To support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets, hybrid propulsion energy management systems (EMS)—which integrate multi-energy coordination and dynamic scheduling—have become a critical pathway for enabling low-carbon transitions and improving energy efficiency in the maritime sector. This paper conducts a comprehensive and structured analysis of EMS technologies applied to ship hybrid propulsion systems. It evaluates the functional roles of EMS under varying system architectures, synthesizes mainstream energy management strategies, and identifies current technological bottlenecks, thereby contributing theoretical foundations for the green transformation of the shipping industry. The study first examines representative hybrid propulsion architectures, detailing their technical characteristics to clarify the functional positioning and optimization priorities of EMS in each configuration. It then reviews prevailing energy management and control strategies, with a focus on their integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of adaptive and data-driven approaches. Finally, the paper identifies key challenges in hybrid propulsion EMS, proposes future research directions, and offers practical recommendations to support the advancement and implementation of intelligent energy management technologies in maritime applications.

The Magnus airfoil can convert wind energy into kinetic energy, driving the boat forward. The rotating cylinder at the airfoil's leading edge enhances lift and reduces drag, positioning it as a promising technology for boundary layer flow control. This study, based on the NACA0015 airfoil, employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate the effect of cylinder diameter on the aerodynamic performance of the Magnus airfoil. The Reynolds number is set to 4×10⁵, with an angle of attack of 18°, a rotational speed ratio of 1.4, and cylinder diameters ranging from 6% to 13% of the airfoil's chord length. Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze and compare the lift and drag characteristics, vorticity distribution, pressure distribution, and flow field structure for varying cylinder diameters. The results show that a high-speed rotating cylinder, when placed at the airfoil’s leading edge, effectively suppresses flow separation on the suction surface, delays boundary layer development, and enhances the overall aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. For the Magnus airfoil studied, the optimal diameter of the rotating cylinder at the leading edge is found to be 12% of the chord length.

With the increasing demand for energy conservation and emissions reduction in the shipping industry, suctionbased turbine sails have emerged as a novel wind energy utilization technology and have become a research hotspot. This study focuses on the aerodynamic performance of suction-based turbine sails with the aim of investigating the effects of suction intensity and suction port position on their aerodynamic characteristics. By employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations using the Re-Normalization Group (RNG) k–ε turbulence model and the SIMPLE algorithm, this study provides a detailed analysis of lift and drag coefficients, pressure distribution, and vorticity distribution under various combinations of suction intensity (γ) and suction port position (α). The results show that variations in suction intensity significantly affect the lift and drag characteristics of the turbine sail, while changes in the suction port position directly influence the attachment and separation behavior of airflow on the sail surface. Furthermore, a synergistic effect is observed between γ and α—their interaction not only alters the flow distribution but also plays a critical role in determining the overall performance of the turbine sail.By comprehensively considering the influence of these two factors, the study draws key conclusions for optimizing the design of suction-based turbine sail, providing valuable theoretical insights and technical guidance for their practical application in wind-assisted marine propulsion.

In response to the escalating demands of global trade and the pressing imperative for environmental preservation, the shipping industry is confronted with the dual challenges of augmenting energy efficiency and significantly curtailing carbon emissions. Ship drag reduction technology emerges as a promising solution to address these critical issues. Over the recent years, a spectrum of diverse drag reduction technologies has been developed, each precisely targeting distinct components of ship resistance and influenced by a multitude of factors. We provide a comprehensive synthesis and critical evaluation of the existing literature on ship drag reduction technologies. It categorizes these technologies into four primary domains: body-attached drag reduction, surface drag reduction, air lubrication drag reduction, and other specialized drag reduction techniques. By presenting detailed and extensive experimental data, coupled with real-world application cases, we underscore the practical implementation and proven efficacy of these technologies in reducing ship drag. We delve into the current limitations and challenges encountered by these technologies. We also offer strategic recommendations for future research endeavors and practical applications, aiming to overcome these limitations and enhance the overall performance of drag reduction technologies. The insights provided in this paper aim to serve as a guide for ongoing efforts in developing innovative and effective utilization of ship drag reduction technologies, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of the shipping industry.