UK-based autonomy software developer Marine AI has launched a project in the hope of granting uncrewed vessels the ability to “communicate naturally” with other ships, in the manner of a human operator. The project has received the backing of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) created […]
The Royal Norwegian Navy has selected the Type 26 frigate offered by the UK for its next-generation frigate. The new frigates will replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, of which five were built but only four remain following the loss of one, Helge Ingstad, in 2018, after the vessel ran aground. Delivery of […]
The UK offshore wind industry must exploit robotics and autonomous systems to the hilt if it is to thrive, according to a report issued by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. Titled Robotic & Autonomous Systems For Operations and Maintenance In UK Offshore Wind, the report, produced in partnership with Innovate UK’s Workforce Foresighting Hub […]
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 […]
Updated guidance on tackling ‘non-traditional’ fires, including those involving batteries and alternative fuels, take prominence in the British Tugowners Association’s (BTA’s) recently published Use of Tugs in Firefighting e-doc, which offers industry-standard guidance for tug operators. “In 2023, over 200 shipboard fires were reported globally, highlighting the urgent need for effective firefighting protocols,” the BTA […]
The UK Government is to build up to a dozen new attack submarines as part of the AUKUS programme, in response to “rapidly increasing threats”. The decision means that the UK’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet will be significantly expanded. In a statement, the government said: “The increase in submarines will transform the UK’s submarine-building […]
UK high-speed boat and RIB-builder Marine Specialised Technology (MST) Group reports that it has secured a £6 million funding package from domestic bank NatWest. Ben Kerfoot, group managing director, tells The Naval Architect: “The funding will be used to finance the build stage of projects that are increasingly larger and more complex, to satisfy the […]
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult reports that it has selected nine UK companies for its 2025 Launch Academy technology acceleration programme, created to provide “wraparound support” to innovative companies working in the offshore wind segment. The nine-month programme is also being supported by EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, bp and ScottishPower Renewables. The annual […]
Shipbuilder APCL Cammell Laird has been tasked with performing an in-depth analysis of the potential market for UK-built ships in the offshore wind sector, commissioned by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the National Shipbuilding Office and The Crown Estate. Lauren Hadnum, clean maritime manager at ORE Catapult, says: “We know that for the UK […]
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, UK and the Japanese Floating Wind Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work towards reducing risks and costs related to floating offshore wind. The MoU, signed in Tokyo on 7 March, follows nine months of collaboration between ORE Catapult and FLOWRA. The initiative […]
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 […]