The Naval Architect – News

Call for UK to exploit ‘unique’ nuclear opportunity

Call for UK to exploit ‘unique’ nuclear opportunity

A report jointly issued by tech firm CORE POWER, marine insurer NorthStandard and class society Lloyd’s Register (LR) paints an optimistic picture for the safe development and installation of small nuclear reactors aboard commercial ships and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) in the UK – provided the government gets behind the effort. The paper, entitled […]

Build it smart: UK yards must tackle AI and robotics skills gap

Build it smart: UK yards must tackle AI and robotics skills gap

The UK shipbuilding sector needs to address significant skills shortages in AI, robotics and automation if it is to thrive in the long term, a report from National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) claims. The report outlines the need to further adopt these three emerging technologies to enhance operations such as welding, joining and inspections in […]

Polish Navy orders submarine rescue vessel

Polish Navy orders submarine rescue vessel

The Polish Ministry of Defence has placed a contract for the construction of a submarine rescue vessel, to provide support for the new subs it is building under the Orka programme. Ratownik (Rescuer) will replace the rescue vessels ORP Piast and ORP Lech, which have now been in service for 50 years. The contract is the second time […]

New test kit to detect yacht hot tub hazards

New test kit to detect yacht hot tub hazards

System monitoring company CM Technologies (CMT) has launched a new test kit for Legionnaire’s disease, which, CMT warns, can easily breed in onboard hot tubs, spas and pools. “Hot tubs are a real problem,” comments CMT managing director David Fuhlbruegge. “Most yachts have them these days, with operating water temperatures of between 37°-40°C, which is […]

Repair round-up: Maersk teams up with CSL for Indian repair drive

Repair round-up: Maersk teams up with CSL for Indian repair drive

From AHTS to drone deployment Norway’s Green Yard Kleven has been awarded a fifth ship conversion contract with Brazilian shipowner Oceanica. The yard will convert the vessel Oceanicasub XVII from an anchor-handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel to a ship capable of performing ROV operations. Oceanicasub XVII will be equipped with mezzanine decks for ROV equipment, […]

Preview: Surge in demand for WAPS retrofits

Preview: Surge in demand for WAPS retrofits

Manufacturers of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are reporting a surge of interest in their products in the wake of new greenhouse gas policies and the industry’s wider decarbonisation efforts. As well as supplying newbuilds, these manufacturers are noting an upswing in retrofit orders. One such WAPS manufacturer is BAR Technologies, whose CEO, John Cooper, says: […]

MV ‘Iana’ prepped for sustainable short-sea sailings

MV ‘Iana’ prepped for sustainable short-sea sailings

Dutch builder Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has delivered the first vessel in its new SALMO multipurpose vessel series to Appingedam-headquartered short-sea shipping operator Transtal Shipping. Christened MV Iana, the vessel features a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain but has also been future-proofed for the addition of e-fuels including hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. MV Iana was designed in-house by Thecla […]

IMO sets course against plastic pollution

IMO sets course against plastic pollution

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response is optimistic that its revised ‘Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships’ is on track for approval at the upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in April 2025. The announcement came at the conclusion of the Sub-Committee’s 12th session, held at […]

Superyacht ‘Camila’ takes the spacious approach

Superyacht ‘Camila’ takes the spacious approach

Istanbul boatbuilder Bilgin Yachts has provided a sneak preview of its latest 499gt superyacht, Camila, following the vessel’s launch at the end of January. The newbuild, a member of the Bilgin 163 series, was produced in collaboration with compatriot naval architecture firm Unique Yacht Design – whose founder, Emrecan Özgün, describes Camila as boasting “20% […]

GTT certification boosts ASRY’s LNG carrier repair focus

GTT certification boosts ASRY’s LNG carrier repair focus

Bahrain shipyard ASRY has strengthened its position in the LNG carrier repair and maintenance segment by securing approved certification from one of the leading designers and providers of cryogenic containment systems, Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT). The accreditation recognises ASRY’s compliance with the required international standards for the repair and maintenance of LNG carriers. ASRY says […]

FSS programme brings shipbuilding back to Belfast

FSS programme brings shipbuilding back to Belfast

Navantia UK has confirmed plans to invest in Harland & Wolff following its acquisition of the company’s facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish in late January 2025. Having acquired the company, senior leadership from Navantia and its British subsidiary, Navantia UK, visited Harland & Wolff’s Belfast shipyard, and intend to visit all of its […]

TELMA aims to optimise at-sea replenishment

TELMA aims to optimise at-sea replenishment

SIREHNA, a subsidiary of France’s Naval Group specialising in uncrewed vessel tech, has been selected to develop an innovative system for replenishment vessels operated by the French Navy. The Automated Replenishment Telemetry at Sea (TELMA) project aims to significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of replenishment between ships. It is hoped that the technology developed […]