Ships

When we hear about microplastic particles polluting the ocean, the usual suspected sources are degraded plastic goods and synthetic textile fibers. A new study, however, suggests that much of the blame lies with hull coatings on ships.

We've already seen electric motorboats and even ferries, but a considerably larger battery-electric vessel should soon be in operation. It's called the e5 tanker and interestingly enough, it will be used to deliver conventional fuel to other ships.

The cutting-edge polar research ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough – otherwise known as "Boaty McBoatface" – has finally set sail from its shipyard. It will now be put through trials before being officially handed over for service later this year.

As part of the US Navy's Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) competition, Lockheed Martin has been selected as the main contractor to study how to provide the Navy with large, autonomous ships that can operate for extended periods without a crew.

This concept ship, due to sail in 2024, can carry 7,000 cars across the Atlantic in 12 days. It's some 50% slower on average than a comparable diesel ship, but burns next to no fuel thanks to its five colossal wing sails, saving money and emissions.

HMS Victory, which has been in dry dock for almost a century, is once again "afloat" – but not on the water. It is being supported by a high-tech system that mimics the pressure of the sea pushing against the vessel's hull and keel.

As ships travel the seas, an assortment of barnacles, mussels, algae and other greeblies accumulate on their hulls. This is definitely troublesome, which is why a new robot-based system has been developed as a possible solution.

The British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) polar research vessel RSS Sir David Attenborough came a step closer to going into service this week as its power systems came online for the first time and its advanced lifeboats were commissioned.

Japan wants to move towards a clean, hydrogen-based energy economy, but to make that happen, it'll need to import liquid hydrogen from elsewhere. Meet the Suiso Frontier, the world's first liquid hydrogen transporter. It runs on diesel.

The UK has announced that the Arrowhead 140 design will be the basis for the first of five general-purpose Type 31 frigates.

Norwegian cruise operator Hurtigruten is eyeing a greener future for its fleet, and recently achieved a maritime first by powering its hybrid MS Roald Amundsen ship through the water on battery power alone. ​

While historically it is perhaps the most common large warship, the US Navy hasn't a single frigate left in its fleet for the first time since 1943 ... and it's looking for a new one. So what will the frigates of the future look like and how will they affect future conflicts?