Since the AUKUS initiative was launched in September 2021, its Australian supporters and critics have been united on one point: that successive governments have failed to make a detailed strategic case for why Australia needs to acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines for its navy. No prime...
Work Boat World Features
OPINION | How to equip the US Coast Guard against China’s grey-zone operations
America’s allies in the Indo-Pacific are getting pretty familiar with China’s grey-zone maritime behaviour, but the United States itself is ill-prepared for dealing with it. Yet it should be prepared, experts warned a US House of Representatives committee in a hearing this month. The US must not...
OBITUARY | Claudio Graziano, Chairman of Fincantieri
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Claudio Graziano, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fincantieri, earlier this month at the age of 70. His death came a little over two years since he was appointed to the position. A career officer in the Italian...
https://www.bairdmaritime.com/passenger/cruise/obituary-claudio-graziano-chairman-of-fincantieri/
OPINION | Overcoming the deliberate legal ambiguity adopted by China’s coast guard
While laws should provide clarity and transparency, China’s recent orders regarding maritime jurisdiction appear to be deliberately based on ambiguity and uncertainty. This has become very evident in the past day after the latest clash with the Philippines in the South China Sea. In seeking to...
OPINION | High noon at Second Thomas Shoal
China has identified the beleaguered garrison at Second Thomas Shoal as a weak link among the South China Sea features physically occupied by the Philippines and, by extension, the US-Philippines alliance. While Manila has held its nerve against Beijing’s mounting pressure tactics and holds the...
COLUMN | Drip, drip, drip: Marinakis orders eight PSVs; DSOC jackup moves; Paratus and Northern Ocean raise capital [Offshore Accounts]
There was only one story in offshore this week, the news that Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis has doubled down on this bet on the platform supply vessel (PSV) market by making the single biggest order in the entire segment in the last decade. His Capital Offshore has placed an order for four firm diesel-electric, DP2, […]
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OPINION | We need more defence capability long before the first SSN arrives
AUKUS is the great polariser of Australia’s national security community. Supporters are accused of risking too much for one capability; critics are accused of being unhelpful or lacking belief in Australia. All this misses the point. We have about 1,000 days before a possible conflict breaks out...
AWARDS 2023 | Best Large SAR Boat – Guardamar Urania – Armon Shipyard
Best Large SAR Boat – Guardamar Urania – Armon Shipyard Yet again illustrating the staggering versatility of the Vigo-based shipyard Armon, this very impressive aluminium craft is the last in a series of five built for Spain’s famed sea rescue organisation Salvamento Maritimo. She and her sisters...
COLUMN | Houthi attacks show asymmetrical sea warfare is the way ahead [Naval Gazing]
Attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant shipping in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea continue apace. The Iran-backed Houthis are very well equipped with multiple attack drones and with anti-shipping cruise and ballistic missiles. These weapons are based...
COLUMN | The demise of Diamond Offshore: Lessons for the future [Offshore Accounts]
Last week saw Noble Corporation cement its place as the great consolidator in the offshore drilling industry recovery. Seven days ago, Noble announced that it was buying Diamond Offshore Drilling in a stock plus cash transaction valuing the company at around US$1.6 billion, a deal unanimously...