Technology and Policy Driving Short-Sea and Inland Waterways Toward Net-Zero Emissions

Call for Papers
Technology and Policy Driving Short-Sea and Inland Waterways Toward Net-Zero Emissions
Journal: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
Publisher: Elsevier
Submission Deadline: 30 December 2026

Overview
This special issue focuses on integrated, system-level analyses of technological, operational, and regulatory measures that can deliver cost-effective net-zero pathways for short-sea shipping and inland waterway transport. It emphasizes that decarbonization cannot be understood through isolated solutions alone, because real-world progress depends on how fuels, propulsion systems, operations, and regulations work together. The call is aimed at research that helps policymakers, operators, and technology developers make practical decisions for waterborne mobility.

Scope
The issue welcomes original research and critical reviews on combined decarbonization strategies, including alternative fuels, hybrid and battery-electric propulsion, wind-assisted technologies, port electrification, and shore power. It also seeks work on operational optimization such as speed, routing, trim, and energy management systems, especially where these interact with compliance requirements under FuelEU Maritime, CII, EEXI, and MRV. System-level assessment is a major focus, including life-cycle analysis, techno-economic evaluation, fleet planning, investment decisions, and digital decision-support tools.

Submission Information
All submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere. Manuscripts should be submitted through the TRD online system, and authors must indicate that the paper is intended for this special issue. During submission, the article type should be selected as “VSI: Integrated maritime.” Papers must be in English and should meet the journal’s standards for originality, contribution, and scientific merit before they are considered for peer review.

Guest Editors

• Nikola Vladimir — University of Zagreb.

• Ailong Fan — Wuhan University of Technology.

• Thalis Zis — Cyprus University of Technology.

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