All articles by Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas
Richard is editor-in-chief for defence and transport at GlobalData.
Signal: Harland & Wolff signs MoU with Austal Australia
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) could see Austal patrol vessel design such as the Cape class put forward for UK maritime security entities including Border Force.
UK donates hydrographic scanners to Ukraine to aid maritime sector
The equipment will be used to create accurate nautical charts to improve navigation in the country’s waters.
Canada announces latest investment into Coast Guard fleet
Although a civil maritime organisation, the CCG can be tasked to assist the Royal Canadian Navy on operations or training, with more than 100 vessels in its fleet.
Ukraine shipping inspections under BSGI at all-time low
The BSGI was put in place to enable much-needed Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs to be exported into the global food market.
Iranian naval forces seize second oil tanker in less than a week
The IRGCN seized an oil tanker in transit through the Strait of Hormuz on 3 May, days after a previous seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel.
Harland & Wolff begins prep work for FSS block manufacture
The company’s Belfast site is being revamped ahead of the start of block builds, with its Appledore yard focusing all three FSS bow blocks.
Nigerian Navy to “enhance efforts” in Gulf of Guinea following pirate attacks
In the past month two attacks have been registered on maritime trade in the region, resulting in hijacking of vessels and kidnapping of crew.
Generating workforce for FSS programme will be a challenge: UK officials
Around 1,000 new workers will need to be recruited at two UK shipyards in order to fulfill the build for the Fleet Solid Support programme.
Pragmatism wins the day as MROSS chosen over National Flagship
The decision by the UK Secretary of Defence to suspend the National Flagship programme has enabled investment into subsurface surveillance platforms.
UN pushes ahead with Ukraine grain inspections as Russia backs out
Moscow has suspended participation in a joint UN-Turkish programme that enabled the export of Ukrainian grains via a maritime corridor in the Black Sea.