Doctoral Thesis

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A comparative study on the operational efficiency of inland waterways in Kerala and Goa with specific reference to ro-ro service in NW-3
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) Biju, Gadha
A critical assessment of stress causing factors for Indian seafarers in the changing landsacape of shipping
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-02-01) Chandra, Mihir
Global transportation has been mostly dependent on shipping routes by the volume of goods and commodities being moved across continents. Thus, shipping has transformed lives and livelihoods and has been the fulcrum to make the economy of a nation robust or weaker. Therefore, this study focuses on seafarers who work on board ships for their well-being. This study compasses Indian seafarers and analysis shows that three factors, personal, professional, and family related, account for stressors on board ships. Personal factors include the unavailability of vegetarian food and fear of rapid burnout. Professional factors comprised issues related to male and female seafarers and job security. Family related factors included long separation from spouses and financial commitments. It has been put through t test and MANOVA for gender, job-site, marital status and sailing experience.
A study of logistics issues in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) R, Dinagaran
A study on current trends in cruise tourism in India
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) Raj, Avinash
A study on risk assessment and management of oil spill hazards in ports
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Baiju, Sona
Oil spills represent one of the most critical environmental hazards associated with maritime operations, particularly in harbourage areas that handle petroleum and chemical weight. This study aims to estimate the threat of oil painting tumbles and explore effective operation strategies through a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. By assaying both transnational and indigenous oil painting slip incidents, including the 2017 Ennore Port slip in India, the exploration applies Poisson distribution modelling to estimate the frequence of tumbles and assess slip probability trends over time.
A study on shipbuilding in India and its prospects
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Ubays,Muhammed P
A systematic study on green port strategies of sustainable port operations
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) M, Ganeshkumar
Today the globe increasing an environmental protection and sustainable development, ports across the globe are embracing green port policies to reduce their ecological impact without compromising on operational efficiency. This research study examines the implementation, efficacy, and struggles of green port strategies in ensuring sustainable port operation. Through an examination of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and policy frameworks of major ports worldwide, the research identifies the most important sustainability initiatives such as the use of shore power, waste management, energy-efficient facilities, and emissions reduction programs. The study also examines how technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, and policies of regulation contribute to facilitating sustainable changes. The Findings indicate that although green strategies significantly contribute to environmental and economic gains, their implementation is significantly tied to regional context, governance arrangements, and investment capacity. The research concludes by presenting a strategy for combining port management and green practices and pointing out avenues for future research and policy-making towards further promoting eco-friendly maritime logistics.
Ai implementation in dry ports: challenges and barriers faced
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Sasidharan, Swathi
The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dry ports creates a unique opportunity for improving operational productivity, increasing value, reducing expenditure, and even improving AI-assisted decision making. Nevertheless, there are challenges that hamper its use. This essay seeks to identify and analyze the most crucial barriers hindering the application of AI technologies in dry port operations. With the use of a questionnaire involving 73 participants from dry port and logistics services, data was based on 25 factors (identified through a 5-point Likert scale). In the beginning, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used on the respondent’s data to uncover major underlying patterns within the data. Along with the numerous barriers outlined in the paper, some prominent ones remain such as the lack of technical know-how, obsolescent infrastructure, vague regulatory rameworks, and most importantly, immense financial burdens are some of the most important barriers. These results assist stakeholders to effectively plan suitable designated plans to facilitate efficient AI algorithms into operational dry ports.
Blockchain enabled carbon credit system for green shipping
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-23) Abel, P T
The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, is simultaneously a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions. With international trade projected to expand, emissions from shipping are expected to rise drastically by 2050, intensifying environmental concerns. Despite the introduction of international regulations, current emissions monitoring and carbon credit systems remain fragmented, opaque, and susceptible to fraud and inefficiency. This project explores the application of blockchain technology as a transformative solution to enhance the credibility, efficiency, and transparency of carbon credit systems in the shipping sector.
Characterisation and performance of environment friendly natural antifoulants
(Indian Maritime University, Chennai, 2017) Joshi, Madhu.; Misra, S. C.; Mukherjee, Adithiya.; Sivakholundu, K. M.
In the middle of the 19th century antifouling paints were developed to prevent marine growth on ship hulls. Due to fouling, there is an increase in fuel consumption, reduction in vessel speed, increase in greenhouse emissions, acceleration of corrosion and propagation of invasive species. Today, ships are required to be drydocked every 5 years when the bottom hull is cleaned of fouling growth and painted with fresh coats of antifouling paint. Hull fouling takes place in marine environment in varying degrees. Density of marine organisms is higher in coastal water and since run-off from the land brings a wealth of food on which plankton exists, boats moored in harbours and estuaries are heavily fouled as paint depletion is low. There is an ongoing effort to improve the antifouling paint quality which can reduce fouling growth on hull surface and increase the gap in dry-docking schedules. But with this effort towards improving paint quality, it has been observed that paint components can be toxic causing ecological harm to ocean environment. Hence extensive research is being done in Natural Product Antifoulants (NPA). Natural product derivatives such as marine organisms like corals, sponges and seaweeds protect their body surfaces with several biochemical substances. Similarly, a wide array of terrestrial plants possess several natural compounds such as terpenes, acetylenes, polycyclic compounds, steroids, phenols, isothiocyanates, nitrogen containing compounds, glycerol derivatives, higher fatty acids and enzymes that are perhaps suitable as antifouling agents. Due to their availability and physio-chemical properties, Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) seed oil and Azadirachta indica (Neem) seed oil have been studied in the work for their potential use as antifouling agents. The bioassay studies against barnacle larvae reveal that Azadirachtin (Neem bioactive) has acute toxicity against barnacle larvae, percent motility inhibition being 64.78+3.95 at 0.5 µg.ml-1, 81.24+8.23 at 1.0 µg.ml-1and 100 at 5.0 µg.ml-1 in 24 hrs. Karanjin (Karanj bioactive) which also showed positive results against barnacle larvae at higher concentration, percent motility inhibition being 29.2+5.4 at 20 µg.ml-1 , 57.3+23.9 at 50 µg.ml-1and 85+25.9 at 100 µg.ml-1 in 4 hrs. The results of Neem toxicity also agrees with what was previously reported about Neem oil toxicity against L. Fortunei (Pereyra et.al., 2011) and Karanj oil has been used indigenously with Chandrus (a plant resin from members of the family Dipterocarpaceae) and lime in wooden boats to protect against termites Santhakumaran et.al., 1982). Marine exposure trials were conducted to find out the efficacy of Neem oil and Karanj oil in marine environment and these investigations on biocidal antifouling compositions were carried out at two sites at Visakhapatnam harbour. Environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen were monitored at the two stations. The seasonal pattern didn’t vary much during the field trials. The analyses of variances followed by post hoc tests of biofoulers recruitment both in terms of their numerical abundance and quantitative spread over the metal test plates from different points of view clearly demonstrated the usefulness of treatments in controlling biofouling formations at two sites at Visakhapatnam harbour despite spatial and temporal variations in the quality and quantity of biofouling on planted coupons. Analysis of variance conducted on the recruitment of Amphibalanus amphitrite amphitrite during various months as well as treatments at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour divulgedno significant difference in the abundance of this fouling barnacle species among various months (p=0.06), but projected very highly significant difference among various treatments given to the test plates (p = 4.78x10-8) signifying the effect of treatments over controls in curtailing the balanid recruitment. Thus, the overall assessment of performance of the bioactives of Karanj and Neem during the field exposure at the two sites in Visakhapatnam harbour in the backdrop of the performance of the Controls and Commercial antifoulant reveals that Neem bioactive is arginally better than Karanj bioactive and formulations incorporating still higher doses than the ones employed during the present investigation are required to achieve desired outcome of total prevention of biofouling on metal surfaces. Also, in order to significantly minimize fouling, antifouling (AF) painting schemes must also take into account the uneven hydrodynamic forces at the water-hull interface. If a correlation between wall shear stress at all locations on the vessels hull with rate of antifouling paint depletion is known, then the appropriate AF scheme could be applied. To obtain such a correlation the “Drum-Test” apparatus was devised, designed, manufactured and utilized. The results of paint film depletion of three self-polishing copolymer (SPC) antifouling paints versus time for various speeds of the drum indicated that Paint 3which was TBT free SPC antifouling paint with Cuprous oxide and organic biocides as active ingredients had maximum polishing rates while in Paint 1 which was TBT free SPC antifouling paint based on Copper acrylate, the polishing action was minimum. This implies that that Paint 1 could be coated for high speed high activity vessels such as ocean going vessels while Paint 3 would be an option for low speed low activity vessels such as harbour crafts, motor launch etc. This is expected to help in reducing the proportion of antifoulant in the proposed formulations paving way both for the development of eco-benign and cost-effective antifouling formulations. Key words: fouling, paint depletion, Natural product antifoulants, marine, terrestrial, bioactives, Commercial antifoulants, antifouling (AF) painting schemes, wall shear stress, Drum test apparatus, Selfpolishing Copolymer (SPC).
Comparative efficiency analysis of rail freight divisions in Indian railways
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) M, Dharineesh K
This analysis determines the efficiency of Indian Railways' freight divisions in operation based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach, a non-parametric method that allows relative efficiency assessment of decision-making units. As the Indian Railways is among the biggest freight carriers in the world, analysis of its divisions' efficiency is important in order to boost productivity, optimize the use of resources, and inform the investment of infrastructure.
Critical analysis on Indian container traffic and its impact on economic development
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) R, Aswin S
The increased trade flexibility afforded by containerized cargo has dramatically changed worldwide trade and economic interdependence. The study assesses the importance of container traffic in economic growth, specifically in the areas of GDP growth, job creation, industrial activity, and export/import efficiency. By analyzing data from the major container ports and their hinterlands, the study reviewed the trends and relationships between increases in container volume (throughput) with traditional macroeconomic indicators. For the analysis, the study utilized both quantitative assessments (port throughput data and economic metrics) and qualitative assessments (data on infrastructure and policies). Important findings included the contribution of ports with large transaction volumes to the nation or region in terms of enhanced connectivity, reduced logistics costs, and attracting foreign investment. Significant challenges remain for ports including capacity-related issues, environment/fossil fuel dependency, and the need for progress in the areas of digitization and green technologies. The research concludes with recommendations for future policy reform and strategic public or private investment in port infrastructure to benefit from increased port leverage of container volume for inclusive economic growth.
Digitalization impact on port operations: an analysis of the use of smart port operations
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) M, Akash
The digitalization of the maritime sector has made a paradigm shift in port operations across the globe. This research explores the role of digitalization in enhancing port efficiency, with particular emphasis on the smart port operation implementation at Cochin Port, one of the largest ports in India on the Arabian Sea. The aim is to discuss how digital technologies have been embraced and how they shape other key performance indicators like turnaround time, cargo handling, and supply chain integration. Intelligent port operations rely on the application of cutting-edge digital technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data analytics in order to streamline port activities. The technologies facilitate automation, real-time information sharing, as well as enhanced coordination among stakeholders in the ports. The study employs a qualitative approach involving literature review, analysis of case studies, and stakeholder perceptions.
Effect of the red sea crisis on global supply chains
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Ambuj, Laxmi Narayan
Implementation of AI & IoT in warehouse management system related to perishable commodities (pharmaceutical drugs)
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Singh, Shaktikant
Odc cargo movements of major ports in Tamilnadu
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-26) S, Karthikeyan
This research critically analyzes the management of Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) and Project Cargo at Tamil Nadu's principal ports—Chennai, V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin), and Kamarajar (Ennore)—with respect to operational, infrastructural, regulatory, and economic aspects. ODC, defined by over-dimensional or weighty cargoes like wind turbine parts, power transformers, and industrial equipment, and Project Cargo, high-value cargoes for mega projects, are the key to Tamil Nadu's industrial expansion in renewable energy, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. The study uses a mixed-methods design, combining secondary data analysis (government reports, port statistics, industry publications), qualitative interviews with port executives and logistics managers, case studies, and real-time data from web sources and platforms such as X. The period covered is FY2020–2025, with historical background from the early 2000s and forecast to 2030.
Risk management in project cargo logistics
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-28) Visakh, S D
The long - term morphological development of kakinada bay
(Indian Maritime University, Chennai, 2022) Sharma, Garima.; Sivakholundu, K. M.
The evolution of Kakinada Bay with Coringa Mangroves at its southern shore and Kakinada Spit and Hope Island at its eastern side has occurred over the past century. This morphological development of the bay is attributed to the biophysical interactions, hydrodynamic forcing like waves, winds, tides, currents and sediment dynamics occurring inside the bay. The processes governing the short-term (decadal) and long-term (century) morphology of the bay need to be studied to develop sustainable coastal management plan for the intermediate time-scale. This study is an effort to extend the use of process based models to longer time scales to provide better understanding of the morphological development by the action of various physical processes governing alone and in combination. This study answers the question if these long-term morphological modeling can produce the reliable results by creating nexus of two techniques „Remote Sensing and Numerical Modeling‟. The numerical modeling hindcast results are validated using remote sensing images. This study quantifies the rate of change of the shoreline of the bay using remote sensing images in the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). The trend of erosion and accretion occurring inside the bay was obtained using indices End Point Rate (EPR), Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) and Linear Regression Rate (LRR). The rate and trend of sedimentation and erosion obtained with the satellite imageries are further used to statistically compare the transect–wise hindcast and forecast results. Thus this study demonstrates the model‟s ability to reproduce the long-term morphodynamic development of the bay. This study attempts to investigate the action of physical processes on the morphological changes of the bay over a period of 100 years. For long term morphological modeling various approaches are followed like Input Reduction, Model Reduction and Acceleration techniques. Input reduction simulates the long term morphological modeling using schematized input data like morphological tide, schematized wave which are representative sets of the entire data. Model Reduction follows the approach of giving only the most important processes in the model input. Acceleration technique approach uses the morphological acceleration factor which accelerates the morphological development by the assigned factor. Available variants of the morphological predictions have been considered for the study. The study attempts to answer the hypothesis made to choose the appropriate approach between the two statements issued by Lesser (2009) and Roelvink (1999). The approach for adopting model reduction following the correct use of acceleration techniques as stated by Lesser (2009): “In order to use a morphological acceleration technique in a coastal situation it is essential to identify which coastal processes play a significant role in (residual) sediment transport patterns over the space and time scales of interest”. The second approach following the statement given by Roelvink (1999) and quoted by Dastgheib A. (2012) as: “If you put enough of the essential physics into the model, the most important features of the morphological behavior will come out, even at the longer time scales”. The exercise was varied with different environmental forcing with three scenarios: a) Tide only following Model Reduction, b) Tide and Wave Combined, c) Tide and Wave combined action with decadal MSL changes. The planimetric and decadal volumetric changes, shoreline changes have been compared for all the three scenarios. The outcome of the morphodynamic modeling from the different sets of physical processes will help to isolate the role of each physical process that are making difference in the overall morphological changes of the bay. It aims to isolate the effect of waves by comparing two simulations one with only tide and other with both wave and tidal forcing. The study with obtained forecast results will identify the areas under erosion and accretion and quantify the rate of shoreline changes. These results can help further in taking steps for coastal management. Thus this study gives an exemplary integration of the available techniques that can be helpful for coastal development modeling.
To document the inventory management methods adopted by the automobile sector
(Indian Maritime University, 2025-05-27) Sai, Kotte Venkata Gagan Mani
The automobile industry operates within a highly competitive and dynamic environment where efficient supply chain and inventory management practices are essential for maintaining operational continuity and minimizing costs. This study aims to document and critically analyze the inventory management techniques widely adopted in the automobile sector, with the primary focus on understanding their role in overall supply chain performance and logistics cost optimization.