Cogent Engineering

Advanced Numerical Methods in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

As ship designs become increasingly complex and international efficiency regulations tighten, the maritime industry faces a critical turning point. Standard empirical formulas, long the bedrock of naval architecture, often fall short of meeting modern engineering demands. Consequently, there is a growing reliance on advanced numerical modelling to predict performance, optimize designs, and ensure safety with a level of accuracy that traditional methods simply cannot match.

High-fidelity simulations, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), have become crucially important tools in this transition. These technologies allow for detailed analysis of flow physics and structural integrity beyond the capabilities of algebraic approximations. However, the practical application of these computational tools to solve real-world engineering problems requires rigorous validation to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application. In addition, the increasing availability of operational data is opening new perspectives for the application of high-fidelity simulations in real-world conditions. The integration and management of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, combined with onboard sensor measurements, enable a more accurate reconstruction of ship operating profiles, routes, and loading conditions. When coupled with numerical models, these data streams allow simulations to move beyond design scenarios toward realistic, in-service performance assessment.

Finally, Digital Twin technologies for marine engines and ship systems are emerging as powerful tools for condition monitoring, performance optimization, and predictive maintenance. By continuously updating numerical models with operational data, digital twins can support early fault detection, maintenance planning, and efficiency improvements throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.

In this context, this Article Collection aims to gather cutting-edge research that demonstrates the practical application of high-fidelity simulations in naval architecture. We are particularly interested in work that moves beyond theoretical capability to demonstrate proven engineering solutions. To ensure this collection provides tangible value to the practicing community, we are prioritizing papers that include experimental validation or benchmark comparisons alongside their numerical results.

The topics include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Hydrodynamics: CFD applications for resistance prediction, propulsion efficiency, ship stability and manoeuvring characteristics.
• Structural Integrity & Analysis: Utilization of FEA for fatigue life assessment, vibration analysis, and complex Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI).
• New Technologies & Integration: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into standard solvers, development of Digital Twins for ships and marine engines, AIS-based data management, and data-driven optimization and predictive maintenance workflows.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Numerical modelling specifically tailored for offshore wind platforms and wave energy systems.

Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Ship Hydrodynamics, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), Digital Twins for marine engines and maintenance, AIS data management and performance monitoring

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 20 September 2026.

Please contact Hang Ke at [email protected] with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Simone Mancini is an Associate Professor of Naval Architecture at the University of Naples "Federico II" and a Consultant at FORCE Technology. Previously, he served 15 years as an Italian Navy Technical Officer and Ship Design Project Manager, and as Senior Team Leader for FORCE Technology’s Numerical Team. Holding a PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics, he has authored 70+ papers on hydrodynamics and energy savings. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Marine Science and Applications and serves on the editorial boards of Cogent Engineering, Brodogradnja and the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.

Luigia Mocerino holds a Master’s in Naval Engineering and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Naples "Federico II", where she focused on port pollutant and noise emissions and engine simulation. She currently works on emissions-reduction strategies within Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Part of her research covers ship airborne noise measurement and modelling, numerical prediction of port acoustic emissions, and the evaluation of mitigation measures.

XinLong Zhang is a lecturer at the School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology. He obtained a PhD from Harbin Engineering University and mainly engaged in research on ship hydrodynamics, including the stability of the damaged ship and leakage characteristics of the cryogenic liquid cargo. He has extensive experience on the numerical approach and experimental methods.