Authors : Tunde Olamide Ogundare; Akan Ime Ibokette; Abraham Peter Anyebe; Adegboyega Daniel During

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bddjkd8h

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/58j6k6hv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV075

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The modernization of the U.S. maritime fleet is crucial to maintaining competitiveness in an evolving global landscape. This review examines the economic and regulatory challenges of implementing digital twins and autonomous vessels within this sector. Digital twins provide a virtual replica of vessels, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency, while autonomous vessels promise cost savings and enhanced safety by minimizing human error. However, adopting these technologies poses significant challenges, including high initial investment, integration with legacy systems, and regulatory gaps. This paper discusses the current limitations within U.S. regulatory frameworks, economic impacts, and international standards that impact fleet modernization efforts. It further discusses collaborative approaches to overcome funding and technical barriers, emphasizing the need for dynamic, adaptive regulations to balance innovation with safety and compliance in an increasingly automated maritime industry.

Keywords : Digital Twins, Autonomous Vessels, U.S. Maritime Fleet Modernization, Regulatory and Economic Challenges.

References :

[1]. Akpan, F., Bendiab, G., Shiaeles, S., Karamperidis, S.,
& Michaloliakos, M. (2022). Cybersecurity
challenges in the maritime sector. Network, 2(1), 123-
138.
[2]. Alamoush, A. S., Ölçer, A. I., & Ballini, F. (2024).
Drivers, opportunities, and barriers, for adoption of
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
(MASS). Journal of International Maritime Safety,
Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 8(4), 2411183.
[3]. Allen, H. J. (2019). Regulatory sandboxes. Geo.
Wash. L. Rev., 87, 579.
[4]. Almeaibed, S., Al-Rubaye, S., Tsourdos, A., &
Avdelidis, N. P. (2021). Digital twin analysis to
promote safety and security in autonomous
vehicles. IEEE Communications Standards
Magazine, 5(1), 40-46.
[5]. AlSaied, M., & McLaughlin, P. (2024).
Organizational Culture Enabler and Inhibitor Factors
for Ambidextrous Innovation. Administrative
Sciences, 14(9), 207.
[6]. Alsyouf, I. (2006). Measuring maintenance
performance using a balanced scorecard
approach. Journal of Quality in Maintenance
Engineering, 12(2), 133-149.
[7]. Apampa, A. R., Afolabi, O & Eromonsei, S. O. (2024).
Leveraging machine learning and data analytics to
predict academic motivation based on personality
traits in university students. Global Journal of
Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 20(02),
026–060.
https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2024.20.2.0145
[8]. Azam, M. S., & Quaddus, M. (2013). Examining the
influence of national culture on adoption and use of
information and communication technology: A study
from Bangladesh’s SME perspective. The
International Technology Management Review, 3(2),
116-126.
[9]. Baalisampang, T., Abbassi, R., Garaniya, V., Khan,
F., & Dadashzadeh, M. (2018). Review and analysis
of fire and explosion accidents in maritime
transportation. Ocean Engineering, 158, 350-366.
[10]. Ben Farah, M. A., Ukwandu, E., Hindy, H., Brosset,
D., Bures, M., Andonovic, I., & Bellekens, X. (2022).
Cyber security in the maritime industry: A systematic
survey of recent advances and future
trends. Information, 13(1), 22.
[11]. Bickford, J., Van Bossuyt, D. L., Beery, P., &
Pollman, A. (2020). Operationalizing digital twins
through model‐based systems engineering
methods. Systems Engineering, 23(6), 724-750.
[12]. Brito, M. P., & Griffiths, G. (2016). Autonomy: risk
assessment. Springer Handbook of Ocean
Engineering, 527-544.
[13]. Brönner, U., Sonnewald, M., & Visbeck, M. (2023).
Digital Twins of the Ocean can foster a sustainable
blue economy in a protected marine environment. Int.
Hydrogr. Rev, 29, 26-40.

[14]. Bruyne, J. D. (2014). Liability of classification
societies: Cases, challenges and future perspectives. J.
Mar. L. & Com., 45, 181.
[15]. Canton, H. (2021). International Maritime
Organization—IMO. In The Europa Directory of
International Organizations 2021 (pp. 338-342).
Routledge.
[16]. Cheema, M., & Sarandinaki, A. (2024). Maritime
Autonomy and Liability: Navigating Uncharted
Waters. International Law Studies, 103(1), 16.
[17]. Clark, B., & Walton, T. A. (2019). Taking back the

seas: transforming the US surface fleet for decision-
centric warfare. Center for Strategic and Budgetary

Assessments.
[18]. Collins, G., & Grubb, M. C. (2008). A comprehensive
survey of China's dynamic shipbuilding industry.
China Maritime Studies Institute, US Naval War
College.
[19]. Cooper, G. R., Lewis, J., Lozier, B., & Golden, J.
(2017). Demonstrating Air Emissions Reductions
Through Energy Efficiency Retrofits on Maersk Line
G-Class Vessels. Demonstrating Air Emissions
Reductions Through Energy Efficiency Retrofits on
Maersk Line G-Class Vessels.
[20]. Dodge, M. (2024). Missile Defense.
[21]. DOT, U. (2016). Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration (PHMSA).
[22]. Dreyer, L. O., & Oltedal, H. A. (2019). Safety
challenges for maritime autonomous surface ships: a
systematic review. In The Third Conference on
Maritime Human Factors. Haugesund.
[23]. Endsley, M. R. (2017). From here to autonomy:
lessons learned from human–automation
research. Human factors, 59(1), 5-27.
[24]. Enyejo, J. O., Adeyemi, A. F., Olola, T. M., Igba, E.,
& Obani, O. Q. (2024). Resilience in supply chains:
How technology is helping USA companies navigate
disruptions. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and
Reviews, 11(2), 261-277.
[25]. Fáykiss, P., Papp, D., Sajtos, P., & Tőrös, Á. (2018).
Regulatory tools to encourage FinTech innovations:
The innovation hub and regulatory sandbox in
international practice. Hitelintézeti Szemle/Financial
and Economic Review, 17(2), 43-67.
[26]. Ferreno‐Gonzalez, S., Munin‐Doce, A., González, M.
M., Caamaño, L. S., & Diaz‐Casas, V. (2022). Digital
Twins for Warship Systems: Technologies,
Applications and Challenges. IoT for Defense and
National Security, 97-114.
[27]. Figueiredo, J. H. B. (2021). Logistics 4.0: Evolution of
Transport for the Pharmaceutical Sector: Evolution
and Application Analysis of Autonomous Vehicles for
Pharmaceutical Logistics in Portugal (Master's thesis,
ISCTE-Instituto Universitario de Lisboa (Portugal)).
[28]. Franciosi, M., Kasser, M., & Viviani, M. (2024).
Digital twins in bridge engineering for streamlined
maintenance and enhanced sustainability. Automation
in Construction, 168, 105834.

[29]. French, A. J., DiRenzo, J., & Doane, C. (2006). US
Coast Guard health services responders in maritime
homeland security. Naval War College Review, 59(3),
73-88.
[30]. Frittelli, J. (2017). The Coast Guard's Role in
Safeguarding Maritime Transportation: Selected
Issues. Congressional Research Service.
[31]. Ghaderi, H. (2020). Wider implications of
autonomous vessels for the maritime industry:
Mapping the unprecedented challenges. In Advances
in transport policy and planning (Vol. 5, pp. 263-
289). Academic Press.
[32]. Glatt, M., Sinnwell, C., Yi, L., Donohoe, S., Ravani,
B., & Aurich, J. C. (2021). Modeling and
implementation of a digital twin of material flows
based on physics simulation. Journal of
Manufacturing Systems, 58, 231-245.
[33]. Gordon, J. (2006). Leveraging America's Aircraft
Carrier Capabilities: Exploring New Combat and
Noncombat Roles and Missions for the US Carrier
Fleet (Vol. 448). Rand Corporation.
[34]. Grech, M., Horberry, T., & Koester, T. (2008). Human
factors in the maritime domain. CRC press.
[35]. Guthrie, G. (2006). Regulating infrastructure: The
impact on risk and investment. Journal of Economic
Literature, 44(4), 925-972.
[36]. Hannaford, E., & Hassel, E. V. (2021). Risks and
benefits of crew reduction and/or removal with
increased automation on the ship operator: A licensed
deck officer’s perspective. Applied Sciences, 11(8),
3569.
[37]. Hattendorf, J. B. (2004). The Evolution of the US
Navy's Maritime Strategy.
[38]. Henry, T. J. (2024). STRATEGIC VULNERABLITIES
OF US OFFSHORE WIND ASSETS: A “NEW” US
BORDER REQUIRES A LONG-TERM SECURITY
PLAN (Doctoral dissertation).
[39]. Hoem, Å. S., Fjørtoft, K. E., & Rødseth, Ø. J. (2019).
Addressing the accidental risks of maritime
transportation: could autonomous shipping
technology improve the statistics?.
[40]. Hoffman, R., Friedman, P., & Wetherbee, D. (2023).
Digital twins in shipbuilding and ship operation.
In The digital twin (pp. 799-847). Cham: Springer
International Publishing.
[41]. Homayouni, S. M., Pinho de Sousa, J., & Moreira
Marques, C. (2024). Unlocking the potential of digital
twins to achieve sustainability in seaports: the state of
practice and future outlook. WMU Journal of
Maritime Affairs, 1-40.
[42]. Husain, M. H., Ahmadi, M., & Mardukhi, F. (2024).
Vehicular Fog Computing: A Survey of Architectures,
Resource Management, Challenges and Emerging
Trends. Wireless Personal Communications, 136(4),
2243-2273.