Abstract Risk management is a critical activity in the dynamic positioning (DP) industry, and the success or failure of the risk management strategy relies on knowing the consequences of possible risk events. This article proposes a novel multi-objective power plant optimization system based on a consequence analysis machine for DP with a battery-powered hybrid propulsion. The motivation of this article is to answer the question “How should we operate a DP vessel after engaging the battery powered energy storage system?” Unlike, a conventional consequence analysis machine, the proposed strategy not only gives a pass or fail criterion but also calculates the thrust safety margin as a key factor quantifying the DP system’s station keeping capability after the worst-case failure. A multi-objective optimization model is implemented into a hybrid power plant model using a real-time data analysis. The objectives of this optimization are set to: (a) maximize the thrust margin, (b) minimize the power plant fuel consumption, (c) minimize the greenhouse gas emission, and (d) predict the duration of operation after a failure. The analysis provides DP operators a graded and ranked list of generator and bus configurations. Depending on the criticality of the current vessel operation, the operator can turn on/off generators and open/close tie breakers accordingly.

Abstract This technical note describes a novel self-rectifying coaxial powertrain that supports four major marine renewable energy systems: (a) surface floating buoys; (b) submerged buoys; (c) bi-directional tidal converters; and (d) Oscillating Water Column self-rectified air turbines. In each application, the coaxial power take-off mechanically rectifies bi-directional fluidic flows to spin one or more one-way generators. The mechanical drive system has two sets of impeller blades, each rotating independently of the other and are energized by the motion of waves or tides.

Abstract Marine fouling, or the unwanted accumulation of plants and animals on submerged surfaces, can lead to many functional and financial setbacks. Standard methods of combating fouling can be labor intensive or otherwise limiting in their effectiveness and value. Thus, novel efforts are being studied to achieve antifouling in more cost-friendly and environmentally sustainable ways. One emerging approach is the application of ultraviolet C (UVC) light. This study compared the results from modeled relative irradiance to in situ observations by analyzing consequential field effectiveness and other secondary UVC impacts. UVC-emitting lamps (254 nm) were modeled using ray tracing simulations to mimic light scatter underwater. Simulations contained surfaces placed at 25-mm intervals from the light source until a consistently negligible UVC reach was found at 150 mm. The computed findings were then validated through comparison to field immersions in the marine environment of Port Canaveral, FL. Test surfaces and the UVC lamps were placed in frames with 25-mm and 50-mm standoff distances (from light to panel). Surfaces were exposed for 10 min/day for 8 weeks with respective resulting UVC doses of 636.20 mJ/cm 2 and 429.67 mJ/cm 2 . Following underwater immersion, surfaces were examined for fouling development and other UVC impacts. The field results resembled the modeled simulations in both fouling and surface degradation patterns, with the most impact occurring in areas of the highest modeled irradiance. This improves understanding of how modeling can be used to predict impacts of UVC exposure in optimizing fouling prevention, including considering photodegradation and energy usage. Additionally, numerical data were gathered, which helps to inform species- and material-specific thresholds to be used in future development of biofouling management systems.

Abstract U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) missions require environmental information (winds, waves, and surface drift) to plan operations focused on saving lives and aiding those in distress. SAR is one of the six central operational missions for the U.S. Coast Guard where they respond to approximately 16,000 cases each year. The collected environmental information is also used to organize marine protection efforts such as predicting fate and transport of oil spills and other hazardous discharges. SAR planning, until 2005, was based on atmospheric wind drift combined with tidal predictions near the coast to inform SAR response. Over the last decade, there has been significant development utilizing surface current measurements from high-frequency radar (HFR) systems to improve SAR efficacy. In the Mid-Atlantic Bight, an HFR network was deployed and operated from 2007 to present making hourly measurements of sea surface currents in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Several studies have shown that HFR in the Mid-Atlantic was able to reduce search areas by 66% compared with global models. HFR data are also assimilated into a range of models to provide forecast products. Based on data provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, products that assimilate HFR are the most requested product with 37 average daily requests. Incorporating HFR data into SAR planning has proven to significantly improve accuracy and efficiency, making it a critical and frequently requested tool for the U.S. Coast Guard's environmental monitoring and rescue operations. The HFR network in the Mid-Atlantic is reaching 20 years of operation, with some stations reaching 25 years of service life. The focus of this paper was to take assessment of the status of the network and discuss how the data have been used by the U.S. Coast Guard for SAR justifying reinvestment in the network. This observational design provides a useful deliverable to key marine stakeholders that could be adopted internationally. The data stream and forecasts provide a safer environment for the mariner if trouble strikes, leading to a stronger and more prosperous maritime economy.

Abstract Cyclones tracking northward across the Bay of Bengal represent a significant threat to life and safety when they make landfall. Surface moorings of the Ocean Moored Network for the Northern Indian Ocean in the Bay of Bengal have been deployed to provide real-time observations in support of improved alerts and predictions of cyclones. Engineering goals are both to develop robust surface moorings that survive and to field meteorological and oceanographic instruments that reliably provide data in real time. While the mooring design and reliability were previously reported, the focus here is on the motivations for installing the instrumentation, and on experience gained during the passage of cyclone Amphan in May 2020, examining the sensor as well as mooring performance. The paper presents reasons for fielding the chosen sensors, merits, and shortcomings during the effort to observe Amphan, and recommendations for how to better address the challenges of providing real-time observations of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.

Abstract Since its endorsement as a global network Programme in June 2021, the Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Programme has been instrumental in supporting ocean professionals worldwide through funding, training, networking opportunities, and career development initiatives. Rooted in the vision of elevating diverse perspectives, the ECOP Programme fosters knowledge exchange between experienced professionals and ECOPs to promote ocean sustainability. As the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) enters its fourth year of implementation, the ECOP Programme has grown and diversified to a formidable extent, both geographically and thematically. With over 5,200 ECOPs from 151 countries and overseas territories, the global ECOP community is currently dispersed across five regional nodes and more than 40 national hubs. This commentary brings some of the most active ECOP nodes into the limelight, amplifying their collective efforts to better understand, engage, and empower the next generation of ocean professionals across different cultural contexts. This is also an opportunity to showcase the successes, milestones, and challenges that ECOP nodes have encountered over the past 2 years, including on thematic priorities such as communications and outreach, capacity development, and ocean literacy. Moving forward, the ECOP Programme aims to further expand geographically, enhance funding capacities, deepen capacity development efforts, and promote greater awareness of the UN Ocean Decade ecosystem and its vast portfolio of endorsed Actions. As the next generation of ocean professionals will inherit our interconnected ocean beyond 2030, building trust, transferring knowledge, and taking true ownership of the global ocean agenda are paramount.

Abstract Marine energy (ME) has the potential to power businesses in the blue economy. Kelp farms are an emerging maritime market of the blue economy and are predicted to grow, but they are not currently using ME for their power needs. As the number and size of kelp farms increase, more offshore power will be needed onsite for operations, monitoring, and harvesting. ME devices such as tidal current energy converters and wave energy converters (WECs) may be used to supply power for these needs. This article assesses the status of kelp farming in the continental United States, investigates the electricity needs of kelp farms, and examinesthe feasibility of generating the required electricity from wave and tidal current energy. The United States currently has 165 kelp farms that have either active or pending permits. The farms use electricity for boat operations, kelp drying, environmental monitoring, offshore lighting, and the raising and lowering of lines. Most kelp farms are in protected, nearshore waters that do not have significant wave energy resources. The limited available wave energy could be used to power small devices, but WECs have not yet been developed for that application. Some kelp farms are in locations that feature significant tidal energy resources, but small tidal current energy converters that are compatible with existing farm operations are not yet commercially available. As low-power WECs and tidal current energy converters are developed, kelp farms could be research partners and early adopters of the new technologies, which would encourage their broader use by other blue economy businesses.