Ship-to-Shore Interconnection for Yacht Passenger Safety

Stern launching Ramp, Davit, Replenishment at Sea, Heli traversing, and Cargo Crane Systems integration in the Design of an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

This paper describes the challenges associated with the integration of critical auxiliary systems in the design of an offshore patrol vessel for the Colombian Navy, including the stern launching ramp, Davit-type crane system, replenishment at sea (RAS) capabilities, cargo handling system (crane), and the helicopter traversing system for aerial operations. The effective integration of these systems is crucial to maximize safety, operability, and flexibility of the patrol vessel in missions related to surveillance, maritime control, rescue, and humanitarian assistance operations. The project summarizes the technical, logistical, and operational challenges that arise during the design phase, such as equipment compatibility, weight and space distribution, and integration between various mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems. Furthermore, best practices in modular design, the selection of emerging technologies, and the implementation of advanced control and monitoring systems are analyzed. Finally, strategies are proposed to optimize the integration of these systems, improve maintainability, and reduce operational risk, thus ensuring optimal and safe performance in real-world operational scenarios. 

Determine the navigation safety of the S-175 ship using predicted wave parameters

Preliminary Sizing of Airport Infrastructures for Refuelling Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

Abstract. This paper illustrates a general methodology aimed at coping with the need to preliminarily assess the feasibility, cost and performance of a future commercial aviation system based on hydrogen as the in-flight energy source. The methodology is devoted to the preliminary sizing of the complex airport infrastructure needed to service hydrogen-powered airliners, namely on-site generator and liquefier, storage tank, and dispensing units, providing an optimal solution in terms of acquisition and operating costs, and eventually hydrogen cost “at the pump”. A sensitivity analysis shows how the system performs in off-design conditions, with the price of the various components needing to be shared by a smaller hydrogen production.

Dynamic Navigation and Port Call Optimisation in Real Time

European maritime transport policy emphasises the criticality of a well-functioning waterborne transport system as a key element towards realising sustainable economic growth in Europe. An important part in this equation is a required transition to low- or zero-carbon fuels. However, if one is to succeed on such a pathway, eventually leading to net zero emissions by 2050, more energy-efficient ship and port operations are crucial. The need for such operational changes becomes particularly evident when looking at today’s operations, where the prevailing practice is commonly referred to as “the hurry up and wait syndrome”. Here, ships often sail between ports as fast as possible to secure terminal and berth availability, frequently ending up waiting for days, sometimes weeks, on anchorage outside ports. As of congested waters, not only does this have a negative impact on navigational safety, but energy-wise it is also a highly sub-optimal way of operating a ship. One main reason for this is that most ports still operate on a first-come first-served basis. Hence, cutting emissions from making changes in modus operandi should clearly be attainable. This potential for improvement is backed up by numbers, and according to the World Bank, around 15 percent of ships’ greenhouse gas emissions on average are associated with port operations. In addition, as merchant ships spend on average 5% on their operational time waiting at anchorage, there is also an untapped potential to reduce emissions at sea from converting this waiting time into slower sailing time, estimated at up to 25 percent. As a direct response to this challenge, this paper presents a viable way forward by introducing the EU-funded DYNAPORT project method on how to facilitate “just-in-time” arrivals, and thereby as a contribution towards realising more energy efficient ship operations and port call optimisation. Key aspects are seamless digital coordination between ships and ports, optimisation tools that ensure safe voyage optimisation planning with energy optimal sailing given weather conditions and ship performance data, and an arrival time to the berth that has been agreed on by all shore actors, including the port, terminal and the ship representative. This includes new port call processes that are supported by standardized communication and early exchange of reliable data between ship and shore, enabling seamless coordination between all actors.

A Method for On-Orbit Testing of Long-Term Docking of Manned Spacecraft at the Space Station

To ensure the successful implementation of the separation, evacuation, and return processes of manned spacecraft after long-term docking at the space station, regular on-orbit health assessments must be conducted. Based on this requirement, a technical method for evaluation through autonomous on-orbit testing is proposed. First, the docking status and characteristics of the manned spacecraft’s systems, such as information management, crew environmental control, thermal control, power management, docking function, attitude, and orbit control function, are described. Then, the functional requirements for the separation, evacuation, and return of the manned spacecraft, such as the relative measurement, the relay communication, TT&C and data transmission, image and voice, instrument display and alarm, and the attitude measurement, are analyzed. Subsequently, the on-orbit testing system, test items, test procedures, and test methods for health assessment are detailed. It also provides the design of TT&C support, the design of energy support, and the main principle explanation for autonomous on-orbit testing of the system.

Docking station for unmanned aerial vehicle for autonomous railway track inspection

UAVforRail is a fully automated docking and charging station designed to support autonomous monitoring of railway infrastructure using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system addresses the limitations of traditional railway inspections, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expose personnel to risks near active tracks. Developed for the operational needs of PKP PLK S.A., the solution is based on a modular, scalable architecture that enables repeatable inspections with minimal human intervention. The UAVforRail ecosystem integrates a multi-sensor UAV platform, an autonomous docking station, and a cloud-based control and data processing center. The primary focus of this work is the design, modeling, and validation of the docking station as a key element enabling long-term autonomous UAV operation. The station automates landing, positioning, charging, environmental protection, and data transfer. A vision-based landing subsystem using fiducial markers enables precise, repeatable docking operations. Mechanical components were developed and verified using CAD/CAE methodologies, FEM structural analysis, CFD simulations, and energy optimization studies. The UAV platform integrates RGB, LiDAR, and thermal sensors for multimodal inspection and defect detection. The system was validated through laboratory and field experiments, confirming reliable docking, charging, and operation under varying environmental condi - tions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous and persistent railway infrastructure monitoring using integrated UAV docking technologies.