the port of Rijeka container terminal has improved the efficiency of the dispatch/delivery of
containers by railway.
Construction of a new high-efficiency railway Rijeka - Zagreb will create a significant shortening of
railway connections of Southeast Europe with its central and western parts and will improve conditions
of traffic exploitation, i.e. future development of the port of Rijeka container terminal
Preventive maintenance of offshore cranes with optimization of hydraulic systems
No full textPrilikom provođenja održavanja broda ne smije se orijentirati samo isključivo na otklanjanje kvarova na dugoročno vrijeme, već se održavanje mora promatrati alatom prilagodbe i razvoja. Održavanje se ne provodi samo s ciljem otklanjanja kvarova, već se provodi i u svrhu nadzora, kontrole, revizije, obnavljanja, podešavanja, sprečavanja i poboljšanja rada broda i njegovih podsustava. Održavanje hidrauličkih dizalica na brodu smatrano je najvažnijim elementom koji omogućuje efektivan i siguran rad. Periodični pregledi hidrauličkih dizalica na brodu provode se s ciljem utvrđivanja svakog pogoršanja jednog od elementa hidrauličkih dizalica koji nastaje zbog korištenja ili djelovanjem eksternih sredstava.When carrying out ship maintenance, one should not focus solely on long-term fault elimination, but rather view maintenance as a tool for adaptation and development. Maintenance is not only carried out with the aim of eliminating faults, but also for the purpose of monitoring, controlling, auditing, renewing, adjusting, preventing and improving the operation of the ship and its subsystems. Maintenance of ship cranes has been considered the most important element that enables effective and safe operation. Periodic inspections of ship cranes are carried out with the aim of identifying any deterioration of one of the crane elements that occurs due to use or the action of external agents