International collaboration and transformative technologies: reflections on two decades of Ships and Offshore Structures and a decade of ICSOS

Journal article, 2026

This article commemorates two significant milestones: the 20th anniversary of the Ships and Offshore Structures (SAOS) journal and the 10th anniversary of the International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS). Both have become vital global platforms for the dissemination of knowledge, collaboration across disciplines, and the advancement of transformative technologies in the maritime sector. This article provides reflections on the importance of international collaboration in addressing the grand challenges facing the maritime industry, highlights the role of technological innovations, particularly artificial intelligence, digital twins, big data, and high-speed communication technologies, and outlines pathways for inspiring both young-career and senior engineers. Looking back from the Titanic era to today’s AI-driven landscape, and looking forward to the century ahead, this contribution celebrates the progress made while calling for renewed dedication to international cooperation and technological innovation as we confront the defining challenges of our time.