Ship sailing route optimisation and control for intelligent and efficient navigation: technologies, applications, and challenges

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Ship route optimisation decision and control are important for enhancing safety, economy, and environmental protection. However, the existing research lacks a systematic analysis of route optimisation and control methods, making it difficult to provide effective technical support for ship route optimisation and control. Therefore, this paper presents a systematic analysis of the models, algorithms, and technologies involved in the ship route optimisation decision and control. Firstly, the factors influencing ship route optimisation are analysed, and the global route optimisation models and methods for improving energy efficiency are reviewed. Then, the local real-time path planning and dynamic obstacle-avoidance technologies are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the research progress of path tracking and intelligent trajectory control technologies and methods is analysed. Finally, the existing limitations and challenges in ship route optimisation and control are systematically analysed, and the future research directions are outlined. The results of the analysis indicate that the ship route optimisation effect is not only limited by a single planning or control method but also depends on the coordination and integration level of global route planning, local obstacle-avoidance decision-making, and path-tracking control. Future research should further strengthen the integration of intelligent optimisation algorithms and navigation control technologies and build a ship route optimisation and control system that focuses on uncertain-environment perception and multi-objective coordination, thereby driving the shipping industry toward further development in safety, efficiency, and greenness.