Transport development

ANALYSIS OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN SHIPBUILDING: WORLD EXPERIENCE

O.V. Kopylova — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. Shipbuilding plays an important role in many related industries and the national economy as a whole. This industry affects the country competitiveness, the economic and political situation in the world. The state of the shipbuilding industry directly affects the development of shipping, its provision with high-tech and energy-saving vessels. Despite the significant attention of scientists and practitioners to the problems of financing and development of shipping, a number of aspects remain insufficiently or fragmentarily researched. Purpose. The article is devoted to identifying trends and problems of private investment in shipbuilding at the international level with an emphasis on European experience. Results. The current investment needs of the shipbuilding industry under the influence of financial and economic globalization challenges are characterized. Modern directions of private investment in shipbuilding are identified. Existing shipping financing instruments are analyzed and the most effective and promising ones are identified for use. Recommendations are formulated regarding the optimal strategy for attracting private capital to the shipbuilding industry. Conclusions. The steadily growing volume of world maritime trade must be matched by the growth of the world fleet and its capacity. Shipbuilding must not only compete for the speed and safety of cargo transportation, but also comply with a number of international conditions and standards for decarbonization. Decarbonization of the world shipping fleet requires significant investment resources. Sustainable financing instruments, including green, blue and blended finance, combining concessional and commercial financing, will play a central role in providing the necessary funds. The introduction of Basel II rules on capital requirements has significantly increased the requirements for shipping companies and the cost of financing long-term debt obligations. The proposed alternative approach is to stimulate non-bank sources of credit that are not subject to the aforementioned bank capital requirements. Thus, non-standardized products appear, which are offered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. However, information on specialized shipping products offered by private banks is limited. The lack of transparency makes it difficult for shipping companies to fully understand their options and make informed decisions. Thus, the question arises of standardizing financial solutions for shipping based on private capital. Such standardized options could provide broader access to financing, reduce transaction costs, and simplify the process for many shipping companies.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF A LARGE-TONNAGE BULK CARRIER MOORED AT A BERTH UNDER THE ACTION OF REGULAR WAVES

N.I. Aleksandrovska, Yu.L. Vorobyov, O.V. Demidiuk — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. The development of modern port infrastructure increasingly involves the construction of berthing facilities in insufficiently protected water areas. Under such conditions, wave-induced motions of moored vessels may significantly affect the safety and efficiency of cargo-handling operations and increase the risk of damage to both ships and quay structures. Regular waves are of particular concern, as they can cause pronounced oscillatory responses and resonance effects, especially in shallow water conditions. Therefore, experimental investigation of moored ship dynamics remains an important engineering task. Purpose. The purpose of this study is the experimental determination of linear and angular motion characteristics of a large-tonnage bulk carrier moored at a quay under regular wave action in shallow water. An additional objective is the validation of an analytical ship motion model and the assessment of simplified engineering criteria for evaluating the admissibility of vessel motions during port operations. Results. The study was carried out in an experimental basin using a physical ship model designed according to the Froude similarity criterion. Two load conditions were considered – at full load and with 50 % load and full reserves for both cases. Ship motions were measured using accelerometers and inclinometers installed near the model’s center of gravity. Experimental data were processed using fast Fourier transform techniques. The results show that partial loading leads to increased amplitudes of vertical and longitudinal motions and longer oscillation periods. In contrast, full loading reduces motion amplitudes due to higher inertial properties. Transverse and yaw motions remained negligible. A satisfactory agreement between experimental results and analytical predictions was obtained. Conclusions. The study confirms the significant influence of loading condition on the dynamic behavior of a moored vessel. Physical modeling has proven to be an effective tool for assessing the safety of ship berthing under regular wave conditions. The proposed approach can be applied in port design and operation practice to justify allowable operating conditions and mooring arrangements without performing complex numerical simulations.

OPTIMIZATION OF INTERCOOLING PARAMETERS FOR CHARGED AIR IN MARINE DIESEL ENGINES

А.А. Andrieiev, N.B. Andrieieva, O.I. Solomyentsev — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. The efficiency of marine diesel engine power plants is primarily determined by the performance of their turbocharging systems, which must supply sufficient intake air pressure to the cylinders. At high compressor pressure ratios, nearly the entire exhaust-gas turbine power output is consumed by the compressor, leaving limited potential for waste-heat recovery or efficiency improvement. A promising method to reduce compressor power consumption is two-stage compression with intercooling, which increases air density, reduces compression work, and improves overall turbocharger efficiency. Deep intercooling enabled by waste-heatdriven ejector or absorption refrigeration systems is of particular interest. However, the optimal split of the total pressure ratio between the low- and high-pressure stages, as well as the required intercooler outlet temperature, remains to be fully defined for marine applications. Purpose. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the influence of intercooler depth and post-intercooler air temperature on the energy characteristics of a two-stage turbocharging system for marine diesel engines, and to determine the optimal pressure-ratio split (πк1/πк2) that minimizes compressor power consumption and maximizes turbine power availability for onboard use. Results. A thermodynamic analysis was performed for a two-stage compressor with various post-intercooler temperatures (tПО2 = 20–80°C) and ambient inlet temperatures (20 and 40°C). The results were compared with a baseline single-stage turbocharger (total pressure ratio = 4). The ratio of compressor powers (N/NПО) exhibits a distinct optimum at πк1/πк2 ≈ 0.8–1.5, corresponding to a 5–15 % reduction in compressor power compared to the baseline. Deep intercooling to tПО2 = 20–40°C yields the most significant savings (12–15 %), although such temperatures require refrigeration beyond the capability of seawater cooling. Deeper cooling also shifts the optimal value of πк1/πк2 toward lower ratios. Temperature drops of 50–100°C across the heat exchangers were identified, providing design guidance for the steam generator and evaporator of waste-heat-driven refrigeration machines. The resulting increase in available turbine power enables it to be used either for electrical generation or to assist the main engine shaft power during cruising. Conclusions. The study confirms the effectiveness of two-stage turbocharging with intercooling in improving the energy efficiency of marine diesel engines. Optimal intercooling parameters and pressure ratio splits were identified, resulting in significant reductions in compressor work and freeing up turbine power for practical onboard applications. Deep intercooling yields the most considerable benefit but requires refrigeration-based cooling. The findings offer practical guidance for designing advanced turbocharging and heat-recovery refrigeration systems in modern marine propulsion plants.

CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR DIFFERENTIATING TECHNOLOGICAL AND LOGISTICS PROCESSES IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR BASED ON A PRODUCT-CENTRIC APPROACH

O.V. Kyryllova, V.Yu. Kyryllova — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article examines the problem of the correct terminological distinction between “technological” and “logistical” processes/operations in the transport sector amid the active penetration of logistics terminology into transport science and education. It is demonstrated that the uncritical transfer of definitions originating from materialproduction industries leads to the emergence of pseudo-logistics terms, terminological inconsistencies, and semantic distortions-particularly in the interpretation of cargohandling, transport, and service operations. Using a product-centred approach, the study substantiates that the key criteria for differentiating logistical and technological processes are the nature of the resulting output (material goods vs. immaterial transport service) and the entity exercising end-to-end control over the material flow. It is shown that transport operations generate an immaterial service, which is consumed simultaneously with its provision and cannot be accumulated, and that most operations considered “logistical” in industrial logistics possess a technological nature in transport, as they form the transport service and involve cargo as the object of transport work. The study proposes a conceptual model describing the transformation of the status of a material product (cargo) throughout its movement (goods → cargo → cargo flow → transport service) and the shift of the flow-control responsibility between actors. A system of methodological principles-product-centricity, functional role, contextuality, and actor-based applicability-is introduced to ensure a scientifically sound terminological differentiation between technological and logistical processes. Based on the analysis of international standards and documents (ISO, UNECE, UNCTAD, IMO), the article demonstrates the absence of any practice of describing transport technological operations as “logistics”, which confirms the incorrect use of widespread pseudologistics expressions. The paper formulates recommendations for education, research, and professional practice related to terminology standardization, the revision of educational programmes, and the refinement of professional standards. The proposed model is integrated into the analytical framework “paradigm – doctrine – concept – strategy” and may serve as a methodological foundation for further research and sector-wide standardization within the transport domain.

MAINTAINING THE ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS OF SEAGOING VESSELS WHEN USING CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEMS FOR MARINE DIESEL ENGINES

O.A. Kuropyatnyk — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. One of the current challenges that arise during the operation of maritime transport vessels is ensuring their environmental friendliness, in particular with regard to the emission of sulfur oxides with exhaust gases from ship diesel engines. The solution to this problem is the use of fuel of biological origin, which consists of hydrogenated vegetable oils. As a rule, the sulfur content in such fuel types does not exceed 0.1 % by weight, which allows their use either as a separate fuel or (most often) in a mixture with fuel of petroleum origin. The purpose of the study is determining the possibility of controlling sulfur oxide emissions from marine diesel engine exhaust gases when using bio-based fuels consisting of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Results. The research was carried out on medium-speed ship diesel engines Wartsila 6L32, which during the experiments were operated on fuels of petroleum origin DMA20 (in the case of the ship being inside SECAs) and RMG350 (in the case of the ship being outside SECAs). As an alternative fuel (the research was devoted to determining the impact of which on the emission of sulfur oxides), HVO fuel was used – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which belongs to the class of fuels of biological origin, which are hydrogenated vegetable oils. During the research, fuel mixtures were created and used in diesel engines, which consisted of 70–80 % RMG350 or DMA20 fuel and 30–10 % HVO fuel. As an indicator characterizing the environmental friendliness of the ship’s operation in terms of sulfur oxide emissions, the ratio (SO2/CO2) was taken, the measurement of which was provided by the ship’s diagnostic system and was performed in the diesel exhaust system. For fuel mixtures consisting of 70–90 % petroleum-based fuel RMG350 or DMA20 and 30–10 % HVO fuel, in the range of operating loads on diesel engines of 50–80 %, a reduction in sulfur oxide emissions of 4.43–23.59 % was established when the vessel was outside SECAs and by 8.91–27.21 % when the vessel was inside SECAs. Conclusions. Experimental studies carried out on Wartsila 6L32 marine diesel engines confirmed the possibility of controlling sulfur oxide emissions with exhaust gases by using HVO fuel of biological origin.

DIAGNOSTICS OF THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF MARINE DIESEL ENGINES BY ANALYSIS OF ENGINE OIL

R.O. Razinkin — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. Operational reliability and functioning of internal combustion engines is impossible without ship systems, one of which is the lubrication system. The effectiveness and reliability of lubrication systems is determined by the characteristics of engine oil, which change during the operation of the diesel engine. The dispersed state and the presence of organic or inorganic impurities in the oil also characterize the condition of its contact nodes – cylinder liners, piston rings, bearing inserts. Control and analysis of engine oil of lubrication systems (both circulating and cylinder) is one of the components of diagnosing the technical condition of ship diesel engines. The purpose of the study – determining the possibility of diagnosing the technical condition of marine diesel engines by analyzing the operational characteristics of motor oil. Results. The research was carried out on two four-stroke marine diesel engines 6R26 Wartsila, the lubrication of the cylinder group and crankshaft of which was provided by a general circulation system in which Castrol 15W20 engine oil was used. During the operation of marine diesel engines, the characteristics of the engine oil used in the circulation lubrication system gradually deteriorate. This is confirmed by the decrease in the total base number TBN. The total base number of the Castrol 15W20 marine engine oil with an initial value of TBN = 14.0 mgKOH/g decreased to TBN = 10.3–11.2 mgKOH/g after 1000 hours of operation. At the same time, during sampling (which was carried out every 200 hours of diesel engine operation), both gradual and abrupt changes were observed. A more informative parameter for diagnosing the technical condition of tribocompounds of marine diesel engines is the rate of change of the total alkaline number VTBN over a certain period of time. The most informative method for diagnosing the technical condition of tribocompounds of marine diesel engines is spectral analysis of motor oil, which allows determining the content of elements in the oil that characterize the wear of the contact surfaces of the diesel engine – Wear Elements, and elements that characterize the contamination of the oil – Contaminant Elements. The limitation of this method is the need to carry it out exclusively in shore research laboratories, which increases the interval of informativeness and proportionally increases the time for making decisions on changing the operating conditions of the diesel engine. Conclusions. Due to the coincidence of the dynamics of change of Wear Elements / Contaminant Elements and the rate of change of the total alkaline number VTBN, it is the rate of change of the total alkaline number that is recommended as a parameter by which to perform express diagnostics of the technical condition of diesel engine tribo-combinations of marine and inland waterway transport vessels.

USE OF HYDRO-REFINED VEGETABLE OIL WITH ADDED HYDROGEN IN MARINE DIESEL ENGINES: CURRENT STATUS AND APPLICATION PROBLEMS

D.O. Shalapko, O.I. Solomyentsev, O.O. Kukharenko — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. The article focuses on the use of alternative fuels in marine internal combustion engines. Namely, the operating mode of marine diesel engines on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) with a hydrogen (H2) additive is analyzed to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency without significant restructuring of the ship's power plant. HVO is considered a paraffinic renewable diesel fuel with a high cetane number, while hydrogen is treated as an intake gas additive that modifies the early stages of combustion. Purpose. This study aims to summarize data on the operation of diesel engines using HVO and in HVO–H2 mode, and to evaluate the effect of small hydrogen fractions on ignition delay, combustion phasing, heat release rate shape, and maximum pressure. Changes in BSFC/SFOC, NOₓ, and particulate matter are also considered. Results. It is demonstrated that HVO can be used as the primary fuel, provided its density is accounted for in the dosing strategy and that lubricity and fuel system compatibility are ensured. In neat-fuel mode, HVO provides more stable auto-ignition and lower smoke and particulate emissions, with no noticeable loss in fuel economy. Adding small fractions of H2 into the intake reduces ignition delay, shifts the CA50 towards TDC, and decreases soot formation; however, it increases peak temperatures and pressure rise rates, which promotes higher NOₓ formation. The summarized results are presented as harmonized tables and a three-dimensional compromise surface, “H2 share – change in BSFC – change in NOₓ,” which highlights regions of benefit and risk. Conclusions. The HVO operating mode with gaseous hydrogen enrichment (HVO–H2) is identified as a technically promising intermediate solution for marine diesel engines, capable of reducing particulate emissions and smoke without significant loss of fuel economy, provided that combustion phasing, the air path, and aftertreatment systems are properly coordinated. The need for longterm tests on large marine engines and for standardised procedures for safe hydrogen handling is emphasised.

CALCULATION OF INTEGRAL EFFICIENCY INDICATORS FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION ROUTES IN THE UNITED STATES

I.A. Vikovych, A.F. Obshta, V.E. Prykhodko — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The paper investigates approaches to assessing route efficiency in the field of international freight transportation performed by single-unit road trains. The efficiency of international freight transportation by road trains is considered as a multifactorial characteristic that includes economic, time-related, environmental, social, and operational indicators. The authors emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation of logistics decisions, which should be based not only on traditional criteria such as transportation costs and delivery time but also take into account the energy, transport, and road efficiency of transport vehicles, as well as supply reliability, environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and technological support of the transportation process. The study highlights the expediency of combining classical evaluation methods (cost per mile, delivery time, reliability indices) with modern multi-criteria decision-making approaches–Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and TOPSIS–which enable the consideration of a large number of parameters when selecting an optimal transportation route. Within the framework of a comparative analysis, the experience of the United States, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom in interpreting route efficiency is examined. It is noted that the emphasis in efficiency assessment depends on dominant priorities such as economic benefits, environmental safety, logistics chain reliability, or intermodal integration. German studies predominantly apply a sustainable development approach integrating time, cost, and infrastructure capacity criteria. Polish researchers actively use DEA tools to construct multidimensional efficiency models, whereas British studies focus on the assessment of external effects and energy efficiency. The results of leading studies on digital logistics optimization tools are systematized, including automated route planning systems, artificial intelligence–based solutions, and software platforms such as Route4Me, which contribute to reducing costs and CO₂ emissions, increasing transportation intensity, and improving system flexibility in response to demand fluctuations. The importance of telecommunication and navigation systems for monitoring the operational efficiency of road trains is emphasized, especially under conditions of complex terrain, toll road networks, and cross-border traffic. An expert–functional model for assessing route efficiency is proposed, which accounts for the energy, transport, and road efficiency of transportation process elements while considering the specific features of international freight transportation by road trains. It is emphasized that most contemporary studies analyze only individual parameters, whereas the proposed mathematical model integrates key factors to support well-founded managerial decision-making in the field of international road freight transportation. The necessity for further research aimed at overcoming data scarcity, limited flexibility of existing models, and insufficient coverage of critical logistics infrastructure risks is also highlighted.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW OF POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF EUROPEAN INTERMODAL COMPANIES

O.L. Drozhzhyn, F.A. Volianskyi — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Introduction. This article explores the alignment of European intermodal transportation companies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the global sustainability agenda. In the context of increasing attention to sustainable development, transport companies have begun actively integrating the SDGs into their operational strategies. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that logistics chains must not only be economically efficient but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. The primary aim of this research is to examine the extent and nature of sustainable development initiatives among intermodal transport operators across Europe. Using a Case Study Research methodology, the study analyzes 123 companies, both signatories of the UN Global Compact and those that independently commit to sustainability principles. The analysis identifies ten key areas of activity – such as decarbonization, safety, gender equality, waste management, and anti-corruption – through which companies engage with the SDGs. The findings reveal that the most systematic and ambitious sustainability practices are pursued by large multinational corporations such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and Kuehne + Nagel. These companies have sufficient resources to invest in innovative technologies, digitalization, responsible procurement, and diversity initiatives. In contrast, smaller operators tend to adopt more flexible approaches, selecting specific SDG targets that align closely with their business capacities and market conditions. Despite the lack of a unified framework for sustainability implementation across the sector, many firms have successfully integrated ethical standards, environmental safeguards, and inclusive labor policies into their value chains. The study concludes that intermodal transport is a critical enabler of sustainable development, particularly in the areas of climate action, decent work, and responsible production. However, effective implementation of sustainability goals requires not only corporate commitment but also collaborative action through international alliances and coalitions. As such, partnerships – such as the Clean Cargo Working Group, the Getting to Zero Coalition, and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network play an essential role in advancing global SDG progress within the transport sector. This paper underscores the importance of multidimensional, adaptable strategies tailored to each company’s operational context and global sustainability trends.

PROTECTION OF ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE TRACTION MOTOR COLLECTOR AGAINST DAMAGE BY ARC DISCHARGE

V.Yu. Torhashov, M.O. Babyak — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0200

High requirements are imposed on railway transport in terms of its safety and reliability. The failure of an electric locomotive can jeopardize traffic safety, as well as lead to material and economic costs. One of the most vulnerable elements of the electric rolling stock of railways are traction electric motors, which on many electric locomotives have a significant service life. Due to significant depletion of the resource and due to difficult operating conditions, the likelihood of malfunctions in both the mechanical and electrical parts of the engine increases. Particular attention should be paid to malfunctions associated with the brush-commutator assembly of the traction electric motor. Having considered the causes of the failure of collector electric motors of various series of electric locomotives, it is clear that a significant percentage of failures is associated with damage to the brush-commutator assembly. The main reason for this pattern is the physical interaction of two contacts that move relative to each other, which creates the possibility of an electric arc between them. This paper examines the causes of arc discharge in the brush-commutator assembly of the traction electric motor of an electric locomotive, which can lead to serious damage and failures. Existing methods of diagnosing traction motors are analyzed, their advantages and disadvantages are determined. A method for detecting arc formation in the brush-commutator assembly based on measuring the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is developed. An engine protection system based on a programmable logic controller is developed. The feasibility and effectiveness of implementing such a system on electric locomotives to increase the reliability of traction electric motors and reduce operating costs is substantiated. Since on locomotives operated in Ukraine, DC electric machines are used not only to generate traction force, but also to generate excitation current, voltage for their own needs and for the operation of other units, a logical development of the topic described in the paper can be the improvement of the system for protecting auxiliary machines of electric locomotives. In the future, this would further increase the reliability and productivity of electric railway rolling stock.