Necessary levels of protection

In this the first issue of The Motor Ship in 2004 we feature the subjects of ?LNG Carriers?, ?Tugs and Towing?, ?Paints and Coatings? and our annual ?Top Ships ? feature which takes a look back at a selection of the most impressive new vessels of 2003.

One of the most notable ships built last year was, of course, the world?s largest and most expensive ever passenger vessel, Queen Mary 2, to which we devote a large portion of the feature. With QM2 being afforded no end of column inches in various other publications at this time, readers will no doubt be aware of the wealth of technological innovation incorporated in the ship that includes its state-of-the-art Mermaid Pod propulsion system. Indeed, the powerful, four-pod propulsion system comprises two fixed and two azimuthing pod units powered by two gas turbines and four diesel engines which provide QM2 with a speed of nearly 30 knots with low noise and vibration levels and maximum maneuverability.

Though the exterior paint and coatings used on QM2 are not a key focus in either the ?Ships of Note? or ?Paints & Coatings? features in this issue, it should be pointed out, for the record, that they were supplied by Jotun France SA (a subsidiary of the Jotun group). Interestingly (and indicative of the long-term associations that abound in this industry), Henry Clark and Son, which became part of the Jotun Group in 1974, also supplied antifoulings ? then known as ?bottom compositions? ? for below-waterline protection of the original Queen Mary when she won the Blue Riband for the Atlantic crossing back in 1936. The latest project, of course, involves far more state-of-the-art special underwater coatings and other products guaranteed to protect the topsides, superstructures and weather decks from corrosion.

Well protected from the elements and in terms of corrosion though she may be, however, there remain serious concerns that the QM2 could be an “extremely attractive terrorist target”. Though at the time of writing the vessel was still safely docked in St Nazaire, by the time you read this the QM2 will have made her maiden voyage to her home port of Southampton on the south coast of the UK to be officially launched by Queen Elizabeth II before setting sail on her first cruise.

Before the official launch, Admiral Sir Alan West, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, stated that the Royal Navy was looking at ways to protect cruise ships from maritime terrorism. “One of our defence missions is to ensure the security of British civilians worldwide,” he said, “and cruise ships, these islands of wealth, are extremely attractive terrorist targets. Maritime counter-terrorism is something we are looking at very closely.”

Fortunately, and despite the hunting down of certain individuals said to support terrorist activities, the shipping industry and world at large is also very focused on anti-terrorism since the atrocities of September 11. Consequently, we have the new comprehensive security regime for international shipping that is based on the requirements of SOLAS and the new ISPS Code that comes into force in July of this year. And, while few actively welcome the cost of implementing such initiatives, most widely recognize these as necessary measures to be taken on board during such times.