Category: Magazine

The LCS debacle of the US Navy

The LCS debacle of the US Navy

Posted by | 8 Nov 2024 | , , | 0

Hardly any other US Navy concept has made as many negative headlines in recent decades as the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). With the foreseeable end of the procurement programme, it is now time to come to terms with the disaster. The transverse launch of the USS Cleveland on 15 April 2023, in which the ship rammed a tugboat and was slightly damaged, is emblematic of the state of the US Navy's LCS programme. What was supposed to be a cutting-edge concept to prepare the Navy for challenges in coastal waters turned into a maritime nightmare shortly after the first ships were commissioned. Originally...

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Oceans in danger

Oceans in danger

Posted by | 7 Nov 2024 | , , , | 0

Millions of people are directly dependent on a well-functioning marine ecosystem - and many more indirectly. The global fight against illegal fishing is an important element in preserving this basis of life. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) is a significant problem for both regional and global maritime security. IUU fishing has significant negative economic and environmental impacts and even affects inter-state relations. Fish stocks, the maritime environment and entire economic sectors are affected. IUUU includes fishing without proper licences, misreporting of catches and the...

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A new Kennedy for the fleet

A new Kennedy for the fleet

Posted by | 6 Nov 2024 | , , | 0

The USNS Robert F. Kennedy, the newest ship of the US Navy's Military Sealift Command, was christened at a ceremony at the Nassco shipyard of General Dynamics in San Diego, California, at the end of last year. The ship honours Robert F. Kennedy, who was born in 1925 and served as Attorney General in his brother John F. Kennedy's cabinet from 1961 to 1964. The focus of his time in office was his commitment to the civil rights movement and a consistent fight against organised crime. Robert Kennedy, also known as RFK, fell victim to an assassination attempt during his own presidential candidacy in 1968. He is regarded by some historians as the epitome of the modern...

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Off-the-shelf solution

Off-the-shelf solution

Posted by | 5 Nov 2024 | , , | 0

When ships are older than their crew members and consume huge sums of money in maintenance, it is time for a replacement. As replacements were urgently needed for the salvage and sea tugs, the BAAINBw facilitated the purchase of two used ships - and at the same time expanded the capabilities of the navy. Almost half a century ago, the Bundeswehr last procured ships via the civilian commercial second-hand market. At that time, the RHÖN-class fuel transporters were purchased for use in the former German Navy, which are still in service with the Navy today. Now, this path has been taken once again and two different ocean-going tugs have been purchased on the civilian-commercial market.

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New Chinese Navy demonstrator corvette in Liaoning?

New Chinese Navy demonstrator corvette in Liaoning?

Posted by | 4 Nov 2024 | , , | 0

After the first satellite images in mid-2023 and later photos in November from the Liaoning shipyard in north-east China, it was clear that a new type of ship was under construction. This was followed by a maiden voyage in May this year and further photos this summer, leaving room for conjecture and speculation. It is obviously a test carrier or demonstrator of a very signature reduced corvette similar to the Swedish Visby class. The newbuilding is estimated to be 97 metres long with a displacement of between 1,500 and 2,000 tonnes. The stern platform has no hangar and antennas are likely to be installed in the top of the mast - similar to the Japanese Unicorn antenna...

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