Abstract
With the continuous advancement of intelligent technology, intelligent transportation has become a prominent area of research within the transportation sector. In contrast to road-based intelligent transportation systems, the development of intelligent maritime transportation remains in its early stages. This paper proposes a foundational theory and related concepts for ship navigation guidance to address the gap in theoretical support for intelligent maritime transportation. By examining both individual and system-level attributes, the similarities and differences between vehicles and ships are analyzed. Drawing on the theoretical framework of road-based intelligent transportation and the unique characteristics of maritime transportation, the paper introduces the core theory of intelligent maritime transportation, specifically the theoretical structure of a ship's intelligent guidance system. Based on this theoretical framework, a prototype of the ship navigation intelligent guidance system was developed and tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the system successfully integrates core technologies, each fulfilling its intended role. The system significantly enhances the safety of ship navigation and fosters the advancement of intelligent maritime transportation. Therefore, the proposed definition of ship navigation guidance and the associated technical framework for the intelligent guidance system not only enrich the theoretical foundations of intelligent maritime transportation but also offer valuable insights for the development of intelligent ships.