Physical risk factors on ships are physical hazards arising from the working environment that threaten the health and safety of seafarers, and the assessment of the risks arising from these hazards is very important for sustainable maritime transportation. With this in mind, this study aims to analyze physical risk factors such as noise, thermal comfort conditions, static electricity, vibration, pressure, lighting conditions, weather conditions, and radiation on ships with the AHP and Fine-Kinney methods. According to the findings of this research, slippery floors, radiation, and noise are the most common physical risk factors that personnel working in the ship environment are exposed to. As a result of the weighting made by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method, the effect of these factors on occupational health and safety is found to be higher than that of other factors. Risk scoring performed with the Fine-Kinney method revealed that these factors were mostly at risk levels that “require precautions” or “require urgent intervention.” The findings show that physical risk factors affect not only employee health but also operational efficiency and long-term maritime safety. In this context, it is of great importance for ship operators to prioritize and evaluate these risks for the goal of sustainable and safe maritime transportation. In addition, the obtained findings provide important data for improving ship design processes, ergonomically reorganizing working conditions, and systematically monitoring risks.

This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among 1432 seafarers aboard 76 trade vessels in the Red Sea. Data collection involved onboard examinations and remote or email-based protocols, encompassing anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle assessments. The prevalence of MetS was 27.8%, with higher rates among officers (33.5%) than among ratings (24.8%). Central obesity (81.3%) and elevated blood pressure (72.4%) were the most common components. Multivariate analysis identified age of 40 years or older, officer rank, and physical inactivity as significant predictors. Based on these findings, a novel three-phase maritime health framework is proposed, integrating digital screening, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven risk stratification, and continuous telemedicine monitoring. This model addresses operational challenges in surveillance compliance and aligns with the shipping sector’s digital transformation, providing a predictive and preventive approach to chronic disease management at sea.

Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) introduce operational paradigms for which no standard GUI designs or established operator roles currently exist. Conventional usability testing (UT) methods involving users are predominantly qualitative, limiting the precision of evaluations. While experienced system designers can partially compensate for this limitation, in the contexts of MASS—where operational conditions and operator roles are unprecedented—their experience offers less guidance. This underscores the need for UT methods that can efficiently support makers in developing and adapting schemata that remain well aligned with those of MASS operators. Leveraging recent advances in eye-tracking, this paper presents a conceptual UT method—a maker–user schemata alignment analysis—designed to support the research and development of GUI design for MASS. A proof-of-concept demonstration using scripted interactions illustrates how the method can reveal differences between makers’ and users’ schemata and quantify the extent of these divergences. The conceptual demonstration suggests the potential of the proposed method in providing both qualitative and quantitative assessments of maker–user schemata alignment, establishing a foundation for rigorous, human-centered evaluation frameworks as operational MASS systems are developed.

The risk management process in an organization consists of several stages, during which various methods, techniques, and tools are used. Their selection depends on the specifics of the company and the possibility of their application, given the current space-time conditions and the possession of specific resources. The most popular tools are SWOT analysis, brainstorming, and methods of studying the environment, etc. Sometimes, however, in a more complicated situation in an organization relating to the occurrence of risk, these methods may prove insufficient. They can be supported by solutions based on the Haddon model, which is based on several important factors discussed in detail in three dimensions: before a given event (risk), during its duration, and after the event. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the Haddon matrix tool that can be used in the risk management process at the stage of both risk identification and response. The paper also focuses on the practical application of the Haddon matrix for frequently occurring risks in an organization. Moreover, the application of the Haddon matrix for one of the risks occurring in a selected production company is presented.

This study evaluates the quantitative effects of laser cladding technology on the refurbishment of valve cages and exhaust valves in a Deutz TBD645 internal combustion engine. Laser powder cladding with Inconel 625 alloy is applied to GGG40 cast iron, and process parameters are optimized to minimize Fe dilution. The method enables low dilution, a homogeneous crack-free microstructure, reproducible valve seat geometry, and stable surface roughness after machining. Quantitative results indicate that laser cladding reduces unit repair costs by 70–80%, while total overhaul expenses decrease by 40–60%. For exhaust valve refurbishment, yearly savings of EUR 125,000–200,000 are achievable for fleets repairing 50–80 components per year. Despite process costs of EUR 250–383/kg, economic benefits remain strongly positive due to reduced downtime and extended component lifetime. The results confirm that laser cladding is an effective method for marine engine overhauls, delivering measurable economic benefits and supporting circular economy objectives in line with IMO 2030 and EU Green Deal targets.

This article presents simulation scenarios that enable a reduction in the rolling surface wear of independently rotating wheels of a four-axle traction vehicle on a curved track with a small radius of curvature. Based on current knowledge, a simulation model of a light four-axle traction vehicle with independently rotating wheels driven by asynchronous AC traction motors is constructed. Kalker’s nonlinear theory is used to describe the contact between the wheels and the rails. The operation of the electric traction motors is controlled using the PWM method. The influence of the stiffness of the first-stage suspension in the vehicle on the wear of individual wheels of the vehicle model is analyzed. It is shown that it is possible to simulate the magnitude of the driving torques acting on individual wheels of the vehicle model, ensuring the reduction of the wear process of the rolling surface of the vehicle wheels on a curved track. Information on the magnitude of these torques could be used to control the movement of the real vehicle

Dear Readers, you hold in your hands the last issue of the quarterly in 2025 (No. 84), concluding another year of our publishing activity. The articles collected in it address contemporary and diverse research issues, reflecting contemporary technological, organisational, legal and environmental challenges, and demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of the research carried out, relevant to both science and business practices. The current issue features papers on safety and reliability, including risk analyses of hydrogen infrastructure, state-of-the-art radiation monitoring systems using machine learning methods and human reliability issues in industrial maintenance. Articles in the field of mechanical and materials engineering are also an important part of the issue, presenting tests on structural components and the evaluation of the properties of aluminium alloys for marine applications. Transport, logistics and legal issues are also prominently featured, including paid parking zones, pedestrian safety, the reliability of supply chains operating under uncertainty and the transport of dangerous goods in light of international maritime law regulations. Additionally, this issue discusses studies on offshore wind energy development in Poland and modern control algorithms for ship generators. As we close the year 2025, I would like to wish you a splendid 2026, prosperity in your research and professional plans, satisfaction with the challenges you face and further scientific success in the coming year. I hope that this issue will inspire further research and scholarly discussion. I would like to thank the authors and reviewers for their contribution to the high level of the publication. With regards, Editor-in-Chief dr inż. Paweł Prajzendanc

Analyzing available literature, both scientific and commercial, the lack of a simple and quick methodology for determining the dimensions of sailing yachts might be noticed. This method could be used to accelerate the optimal design of modern sailing yachts. When a sailing yacht is designed, many factors need to be taken into consideration, e.g., autonomy, number of crew members, limitations of road transportation, construction and operating costs, yacht speed, and safety of navigation (stability and seaworthiness). Based on the analysis of these criteria, the main dimensions of the yacht need to be determined. In order to quickly select the most optimal type of yacht that will meet the expectations of the customer, several or a dozen variants of the yacht size should be made. Approximate functions are necessary to quickly determine the calculated coefficients depending on the length of the waterline of the hull. The dimensions of the sailing yacht and its coefficients have a decisive influence on the speed of the yacht. The methodological approach used in this article is to use a quick and easy-to-use regression method to present an analysis of the design dimensions and coefficients of a classic sailing yacht. Sailing yachts’ data of 35 similar yachts built between 2010 and 2019 were collected. The overall length range from 6.93 to 21.8 m and the obtained results, without loss of accuracy, are interpolated within the range. The main contribution of this article is to develop simple regression equations to calculate the main dimensions and coefficients of a sailing yacht in many variants without unnecessary delay. These can be used by yacht designers and other people interested in yacht design.

This paper presents a numerical approach to evaluating ship waterplane hydrostatic parameters. The analysis focuses mainly on determining the longitudinal moment of inertia, computed relative to both the aft perpendicular and the midship section. This study is performed for a 9000 DWT general cargo ship with a design draught of 7.5 m. The results show small differences in the longitudinal moment of inertia (IL), which subsequently affect the moment-to-change trim (MTC). However, the study demonstrates that these differences, resulting from the selected point of origin, have a negligible impact on trim calculations. Despite minor mathematical discrepancies, their overall effect is insignificant, with IL deviations within ±0.1%, confirming that these variations do not influence practical trim calculations.

The subject of this paper is to discuss and analyze the noise-induced hazards on ships. For this purpose, factors such as noise levels in different accommodations during various engine operations, methods of protecting crews from the harmful effects of noise, and the impact of noise on health and work are examined. Noise level tests are conducted at different locations on the vessel using a sound meter. Subsequently, a statistical analysis of the obtained results is carried out and the main statistical characteristics are determined and interpreted. The conducted research demonstrates in which rooms the standards are met, where they are exceeded, and in which areas hearing protection should be used. The results could be utilized in future research on occupational health and safety

One of the main operational tasks of fire investigation units is to extinguish fires, which is most often achieved by applying various types of extinguishing agents to the burning material. For firefighting to be effective, it is essential to use appropriate equipment, including fire hoses through which water or water-based solutions are transported. Fire hoses must be resistant to mechanical, thermal, and chemical exposures. In particular, they must withstand abrasion, which can compromise tightness and result in leakage or uncontrolled water jets. Hose webbing typically has a multilayer structure. The outer (surface) layer is exposed to abrasion from sliding friction in contact with rough surfaces, sometimes containing abrasive particles. Abrasion against sharp edges occurs less frequently due to safety features such as fire hose saddles. Pilot laboratory tests were carried out on the hose webbing of four fire hose models to determine the coefficient of friction and linear wear. Additionally, observations were made on the wear mechanisms affecting the hose webbing surfaces.

The success of a search and rescue operation at sea depends on accurately determining the location and search area of a drifting pneumatic life raft, with particular emphasis on drift. This article examines the leeway of pneumatic life rafts and provides a summary of the available types used as life-saving appliances on ships. Based on experimental and numerical studies, the technical characteristics of the life rafts were compared, and the relationship between their shape and leeway components was analyzed. The research demonstrated the degree of dependence between the life raft’s shape and its aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag. The results obtained are significant and will inform further numerical studies on leeway and search area estimation. The authors’ previous experimental and numerical work, as well as findings from earlier publications, form the basis for the calculations presented in this paper.

Intermodal transport is a key element of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and containers are among the most commonly used cargo units in this system. This study aims to examine the development trends in container handling at intermodal terminals in Poland. The results of the study indicate continued dynamic growth in this sector, supported by European Union policy, infrastructure investments, and the expansion and construction of new container terminals, as well as the activities of logistics companies and intermodal carriers. Projects co-financed by EU funds also play an important role, providing an additional stimulus for development.

Abstract This article addresses the problem of sensorless control of a squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) used as a shaft generator in shipboard DC power systems. The work is motivated by the growing adoption of DC ship- board microgrids, where robust and cost-effective generators without mechanical sensors are desirable. A math- ematical model of the SCIG in α-β and d-q reference frames is derived and discretized, enabling efficient re- al-time implementation on a DSP–FPGA control platform. Building on this model, the paper proposes a hybrid current–voltage observer that combines a current-model estimator (effective at low speed) with a voltage-model estimator (accurate at medium and high speed). PI-based compensating voltages are introduced to suppress numerical integration drift and reduce sensitivity to stator resistance variation, ensuring accurate estimation of rotor flux, flux angle, and rotational speed. The excitation process of the generator is analysed with respect to initial DC-link voltage, shaft speed, and loss currents, and criteria for successful self-excitation are identified. The proposed algorithm is validated through time-domain simulations and laboratory experiments on a 3 kW SCIG system. Results show close agreement between simulation and measurements, stable DC-link voltage regulation under varying load and speed, and reliable sensorless operation that is comparable to, or more robust than, encoder-based systems in the presence of EMI. The study confirms the practical suitability of the hybrid observer for shipboard SCIG applications over a wide rotational speed operating range.

Faced with the European Union’s growing expectations regarding the intensification of energy generation from renewable sources, Poland, like many other European countries, has encountered the enormous challenge of introducing energy produced by offshore wind farms (OWFs) into the energy market. This article aims to present the current state of development of offshore wind farms (OWFs) in Poland and to identify the main opportunities and threats associated with the further development of this sector in the domestic and international context. The direction of the current rapid investment growth in this area stems from decisions of the European Parliament and the European Council, which require intensified efforts to increase the share of energy obtained from renewable sources in the energy mix. At the same time, the creation of an energy base in the form of offshore wind farms in Poland contributes to energy diversification and improves the country’s energy security. Several projects are currently underway in the Polish Baltic Economic Zone, the largest of which include Baltica 2 and Baltica 3, led by PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna and the Danish company Ørsted. The construction of offshore wind farms encounters several barriers that hinder project implementation; however, long-term energy production can bring numerous benefits to Poland. This paper highlights the key advantages of offshore wind farm development, including Poland’s energy sovereignty, job creation, and strengthened efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The greatest threats, however, include an underdeveloped local supply chain, unpredictable legislative changes, and the risk of delays due to environmental requirements. Considering the limitations associated with the lack of production continuity and the ability to fully utilize the electricity generated by offshore wind farms, solutions for industrial-scale electricity storage are presented, including conversion to compressed air using compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology, and the conversion of electricity into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen (H2).