Operational Sense Making of Marine Propulsion Systems in Energy Efficiency Driven Shipping

The growing demand for energy efficiency and emission reduction in the shipping sector highlights the importance of operational approaches that go beyond technology and emphasize how ship operators make sense of marine propulsion systems. Using a qualitative case-study approach on commercial vessels, this study finds that operators’ contextual understanding of engine loads, sea conditions, and operating patterns significantly supports adaptive decision-making, fuel optimization, and system reliability. The study concludes that integrating human, technological, and operational contexts is essential for improving energy efficiency and advancing sustainable ship propulsion management