Methane hydrates are still a complicated target for today's oil and gas offshore engineers, particularly the lack of reliable real field test data or obtaining the most recent technology available on the feasibility and challenges surrounding the extraction of methane hydrates. Oceanic Methane Hydrates delivers the solid foundation as well as today's advances and challenges that remain. Starting with the fundamental knowledge on gas hydrates, the authors define the origin, estimations, and known exploration and production methods. Historical and current oil and gas fields and roadmaps containing methane hydrates around the world are also covered to help lay the foundation for the early career engineer. Lab experiments and advancements in numerical reservoir simulations transition the engineer from research to practice with real field-core sampling techniques covered, points on how to choose producible methane hydrate reservoirs, and the importance of emerging technologies. Actual comparable onshore tests from around the world are included to help the engineer gain clarity on field expectations. Rounding out the reference are emerging technologies in all facets of the business including well completion and monitoring, economics aspects to consider, and environmental challenges, particularly methods to reduce the costs of methane hydrate exploration and production techniques. Rounding out a look at future trends, Oceanic Methane Hydrates covers both the basics and advances needed for today's engineers to gain the required knowledge needed to tackle this challenging and exciting future energy source.

Given the volumes of global ship traffic, solutions are needed to reduce waiting times, costs, energy consumption and emissions. This systematic reference on ICT solutions and digitalisation in the ports and shipping sector covers new and existing technologies, different types of digital systems, and offers illustrative examples and case studies. Coverage includes the following topics: the global trade facilitation regulatory framework and the role of ICT; maritime ports and cybersecurity; e-navigation and shore-based monitoring systems; maritime transportation along the Northern Sea Route; smart shipping beyond e-navigation; maritime communications; emerging radio communication technologies in the maritime domain; a data-driven methodology for maritime patterns of life discovery; real-time information with its technology; digital supply chain and port information modelling (PIM); ICT innovation in port-hinterland transport services; decarbonisation technologies in shipping and the question of transition fuels; and finally the advent of shore-based navigation: from vessel traffic services (VTS) to e-navigation maritime service portfolio (MSP). The aim of this work is to examine the application of ICT solutions and digitalisation to the movement and clearance of freight at seaports globally. It provides conceptual clarity on the applicability of the different technologies and systems used for this purpose, and the relevance of such projects for different types of ports, from a trade facilitation perspective. It is therefore of particular relevance to researchers, academics, consultants, chief technology officers, and advanced students in the field of freight and logistics, especially in a maritime context. The book is also a valuable reference for anyone involved in port logistics in a managerial or operational capacity, and to port authorities.