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Source Afloat.ie

While Naval Service operational patrols have been restricted to two ships due to on-going personnel problems, the Irish Navy has got Observer status in an €87m. plan to develop a new European Patrol Corvette, involving five countries, strongly supported by the European Commission because of increased concern about maritime security.

Five Navies have formed the European Patrol Corvette development (EPC) programme - Italy, France, Spain, Greece and Norway. Ireland, Portugal and Romania are ‘Observers‘. The aim is to define the requirements for “a 2nd rank surface combatant vessel about 110 metres long and of 3,000 tons. It is being described as “a programme of future innovative naval vessels, a step forward in European defence co-operation.”

It is being developed under the banner of the PESCO project – ‘Permanent Structured Co-operation’ in the area of security and defence policy, which was established by a European Council decision on December 11, 2017. “It offers a legal framework to jointly plan, develop and invest in shared capability projects and enhance the operational readiness and contribution of armed forces,” according to its proponents.

“It will strongly contribute to European sovereignty in the second-line vessels domain, by strengthening the European industry, increasing efficiency and lowering delays to go from the military need to the delivery to Navies,” according to a statement by a consortium of shipbuilders. These include Fincantieri (Italy), Naval Group (France), Navantia (Spain) and interests from Greece, Denmark and Norway who are carrying out the first phase of the EPC programme.

It is expected to take two years to complete the initial design of what are being described as the “next generation class of Naval vessel – the European Patrol Corvette.”

The EPC project is strongly supported by the European Commission which has said that it will “foster European in-house and know-how skills by pooling the resources of the countries involved.

“The ships will be able to carry out a wide range of missions in operational contexts as diverse as surveillance on the high seas with a high degree of autonomy, or law enforcement and sovereignty affirmation missions closer to the coast, adapted to the different Navies’ needs. It is a programme of future innovative Naval vessels which is developed in a collaborative way by several Navies and members of the European Union.”

As Xenor said

"Expect a lot of panicky FUD today from names we haven't seen for a while from those with a short or those wanting to get back in."

Https://ukinvestormagazine.co.uk/harland-wolff-group-holdings-waiting-on-sonia-for-200m/

Https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/travel-updates/

Urgent food deliveries have been set up for the Isles of Scilly in time for Christmas after a freight ship carrying chilled foods broke down.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) said the Gry Maritha returned to Penzance shortly after departure.

It said the repair was not likely to be completed until Boxing Day at the earliest.

The firm apologised for the disruption, as rival firm Harland and Wolff (H&W) stepped in to make the delivery.

H&W said it had set up a free freight service to St Mary's on Saturday.

The Gry Maritha experienced an engine failure

John Wood, H&W's chief executive, said on Facebook the service was "for any emergency items and food required for Christmas".

He said only one run was possible, because of the forecasted weather conditions.

He added: "It is an unfortunate situation and difficult to deal with at this late stage with everyone shutting down for Christmas, but we are looking at all options."

ISSC said in a travel update it was "exploring all options" for the transportation of urgent chilled food to the Scilly Isles.

"Please accept our apologies for the obvious inconvenience that this has caused, and be assured we are doing all that we can to minimise further disruption to the freight service," it said.

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-67806640

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-67800783.amp

Original RNS 9th October

.In line with this strategy, the Company had entered into Heads of Terms (HoT) with Kraken Marine Services Limited ("KMS" or the "Seller") for the acquisition of the entire business including the assets of the Seller. Subject to completion of this acquisition, KMS' assets will be used immediately to move component parts, steel and equipment between the yards. Additionally, the Company will help grow the existing freight and marine business of the Seller with external contracts across the south-west region and the Isles of Scilly. Further details will be made available upon completion of the acquisition.

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-67785067.amp

Is Kraken Marine Services 100% H&W owned and controlled now?

Https://www.krakenmarineservices.co.uk/

I look forward to joining everyone on the first crossing in a few months for what we hope will be a transformational experience and the introduction of first-class customer service!

Until then, I look forward to my next visit early in 2024. Merry Christmas and best wishes for what is going to be an exciting 2024!

John Wood, Harland & Wolff CEO

Thanks to Hebridean9

A message from John Wood: Introducing our new fast ferry cutting journey times and increasing capacity to Scilly

Hello everyone. I am delighted to announce that we have now secured a fast ferry to run the Penzance to St Mary’s route in time for the Summer season – and here she is!

After Christmas, she will be making her way to the UK stopping in our Belfast yard to receive her new “Scilly Ferries” colours before entering service as planned in early May 2024.

After receiving feedback from multiple stakeholders and viewing 16 possible vessels, we have decided on this 56m Austal built vessel with water jet propulsion that will travel at over 34 knots for most of the journey. One of the main reasons for selecting a larger vessel is not only to accommodate day passengers with their hand luggage, but also tourists with their camping and vacation supplies, and freight which is so critical to islanders and businesses.

In fact, the new vessel will be capable of accommodating over 400 passengers and a substantial amount of daily freight on and off the islands. In its former role, the vessel was able to carry 30 cars, but please be assured, we will not be carrying cars!

Journey times are expected to be approximately 90 minutes, with a quick and efficient turnaround at each end. At least two round-trip sailings per day are expected.

Further details on port arrangements and timetables will follow in the New Year as well as being able to purchase tickets online and in person from our St Mary’s office. In the meantime, this new website has more details about the new vessel.

Seakeeping ability has been a big factor in our search which is why we’ve looked at so many vessels. The vessel we’ve selected is fitted with a Seastate motion control system consisting of ‘T foils’ forward and variable interceptors aft and will facilitate operations in harsher sea sates. This will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

We have had our shipyard teams onboard this week to prepare for her transit to the UK and as we progress with developing our plans, further details of the internal configuration and onboard services will be provided.

In relation to our freight service offering, KMS’s existing two vessels have been expanded with the addition of two sister vessels. Delivery of the first has been accepted and the second will be early in the New Year – further details will be provided in due course. It is our plan for next winter to always (subject to weather) have a small marine passenger service in operation and not to leave islanders stranded due to air operations being cancelled.

Having looked at numerous island ferry operations around the globe, we believe our Scilly Ferries offering will be dynamic from booking through to departure from the vessel, in what will be the start of the future of sea travel to and from Scilly. I look forward to joining everyone on the first crossing in a few months for what we hope will be a transf

Https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-export-finance-and-export-finance-australia-enhance-relationship

The MoU builds on UKEF and EFA’s existing strong relationship and will enable the agencies to deepen collaboration in areas such as the energy transition, infrastructure and growing secure supply chains.

The signing of the MoU follows UKEF and EFA participating in the financing of the Hai Long Offshore Wind Power Project in Taiwan, UKEF and EFA’s largest renewable energy project financings to date.

UKEF Chief Executive, Tim Reid, said the signing of the MoU on the anniversary of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) signified the deep commitment between the United Kingdom and Australia to boost the enormous trading potential between the two nations, and seek out new investment opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.

Tim Reid said:

Export credit agencies are a force for good in their own right, so when we come together it means we can unlock even greater opportunities for British businesses and economic growth. UKEF is committed to strengthening ties with our partners like EFA to do just that.

I very much look forward to working closely with John and the EFA team to explore our mutual interests.

EFA Managing Director and CEO, John Hopkins, said:

EFA and UKEF share many interests such as Indo-Pacific infrastructure, critical minerals and defence.

This MoU builds on our existing strong relationship and will see more frequent engagement, enhanced working level exchanges and joint financings.

Https://www.h2-view.com/story/germany-to-support-shs-hydrogen-driven-steel-production-project/2103915.article/

Https://www.pipeline-journal.net/news/equinor-and-sefe-sign-agreements-long-term-gas-sales-and-hydrogen-supplies

Interesting to see long term gas and hydrogen supply agreements coming to the market.

Https://www.current-news.co.uk/iberdrola-masdar-unveil-12-billion-offshore-wind-and-hydrogen-partnership/

Iberdrola, Masdar unveil £12 billion offshore wind and hydrogen partnership

Iberdrola’s executive chairman, Ignacio Galán, said: “Now that 118 governments have already pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 at COP28, reaching this goal will require immediate action from these governments and the private sector. Following our long-term commitment to renewables, networks, and storage, this innovative alliance with Masdar today shows once again our determination to continue delivering.

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67494082.amp

Convert surplus to hydrogen and store for future use.

https://group.vattenfall.com/press-and-media/newsroom/2023/turning-wind-power-into-plannable-power--with-hydrogen

Https://youtu.be/rhVk0coKbVE?feature=shared

Stornoway Deep Water Terminal- Energy Hub video

Daily Telegraph

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Inflation falls more than expected in boost for mortgage holders - latest updates Updated 4 minutes ago

Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, will examine closely the latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics

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Inflation fell by more than expected last month to its lowest level in more than two years, official figures show, in a sign that the Bank of England will have room to cut interest rates earlier next year.

The consumer prices index fell to 3.9pc in November, down from 4.6pc in October, according to the Office for National Statistics. Economists had predicted a fall to 4.3pc.

The fall in price rises comes as recent data show that wage growth slowed at the fastest pace for two years in the three months to October.

This has reinforced forecasts for interest rate cuts, which would deliver a boost to households preparing to remortgage their homes.

Financial markets are now pencilling in just over four reductions in borrowing costs next year from their present level of 5.25pc, starting by May.

However, the Bank of England’s deputy governor Ben Broadbent said earlier this week that there needs to be clearer evidence that wage growth is slowing before policymakers can think about cutting rates - a sentiment echoed by fellow deputy governor Sarah Breeden on Tuesday.