The UK is poised to lead in uncrewed surface vessel (USV) development, backed by strong technical expertise and government initiatives like the Ministry of Defence’s NavyX programme. However, regulatory hurdles are stifling progress, says Matthew Ratsey, MD of Plymouth-based Zero USV, one of two key UK USV developers who spoke to The Naval Architect for […]
The new North Eastern Guardian IV had to be extremely capable and based on a proven, sub-24m design. So, what better architecture than an established crew transfer vessel (CTV)? In fact, the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NEIFCA) had been planning a replacement for its forerunner, North Eastern Guardian III, for some years. As […]
Finnish ship designer Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for six new methanol-compatible ro-pax vessels. Ordered by Grimaldi Group, the ferries will be built to the specs of the ‘Next Generation Med’ class and will cover Mediterranean routes serviced by the owner’s Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines subsidiaries. Each newbuild […]
A UK consortium comprising Morek Engineering, Solis Marine Engineering, Tope Ocean, First Marine Solutions and Celtic Sea Power has devised a new class of floating wind installation vessel, primed for energy efficiency and sustainable operations. Having formally unveiled the concept at a Society of Maritime Industries event in London in May, the partners say they […]
Visitors to Amsterdam will now be able to enjoy fine dining on the water free of smoke and noise, as the relaunched floating restaurant Henry Schmitz resumes operations, following an internal overhaul and conversion to electric power. The 16.7m x 3.7m saloon boat, originally built in the early 1900s and now operated by Amsterdam Jewel […]
Neoline’s dream is taking shape, writes Bruno Cianci. Following the January launch of Neoliner Origin, which took place at the RMK Marine facility in Tuzla, Istanbul, this 136m, sailing and diesel-electric ro-ro cargo vessel will enter service connecting the Atlantic coast of France with the port of Baltimore, making intermediate calls in St. Pierre & […]
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has selected Aker Arctic to design a next-generation Baltic icebreaker as part of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea III (WINMOS III) project, co-financed by the EU. In addition to initial design, technical evaluation and concept comparisons, the contract includes model tests and the development of a final concept […]
Largest suction sail installation completed Bound4blue has completed the installation of the world’s largest suction sails, with four 26m-high eSAILs being fitted to Atlantic Orchard. Chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers of Sweden, the specialised juice carrier had the sails fitted in a single stop already scheduled for its 10-year […]
While the classification of operational ships can be a challenging task, the compliance required to ensure safe navigation is at least well-known, in most cases. However, when it comes to static floating ships, the regulations become much more ambiguous. As John Monasta, associate director at maritime engineering firm Beckett Rankine, explains, the first key question […]
UK yacht designer and builder Brythonic Yachts says it is inviting “serious inquiries only” for a new customisable house boat concept. Potential owners will be able to select from: aluminium or composite construction; a fully built boat or a flatpack/self-assembly package; and between one to four bedrooms, with boat lengths set to span 9-25m. Sharing […]
The IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) gives ship operators wide freedoms on how to reduce their vessel and fleet carbon intensity. However, according to recent analysis carried out by Wärtsilä Marine, 47% of the global merchant fleet will need to upgrade its emissions performance to avoid slipping into the C to E CII bands across […]
EGCS retrofit combines carbon capture technology Value Maritime (VM) has installed its combined exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) and carbon capture unit aboard the 75,000dwt Nexus Victoria, an LR1-type product tanker owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). VM’s 15MW next-generation EGCS Filtree system can filter sulphur and ultra-fine particulate matter, and can capture 10% of […]