Full Ahead : the podcast about ships and shipping

On the Bridge: Chief Officer Harvey Finney, CalMac | Season 2

We hope you enjoyed our trip aboard CalMac's newest ferry in the first epsiode of the second series! The MV Isle of Islay, An t-Eilean Ìle in Gaelic serves Islay and was launched in 2024, the first of two ferries being built in Turkey to service the route. Chief Officer Harvey Finney was among the team who brought the ship home to Scotland during what was to prove an eventful journey! In this bonus interview with Alistair which we recorded on the ship's bridge during a crossing to Islay, he explains about the emergency that helped the crew put the ferry through its' paces, what it is like to take on a 'new build' and his ambitions, one year after we first interviewed him for the Full Ahead Podcast. The podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company.

Aboard CalMac's new Isle of Islay ferry I Season 2

Welcome to our second series of the podcast about ships and shipping! We've a bumper season lined up for you - be sure to subscribe now and check out our YouTube channe [https://www.youtube.com/@thefullaheadpodcast]l too for videos about the podcasts too. We kick off the second season of the podcast with a trip aboard Caledonian MacBrayne's [https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/#/] newest ferry, the Isle of Islay. Not only this but we reunite with the very first guest from the podcast who is now Chief Officer aboard the first of class ferry. Harvey Finney showed us around the ship and we had a good chat with passengers and crew during a return crossing to Islay from Kennacraig. *You can also hear Harvey share details of what was an eventful delivery voyage with Alistair in a special bonus edition of the podcast which is also now available. Our thanks to CalMac for looking after us on board and be sure to look out for Scottish Island Adventures [https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/explore/scottish-island-adventures-podcast/#/] a fascinating podcast about the stories, spirit and soul of the west coast islands. Season two of The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company.

Mike Louagie – maritime photographer (ships, ferries & ferry shipping summit) | Full Ahead Ep 15

In this episode of Full Ahead, we’re joined by master maritime photographer Mike Louagie, whose striking images capture the power, scale, and atmosphere of ships and ferries around the world. Mike shares the stories behind his work, from life aboard vessels to documenting the maritime industry at key moments, including his experience at the Ferry Shipping Summit and beyond. We also talk about what it takes to photograph the sea professionally — the challenges, the unpredictability, and the unique perspective required to capture life at sea in motion. A fan of ferries in particular, he is part of the team behind the Ferry Shipping Summit [https://ferryshippingsummit.com/] and also produces the weekly Ferry Shipping News. [https://ferryshippingnews.com/newsletter-sign-up/] In our conversation he offers some good advice for anyone wanting to break into a particular industry and reveals how he managed to capture some of his most awe-inspiring shots. To see more of his work follow Mike on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelouagie/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mikelouagie/]

How air bubbles cut ship drag and boost fuel efficiency | Full Ahead Ep 14

We explore how air bubbles are being used to reduce ship drag and improve fuel efficiency in modern shipping. Known as air lubrication systems, this technology is helping vessels cut emissions and improve performance at sea. We break down the science behind hull resistance — and why it matters for the future of sustainable maritime transport. Does the size of bubble matter!?Armada Technologies [https://armada-technologies.com/], a partner of Liverpool John Moores University's Global Centre for Maritime Innovation [https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/centres-and-institutes/global-centre-for-maritime-innovation], has just signed an agreement with TUI Cruises to install revolutionary tech on the 99,000 tonne Mein Schiff 6. It's already working aboard Kool Husky, a 160,000 cubic meter tanker owned by CoolCo, which is currently gathering performance data at sea. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRwuyodEdAs&t=50s Alistair and Nigel have been speaking to Alex Routledge, CEO of Armada Technologies,  about the challanges faced and hopes for the future - the technology has been shortlisted for the prestigious Earthshot Prize.

Stena Connecta & Norsepower rotor sails: wind power and the future of shipping | Full Ahead Ep 13

We've been aboard the innovative Stena Connecta which is now in service on the Irish Sea. Stena's ‘New Max’ RoRo ship has 2,848 lane metres across its 147-metre length and the ship's profile is distinctive thanks to two 28×4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ installed. They're designed to enhance energy efficiency and could deliver up to 9% fuel savings on the route between Belfast and Heysham. The distinctive profile of the ship is causing certainly causing interest but how does it work and what difference do rotor sails make? We've been talking the master, Capt and hearing from Norsepower, [https://www.norsepower.com/] the company behind the sails. The company's head of research and development Ville Paakkari joined us from Helsinki to explain more about how the sails work and the company's future ambitions. Thanks to Stena Line and Norsepower for taking part in this podcast.