SHIPS MONTHLY December 2023
The December 2023 issue of Ships Monthly is out now, and is packed with all the usual news and outstanding articles and features covering ferries to the Northern Isles, the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf von Spee, cruise ship Renaissance in profile, a voyage on British India Steam Navigation’s Rajula, and profile of Stena Vision.
NEWS
Waterfront – MSC Euribia makes her UK debut, British coaster sinks off German coast, and RRS Sir David Attenborough sets out for the south.
Ferry – Rough weather hits Irish Sea services, 2023 Ferry Shipping awards, and Norbay takes on a new route on the Irish Sea.
Cruise – Israel-Gaza war impacts Mediterranean cruises, Costa Atlantica reactivated after four years, and Mein Schiff Relax named.
Naval – RFA Proteus takes on a new surveillance role, and the naval response to the war with Hamas.
Cargo – Carisbrooke go for proven design, Maersk’s engine retrofits and increasing capacity, and new Methanol-powered container ship.
Newbuild – New carriers for Neptune Lines, NOAA orders two research vessels, and Meyer Werft to build Asuka III.
News feature – An update on the construction of the Royal Navy’s latest frigate class. Conrad Waters
Ships Pictorial – Photos of ships around the world, including at Zeebrugge, Algeciras and Calais, passing Calshot and in the English Channel.
FEATURES
Northern Links – The vital links from the Scottish mainland to Orkney and Shetland, with NorthLink Ferries now running the network.
Admiral Graf Spee – Recalling the short but active career of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf von Spee, which sank nine ships before being stopped by the Royal Navy.
Cruise ship Renaissance – The former Holland America Line cruise ship Maasdam has been given a new lease of life as Renaissance.
Maritime Mosaic – Photos of cargo vessels from the 1990s, typical of the era, using the Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest artificial waterway.
Two of a Kind – The careers of the 1913-built Manioglu and the 1922-built Huong Khanh, two classic cargo ships whose careers were very similar.
Shipspotting – Numerous cruise lines offer Mediterranean and Canary Island itineraries, each with its own unique features and attractions.
Stena Vision – On board the former Baltic ferry Stena Vision, which is new to the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, and a look at some of Stena’s recent fleet changes.
Voyage on Rajula – A voyage on board British India Steam Navigation’s Rajula, undertaken in 1970, to mark the 50th anniversary of her retirement.
Chartroom – Readers’ pages, including topical letters, the mystery ship and the latest maritime publications.