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It is, perhaps, difficult to believe that the world needs quite so many maritime security vessels as we continually present here on Baird Maritime. They keep coming and, increasingly, they are innovative, interesting and ever more versatile.
Almost all are fast, or at least relatively so. And, while it is not happening as quickly as in the ferry sector, they are gradually becoming more environmentally sustainable. Indeed, last week we featured a One2Three Naval Architects-designed, PFG-built fast patrol boat being constructed in Australia for the Royal New Zealand Navy. Its complete hull and fendering are being fabricated from completely recyclable high density polyethylene plastic. Its engines are Japanese Yanmars and its waterjets, naturally, will be New Zealand-manufactured Hamiltons.
Of course, as with most of the maritime industry, maritime security vessels represent a truly global sector. Designers, builders, engine and propulsion system and electronics and weapons manufacturers are all exporting like crazy. That makes the sector incredibly interesting and inspiring for the other vessel building sectors.
This week, for example, we have vessels built in Ireland, Spain, and the USA for both domestic and foreign governments. One is revolutionary and the others are refinements. All are very versatile and adaptable. None are mono-role.
It seems that, increasingly, this will be what the maritime security sector will be all about. That will make it ever more interesting to our readers.
– "Now more than ever we need to treat the national shipbuilding enterprise as a true national endeavour with leadership and organisation to match, rather than as a loosely confederated group of Defence projects managed from within the department."
– by Michael Shoebridge, director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's defence, strategy and national security program
– "A deal that was meant to demonstrate unified resolve to China has generated considerable blowback, opening up divisions in NATO and the Five Eyes and generating distrust of Australia's motives."
– by Anastasia Kapetas, national security editor at The Strategist, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's analysis and commentary site
– "Given that Australia's present fleet of Collins-class submarines will need replacing circa 2030, it is unlikely that a new design will be suitable considering that it will be early 2023 before the study period is completed."
– by Andrew Baird, geologist, seabed mining entrepreneur, and Baird Maritime columnist
– "The biggest ally Washington has in any strategy of containment is China itself."
– by Loro Horta, former Timor Leste Ambassador to Cuba and deputy head of mission at the Timor Leste Embassy in Beijing
Remember to come back every day to see the latest news, opinion and vessel reviews!
Any news or views about the global maritime security sectors? Send it through to editor@baird.com.au ASAP (between now and September 24), so we can add it to this current edition of Maritime Security Week!
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