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Transactions on Maritime Science, Vol. 15 No. 1, 2026.

Review article

https://doi.org/10.7225/toms.v15.n01.004

Intelligent Ship Engine Rooms: A Decade of Progress and Challenges

Borna Todorić ; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Croatia
Lucija Tadić ; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Croatia
Ivana Golub Medvešek orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-1420-3197 ; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Croatia *
Joško Šoda ; University of Split, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

The dual pressures of rapid digitalization and increasingly stringent emissions regulations are accelerating the development of intelligent ship engine room technologies. This literature review (2014 – 2024) elucidates the current state, technological maturity, and research trends within this domain. Applying the PRISMA 2020 methodology, a pool of 410 publications sourced form Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was screened. The analysis distilled five dominant research domains: AI-based diagnostics and predictive maintenance, monitoring and automation, energy efficiency and hybrid propulsion, digital twins, and condition-monitoring frameworks. Findings indicate substantial progress in modelling, optimization, and machine learning applications. However, validation is predominantly confined to simulations or laboratory settings, lacking robust testing under real-world ship operating conditions. This underscores a persistent gap between theoretical development and practical implementation, suggesting a transitional maturity stage. The paper concludes by delineating key challenges and future research priorities essential for enabling the large-scale, real-world deployment of intelligent engine systems, thereby fostering safer and more sustainable maritime operations.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence; Digital twin; Engine room automation; Intelligent ship systems; Maritime diagnostics; Predictive maintenance; Ship energy efficiency; Smart engine room

Hrčak ID:

346750

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/346750

Publication date:

20.4.2026.

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