3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) (in the industrial context) is an innovative, as opposed to subtractive, technology, bringing new opportunities and benefits to the spare part supply chain (SPSC). The aim of this work is to capture the views of the stakeholders at the end of the chain, extruding factors that will benefit the end-user and the factors that are likely to be an obstacle, by employing the questionnaire method. Company objectives regarding spares (cost reductions, improvement of services, space reduction) have been prioritized differently by the stakeholders. The most important barriers according to the participants are the quality assurance of the spare parts made by the new technology followed by the know-how and skills of staff. Other views such as suitable parts are suggested. The practical value of this work, in addition to assessing the readiness of the industry, is that it provides guidance for the successful implementation of AM in the maritime industry.

This work presents a comprehensive Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (S-CBA) conducted as part of a research project, studying biofuel production for the maritime and aviation sectors, from various types of non-food waste biomasses. The inclusion of social considerations complements and expands on the environmental and economic ones. The importance of social group criteria was determined through expert questionnaires, leading to the identification of social impacts groups and social criteria from stakeholders across participating countries. The results successfully identified and quantified social impacts, and align with those reported in similar cases in relevant literature. Social Cost-Benefits, monetarizing social factors, demonstrated several social benefits, including reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions. However, it also highlighted social costs, such as Economic Costs associated with the initial investment. The study revealed critical social hotspots within the impact categories, making significant strides in understanding the social impacts of biofuel production, providing valuable insights for decision-makers, and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable and socially responsible biofuel production.

Ammonia as a fuel has been known for several years, but only relatively recently has it attracted interest for study and use as a marine fuel. A forthcoming generation of sustainable, economically viable, and safe technologies for the large-scale onboard storage of ammonia as a marine fuel is being developed. This article presents a structured approach to carrying out Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for evaluating a project solution at the strategic level. The “House of Quality” (HoQ) method is utilised since it provides the means for inter-functional planning and communications among people with different problems and responsibilities. The project requirements are defined and lead to functional technical characteristics to satisfy these needs. The approach allows for the application of a weighting scheme to rank the perceived relative importance of the requirements, the difficulty involved in implementing the technologies, and the relationship between requirements and functional technical characteristics. QFD analysis prioritises safety compliance, technical specifications, emission control, and operational efficiency. The added value of this work is beyond the life of a project since it may provide assistance to the stakeholders in assessing the applicability of ammonia fuel solutions given the resources available to them. This feature will enable the justification of further investment into specific technologies based on their potential impact.

The transition to a low-carbon future necessitates innovative approaches to renewable energy deployment, particularly in the marine environment, where abundant resources remain underutilized. This paper explores the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems and green hydrogen production to address the energy challenges faced by Very Small Islands (VSIs). These islands heavily rely on imported fossil fuels, making them vulnerable to global price fluctuations and contributing to economic instability and environmental degradation. Offshore floating platforms present a transformative opportunity by harnessing marine renewable resources, integrating wind, solar, and wave energy to maximize energy production while minimizing land use conflicts. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of seawater, powered by these renewable sources, offers a sustainable alternative for decarbonizing transportation, particularly in the maritime sector. The study aims to assess the feasibility of converting small conventional passenger vessels to hydrogen propulsion and evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of deploying offshore platforms for hydrogen production. By examining these aspects, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable energy solutions for island communities and provides actionable insights into implementing renewable hydrogen-based maritime transport.

This research investigates the potential of additive manufacturing (AM) to revolutionize the marine spare parts supply chain (SPSC). While AM has been widely explored in other industries, its application in the maritime sector remains limited. This study addresses this gap by comparing traditional and AM-integrated SPSC models using system dynamics simulation. By focusing on high- and low-value spare parts, this research highlights significant cost reductions and improved delivery times through strategic AM integration. Our findings demonstrate the potential of AM to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the maritime supply chain, particularly in remote environments.

Spare parts supply chain (SPSC) plays a crucial role in keeping ship machinery running. This study, rooted in a thorough literature review encompassing both academic and industry research, as well as established standards, seeks to shed light on stakeholder perspectives regarding the integration of Additive Manufacturing (AM) into the maritime spare parts supply chain (SPSC). The aim is to address fundamental questions critical to shaping the maritime spare parts supply chain with AM. The research employs a questionnaire-based methodology, deemed the most appropriate tool for capturing stakeholder perspectives, motivations, and concerns. Participants are categorized as “end-users” and “suppliers” of spare parts. The end-users in the maritime SPSC encompass individuals both on board vessels and in onshore offices, ranging from ship owners to engineers, surveyors, and staff in various departments. On the upstream side of the SPSC, the study engages with manufacturers and suppliers of spare parts, including original equipment manufacturers and third-party subcontractors, as well as various types of distributors and service providers. The research concludes with a comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry’s engagement with AM, balancing cost-efficiency with the preservation of service quality and operational readiness. It identifies significant barriers, such as quality assurance, the need for skills and knowledge, digital asset management, copyright protection, and equipment availability and costs. This study marks a pioneering exploration of stakeholder perspectives within the maritime SPSC concerning the integration of AM technology. It underscores the industry’s eagerness to embrace digital transformation while highlighting key challenges that must be addressed for a successful transition; this is clearly an added value from a practical perspective. As the maritime sector stands at the precipice of technological evolution, understanding these perspectives is integral to steering towards a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future. Highlights The study delves into the perspectives of diverse stakeholders in the maritime Spare Parts Supply Chain, and how they approach Additive Manufacturing It reveals a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s commitment to cost-efficiency while maintaining service quality and operational readiness The research identifies significant barriers hindering the integration of Additive Manufacturing This study pioneers shedding light on the industry's enthusiasm for digital transformation and highlighting critical challenges that need addressing The findings provide practical insights for the maritime sector as it navigates technological evolution