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.
Topping up the tank
Image: Marcin Szczepanski, University of Michigan College of Engineering
The Richard B Couch Model Basin at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, following completion of extensive renovations to the 750,000gallon, 360ft-long towing tank facility.
Apprenticeships: My path to success
Aaron Cobb, winning accolades for his warship work
Aaron Cobb MRINA is chief engineer, international navy support, at BAE Systems, Maritime and Land Defence Solutions: vocational training was the basis for a fascinating and fulfilling career and it could be the pathway to success for many more young people.
AiP for wind-assisted liquefied CO2 carrier
Computer-generated image of a MOL/SHI carrier design (image: MOL)
ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a liquefied CO₂ carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger hard sail wind propulsion system.
History: Lessons from MV Derbyshire
Bulk carrier Derbyshire, which sank in 1980, with the loss of 44 lives
John Jubb CEng, 94, on one of the most remarkable and troubling episodes in British maritime history in which he played a vital role.
New autonomous vessel agreement
Orca AI's SeaPod watchkeeper (image: Orca AI)
Orca AI and SHI in joint development deal
Laser shield takes shape
UK’s DragonFire set to take on drones by 2027.
IMO prepares for pivotal November
Power & Sustainability (Newsletter)
A clear path to decarbonisation is not yet available but MEPC 84 has given a clear direction of travel. While attempts to sink the NZF have apparently failed, putting its proponents in the driving seat, technical discussions – unlike the political debate – carry on regardless.
Bunker costs a boon for alternative fuels
Power & Sustainability (Newsletter)
ONE container ship takes on bunker fuel (image: Shutterstock)
The conflict in Iran has seen some unintended consequences, driving up fossil fuel costs and making alternative fuels viable. At the same time, it is fuelling interest in vessel efficiency and raising the prospects of more fuels in the mix.
Supercritical CO2 opens new power frontier
Power & Sustainability (Newsletter)
Rolls-Royce engineer stands next to a marine gas turbine
Supercritical CO2 turbines are not new, but CNNC has tested a 15MW sCO2 turbine, which offers a power-dense power plant with claimed efficiencies of up to 40%. Retrofitting a sCO2 turbine is comparatively easy. Is this an interim answer to green shipping?
BMT bolsters Anzac class engineering
Warship Technology (Newsletter)
BMT's Anzac support contract (image: BAE Systems Australia)
The Royal Australian Navy's Anzac Class Designer Support Contract, DSC-West, will see BMT provide specialist engineering support. BMT's 2024 acquisition of Australian Maritime Technologies preserves an unbroken design lineage from the original build programme.
Herne XLAUV charts new certification course
Warship Technology (Newsletter)
Autonomous underwater vehicle certification
BAE Systems' Herne extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle is set to be the first platform of its kind certified under Lloyd's Register's Unmanned Marine Systems Code. The milestone establishes recognised assurance standards for large uncrewed submersibles, with significant implications for naval architects and the defence maritime sector.
Plymouth's prime position gets boost
Warship Technology (Newsletter)
Plymouth's historic position offers future options (image: National Centre for Marine Autonomy)
The UK Government has committed £50 million to Plymouth's National Centre for Marine Autonomy, targeting UUV and USV development. Smart Sound Plymouth offers more than 1,000km2 of deconflicted water space and 75m offshore depths, while proximity to HM Naval Base Devonport adds operational credibility for autonomous systems validation.
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