Full Ahead – the podcast about ships and shipping
Full Ahead - the podcast about ships and shipping
Podcast Description
We're an island nation.
Our maritime industry employs over half a million people yet how much do we actually know about it?
In this series we'll hear from members of the maritime team at sea and on land.
With a wide range of guests from across the UK we're aiming to shed light on an industry many take for granted.
With top level experience in shipping Alistair Eagles knows a thing or two about the industry while journalist Nigel Thompson has been close to the coast for most of his life.
It's an entertaining look that reveals some surprising facts about a fast-changing sector.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The series explores a variety of themes related to the maritime sector, including the experiences of maritime pilots, the operational challenges of ferry services, and innovations within the shipping industry. For instance, one episode features pilot Andy Bradbury discussing the complexities of navigating ships, while another highlights the bustling preparations of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for the TT races.
We’re an island nation.
Our maritime industry employs over half a million people yet how much do we actually know about it?
In this series we’ll hear from members of the maritime team at sea and on land.
With a wide range of guests from across the UK we’re aiming to shed light on an industry many take for granted.
With top level experience in shipping Alistair Eagles knows a thing or two about the industry while journalist Nigel Thompson has been close to the coast for most of his life.
It’s an entertaining look that reveals some surprising facts about a fast-changing sector.
Today (Thurs 18th Sept) saw the arrival of the first of a new type of hybrid ferry in Heysham Port in Lancashire and we were there to witness it.
The 147-metre Stena Futura will operate 12 sailings per week providing additional freight capacity on the popular route between north west England and Belfast.
Once operational, Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta, which is currently under construction and due to enter service on the Belfast-Heysham route in early 2026, will increase freight capacity by 40%.
Joining Alistair and Nigel on the blustery quayside at Heysham was author Matt Davies who was there to record the arrival and told us about his life-long interest in shipping.
From the brand new there's also a conversation with a captain who began his remarkable career at 13 and is still active half a century later.
Capt Dave McNamee has served all over the world and in a quirk of fate is now one of the volunteers aboard The Danny (as featured in episode 6), a ship he first saw as a school boy.
From the Pacific to the Irish Sea, hear some of his amazing stories and the kind of anecdotes he shared during his time at Fleetwood Nautical College.
And Daisy, the Full Ahead dog, makes a guest appearance!
It's a busy edition which we hope you enjoy!
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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