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.
Retire or repower wind farms?
Offshore Technology (Newsletter)
A debate rages over whether to leave turbine monopiles in-situ after turbines are decommissioned (image: Institute of Civil Engineers)
The first wind turbines to be deployed are reaching the end of their operational life. The question is, should the sites be re-used or retired?
Press release: Seawork 9-11 June 2026 Southampton
Seawork is held at Mayflower Park, Southampton
Seawork brings maritime expertise and careers focus to Southampton. The annual event combines international exhibitors with strong Solent connections.
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.
Offshore wind: Brazil's blank slate
Offshore Technology (Newsletter)
China's typically smaller, shallow-water WTIV designs are better suited to Brazil's offshore conditions than European designs. Design example, Wind Keeper, was acquired from China by Cadeler in 2025 (image: Cadeler)
Brazil’s emerging offshore industry offers an alternative challenge for naval architects. The region’s shallow water will require redesigned vessels that will work in very different conditions to those experienced in Europe’s North Sea. Brazil’s offshore ships will look quite different from the platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor handlers (AHTS) currently in use there.
Oil markets still restraining offshore wind
Offshore Technology (Newsletter)
Vard's Ocean Charger (image: Vard)
The levelised cost of energy has seen offshore wind dive well below fossil fuels. And following damage reports in the Middle East there is a chance that this situation will persist for some years. Oil is expected to remain around US$90/barrel, prompting European operators to develop electric solutions, charging support vessels on location at windfarm arrays.
MASGA strategy a panacea for ship designers?
Offshore Technology (Newsletter)
Rejuvenating US shipyards is a major challenge, but offshore could prove the catalyst (pictured: Vessels alongside at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard - credit: US Navy)
Making American Shipbuilding Great Again is a challenge that has been accepted by South Korean Yard Hanwha, with its investment in the Philly Yard. To resuscitate the industry will need a major effort, but it could start with the smaller, less complex vessels operating in offshore wind and could provide an opportunity for naval architects too.
Modern market dynamics in fast craft design
Ferries & Fast Craft (Newsletter)
One of Arksen Pro's more recent innovations is the Vampire 1250 (image: Arksen Pro)
As fast craft design adapts to harsher offshore demands and faster-moving procurement cycles, RINA explores what naval architects can learn from Arksen Pro’s approach to ruggedisation, modularity and modern market dynamics
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