The research on the dynamics analysis-based energy-saving technology is significant to reduce ship energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of dynamics analysis theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches can achieve the optimal design and energy efficiency improvement of the ship. This research focuses on the ship energy efficiency improvement technology through CFD-based dynamics analysis, including the hull optimization design, drag reduction technology, navigation state optimization, efficient propulsion devices, energy-saving equipment, and the coupled dynamics analysis for comprehensive performance optimization. The current research and application status of ship performance optimization based on CFD approaches for energy-efficient shipping are systematically analyzed. On this basis, the challenges and problems in the application of the CFD-based energy-saving technology are discussed, and the future research works are proposed, aiming to provide references for the development of ship energy-saving technology based on CFD approaches. The analysis results show that the adoption of CFD-based dynamics analysis methods can effectively optimize the ship dynamics performance, thus reducing ship energy consumption and pollution gas emissions. In the future, the CFD-based coupled dynamics analysis should be further studied to achieve the overall performance optimization of the integrated ship-engine-propeller-appendages system under the influence of multiple complex factors, to continuously improve the ship energy efficiency, thus promoting the low-carbon development of the shipping industry.

Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) is one of the important energy-saving measures for shipping decarbonization. The optimal design and operation control of wind-assisted ships can efficiently harvest and utilize wind energy, and thus further tapping the potential of improving the ship energy efficiency. However, there remains a shortage of the comprehensive analysis of the wind-assisted technologies to provide references for further study and practical applications of the WAPS. Thus, the present progress achieved in the key techniques, including the aerodynamics analysis for different sails, the optimal design and operation control of the ship adopting WAPS, as well as the comprehensive analysis of the sail-diesel hybrid propulsion system (SDHPS), are systematically analyzed. Additionally, the challenges encountered in the development of the WAPS are proposed, and prospective research directions are suggested to boost advancement of the WAPS for the shipping decarbonization. The investigation results indicate that the optimal design of sails and hybrid power systems, along with the applications of energy efficiency optimization strategies, can fully use the wind energy resources and reduce fuel usage of the ship equipped with WAPS. Additionally, it is anticipated that the wind-assisted technology incorporating complicated sea conditions can contribute to a further optimization of ship energy utilization, thereby promoting the low-carbon development of the shipping industry.