In the search for alternatives to merchant ship orders, which are almost impossible to acquire, and the lack of orders for government and naval vessels, some German shipyards have created another mainstay for themselves by building yachts and, where possible, mega-yachts. Here are two examples: Meyer Werft, for example, had as...
There are increasing calls from the two key pillars of the German maritime industry, shipbuilding and shipping, for more support from politicians. IG Metall Küste, for example, expects the federal government to ensure that the announced orders for research and naval vessels provide work at the shipyards as quickly as possible and...
With the average age of their mine countermeasure boats at around 30 years, most European navies are replacing existing weapon systems with a mix of mother ships and unmanned plug-and-play systems to manage a full detect-to-engage cycle. The navies of Northern, Western and Southern Europe continue to receive the majority of funding for new build programmes, while the Eastern European navies,...
In recent decades, China has continuously upgraded its navy with strategic foresight. Its democratic neighbour India, on the other hand, has largely failed to build up its maritime capabilities. Now could be the time to change course. The Indians, who have been shocked by the recent images of Chinese navy ships in the harbours of...
After four years of planning and construction and an investment of eleven million euros, the Federal Maritime Police have put a new training centre into operation in Bad Bramstedt. Commanders and junior nautical officers can now train on four virtual ship bridges and experience all weather, current and maritime traffic situations realistically. From October...
Around a year after filing for insolvency, the oldest German shipbuilding company still in operation, the Pella Sietas shipyard in Hamburg-Neuenfelde, is now nearing the end of its sell-off. The largest movable part of the insolvency estate, the 200 metre long floating dock, was recently secured by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft. Tugboats have now towed the steel colossus through...
In view of the growing threat situation in the region, Japan is modernising its navy. In-house developments are complemented by purchased technology in the best possible way. Japan has the sixth longest coastline and the sixth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. More than 90 per cent of Japan's foreign trade is conducted by sea. The maritime interests and the exposed location of the island state...
Danish regulatory authorities have prohibited the sale of Maersk Container Industries (MCI) to China International Marine Containers (CIMC), probably following intervention by the US Department of Justice. Maersk Container Industries had been fully focussed on the construction of reefer containers for years. It was feared that the sale of MCI...
The world's largest container ship currently under construction at Hudog-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, the EVER ALOT owned by Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen, has moored in Hamburg for the first time. The newbuild has a slot capacity of 24,004 TEU, breaking the magic figure of 24,000 TEU. With a length of 400 metres,...
According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, a further specialised ship for receiving and converting liquefied gas is to be stationed in Wilhelmshaven - it would be the fifth in Germany. The floating terminal is scheduled to go into operation in winter 2023. At the same time, the possibility of landing "green" hydrogen is to be created. The terminal already planned for...