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 […]
Macduff Shipyards’ boatbuilding facility in Buckie, Scotland has delivered a new trawler, Forever Faithful, to Peterhead-based fishing boat owner Andrew West. The newbuild – which replaces West’s previous vessel of the same name, built at the Buckie site in 2016 – will be used to net prawns in the North Sea. The new Forever Faithful […]
Multiple UK maritime and offshore companies celebrated a wave of project funding this week, courtesy of the fourth round of the government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4). The CMDC was established by the UK Department of Transport (DoT) and Innovate UK to develop green technologies for ships and ports. This latest funding round has seen […]
CFD enables Teignbridge to optimise design and performance of propulsion systems Founded in 1974, Teignbridge Propellers International is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of marine propulsion and stern gear products. With more than 65,000 square feet of floor space and over 100 employees at its headquarters in Southwest England, it is the largest producer of […]