In this issue

The UK Secretary of State for Defence and Shipbuilding Tsar, Ben Wallace has called for the UK to ramp up inward investment in order to increase global competitiveness, following decades of decline.

In our cover story, we look into the state of shipbuilding in the UK – in both defence and commercial sectors – finding out how some firms are taking an active step to future-proof their operations.

Elsewhere, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is set to welcome the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat, built by Compagnie Maritime Belge. We profile the new vessel, finding out how it works and why the choice for hydrogen power was made.

Looking to the cruise sector, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched its new Prima Class ship, which boasts an abundance of entertainment and leisure options for cruisers and a premium health & wellness programme. We report from the ship's maiden voyage, learning how the new vessel’s upscale-focused design could elevate the guest experience onboard.

As well as all of this, we look at the UK Government’s five-year maritime strategy, analyse the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s global impact on maritime trade, and learn about Transcend Cruises' ambitions for B2B river cruises with their new fleet of river ships, designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden.

For all of this and a lot more, read on. And don't forget to stay up to date with everything at @ShipTechMag and @FutureCruiseMag.