The Naval Architect provides in-depth information on all aspects of vessel design, construction and engineering. Practical applications of latest technology and case studies are accompanied by analysis and foresights. Published every two months, the magazine covers everything from superyachts and short-hop ferries to tankers and heavy-lift vessels; from battery pack installations and sail-assisted solutions to LNG tank retrofits; and from offshore safety to warship resilience.
BB ElectRA - Northern Europe's first fully electric tug
Significant Ships
Designed by Canada’s Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) and built by Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards, BB ElectRA has been hailed as Northern Europe’s first fully electric tug.
CA Shanghai- First of four container carriers for southeast Asia
Significant Ships
CA Shanghai is the latest-generation container vessel for Yangon Port Limited, developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI). This vessel, the first in a series of four newbuilds, will be mainly used for the transportation of container cargoes in southeast Asia.
DHB Diligent - UK pilot boat with a mid-wheelhouse design
Significant Ships
The first-in-class 15m multi-role pilot boat DHB Diligent, built by Holyhead Marine Services, North Wales, for the Port of Dover, was hailed, at the time of its delivery in August 2024, as the first new pilot boat to enter service at the port in nearly 20 years.
FCV Pilot-01 - India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry
Significant Ships
Cochin Shipyard Limited has built India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered, battery-operated ferry, showcasing LT-PEM technology. Producing only water and heat, the vessel highlights a significant step toward maritime decarbonisation and demonstrates the potential of scalable, clean propulsion solutions.
Guardian - Agile unmanned recovery vessel
Significant Ships
Guardian is a groundbreaking unmanned recovery vessel (URV) designed to enhance maritime safety through cutting-edge technology and innovative design. Developed by Zelim, the vessel represents a paradigm shift in rescue operations by prioritising efficiency, reliability and reduced risk to human operators.
Huang He Kou - LNG dual-fuel pure car truck carrier
Significant Ships
Huang He Kou is a pure car truck carrier (PCTC) built by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Iron Dove - Compact, HVO-fuelled tug with muscle
Significant Ships
Tugboat Iron Dove was specifically designed with the capacity to handle exceptionally challenging operations. This innovative vessel stands out not only for its operational capabilities and power but also for its propulsion technology.
Käthe Wessels - Low-draught, high-bollard pull ASD tug
Significant Ships
The Damen ASD Tug 2111 strengthens Emden’s port operations with more than 50tonnes of bollard pull, IMO Tier III compliance and patented Twin Fin technology. Combining compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and sustainable performance, it signals evolving demands in modern tug design.
Purus Tigers 1839 - Hybrid CTV for offshore wind transits
Significant Ships
Purus Tigers 1839 is the fourth FCS 2710 Hybrid design delivered by Damen Shipyards to Purus. The 26.8m loa vessel has been designed to provide low-emission crew transfer services to the offshore wind sector.
REACH REMOTE 1 - Crew-free research craft and ROV deployer
Significant Ships
Reach Subsea’s REACH REMOTE 1 shows how uncrewed vessels can reshape offshore operations. Combining remote ROV deployment, hybrid-electric propulsion and advanced survey technology, it improves safety, lowers emissions and boosts subsea efficiency.
RV Djildjit Kaartadjiny - Custom-designed research vessel
Significant Ships
RV Djildjit Kaartadjiny is a joint production from Southerly Designs and shipbuilder Dongara Marine, the duo behind the fishing vessel Raging Bull (see Significant Small Ships of 2021).
RV Resilience - Electric-hybrid research vessel for US operations
Significant Ships
RV Resilience is a hybrid research vessel designed by global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther and built by Snow & Company, which was delivered to the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in July 2024.
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