Full Ahead : the podcast about ships and shipping

Épisodes

• 
  Behind the scenes on Stena Embla: What’s next for life at sea? 06.08.2026 28min

  🚢 We’re back afloat for this episode of the podcast and asking when it comes to recruitment, what the future of the maritime industry may look like?We were recently invited aboard the Irish Sea ferry Stena Embla which links Birkenhead and Belfast while the ship was alongside on the Wirral for a rare maintenance and rest day.With the industry changing we enjoyed conversations with some of the people helping to shape it:⚓ Swopping the deck for a desk: Kathryn Gallagher reflects on her personal journey from life at sea to buildinga career on shore.⚓ Building the future: Scarlett Black, Stena Line's Talent Acquisition Lead, explains why a fresh approach torecruitment could help tackle the industry's skills challenge.⚓ Booming Birkenhead: With significant recent investment in Birkenhead we hear from Stena’s Regional Port Development Manager Christian Grossie about the jobof meeting changing traffic demand.⚓ The view from the bridge: We also speak to Captain Wojciech Haptar who has commanded Stena Embla since she entered service five years ago and shares an insight into life on the Irish Sea on a ship with a distinctive "green bridge."🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line,the Irish Sea's favourite ferry company.
• 
  Inside Fleetwood Nautical Campus ⚓ 23.07.2026 37min

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to launch a career as a Merchant Navy Officer or Maritime Apprentice? For this episode of the Full Ahead Podcast Alistair and Nigel go on-location to Fleetwood Nautical Campus (FNC) widely regarded as one of the UK’s top nautical institutions.With a rich seagoing history dating back to 1892, the campus continues to set the benchmark for maritime education. We visited their open day to meet cadets preparing for life at sea and the specialist instructors training them. In this episode:from the bridge to the training pool, we go inside Fleetwood's state-of-the-art facilities'engine or deck?' We hear from cadets from both!and we hear from the man at the top Neil Atkinson who attended in 1989 and following a 22-year career at sea returned as Head of Campus in 2013.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube!The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea’s favourite ferry company.
• 
  The Åland Islands: Europe's Maritime Meeting Place 09.07.2026 44min

  Discover why the Åland Islands have become one of northern Europe's most important maritime meeting places.Alistair travels to Mariehamn for Maritime Day, where shipping professionals, industry leaders and enthusiasts gather to network, share ideas and celebrate the maritime sector.From the charity 5K run supporting Mercy Ships to interviews with leading names in shipping, this episode captures the atmosphere of one of the Baltic's biggest maritime events.Featuring guests from Godby Shipping, DFDS, Viking Line and event organiser Ålands Sjöfart, plus a conversation with the Speaker of the Åland Parliament, you'll hear how this unique island community combines a rich maritime heritage with a forward-looking shipping industry.The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea's leading ferry company.The islands:Stena Line
• 
  Hey Tugboat, the Bristol Channel's First Female Tug Captain | Full Ahead Podcast 18.06.2026 30min

  Rhiannon Pritchard made history as the Bristol Channel's first female tug captain — and she's helping shine a spotlight on one of the maritime industry's most important yet often overlooked roles.Through her hugely popular Hey Tugboat social media channels, Rhiannon has attracted thousands of followers by sharing life at the helm of a Svitzer tug. She offers a skipper's-eye view of ship handling and the vessels that keep maritime traffic moving safely and efficiently.In this episode of The Full Ahead Podcast, Rhiannon discusses her career journey so far, her life as a tug captain, the realities of working on the water, and how social media is helping introduce a whole new audience to the world of maritime operations.If you're fascinated by ships, ports and the people who keep global trade moving, this is an episode not to miss!Follow Hey Tugboat on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea's leading ferry company.
• 
  Seawork Southampton 2026: Inside Europe’s Biggest Commercial Marine Show 12.06.2026 44min

  “We haven’t built the perfect boat.”That’s the verdict from Alan Goodchild of Goodchild Marine,speaking to Full Ahead at Seawork.Billed as Europe’s largest on-water commercial marine andworkboat exhibition, Seawork brings together hundreds of organisations from across the maritime sector. From unmanned vessels and cutting-edge safety technology to maritime charities and scientific organisations such as theBritish Antarctic Survey, there was plenty to explore.During our visit, we stepped aboard a brand-new pilot boat,took a tour of a powerful harbour tug, and heard about the University of Southampton’s ambitions to strengthen collaboration between industry andacademia.As this special episode reveals, innovation, skills andsustainability are shaping the future of the maritime industry.The Full Ahead Podcast: Proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company.
• 
  On the Bridge: Chief Officer Harvey Finney, CalMac | Season 2 05.06.2026 6min

  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 05.06.2026 35min

  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 channel too for videos about the podcasts too.We kick off the second season of the podcast with a trip aboard Caledonian MacBrayne's 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 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 03.04.2026 31min

  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 and also produces the weekly Ferry Shipping News.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 and Instagram
• 
  How air bubbles cut ship drag and boost fuel efficiency | Full Ahead Ep 14 22.03.2026 38min

  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, a partner of Liverpool John Moores University's 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=50sAlistair 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 03.03.2026 45min

  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, 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.
• 
  What’s next for UK ports and shipping? Richard Ballantyne OBE explains | Full Ahead Ep 12 22.02.2026 38min

  Welcome from Alistair and Nigel to the February edition of The Full Ahead Podcast!As well as getting out to meet people from all walks of life we look forward to spending time with some the maritime industry's movers and shakers .Richard Ballantyne OBE is Chief Executive of the BritishPorts Association, the national membership body for over 400 ports, harbours and other marine facilities in the UK. From energy hubs to passenger terminals,fishing ports to those handling leisure craft, the BPA’s members account for86% of all UK port tonnage.With at least 125,000 people working in port operations it’sa major industry and one that’s undergoing change. The aftermath of Brexit, efforts to become more sustainable plus recruitment and influencing UK government policy and international committees are among a long list of issues that the BPA is involved in.Richard joined the association in 2007 before becoming ChiefExecutive in 2016 and as a Director of Maritime UK, a Trustee of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board charity and former Director of Port Skills and Safety Ltd, we were delighted to talk to him.In this episode we discuss:1.     An introduction to the work of the BPA2.     How to be heard; raising the awareness of theindustry in the minds of those whose decision directly affect it.3.     Is it getting harder for smaller ports? Are thebigger ports then just going to get bigger?4. How does he view the health of UK ports at themoment?5.   Who should pay for new infrastructure at ports?(A recurring theme at the Shipping Ferry Summit series recorded in Malmo.)6.  Shore power and how it may develop.7.  The challenges of recruitment and theopportunities on offer in ports around the UK.8. The legacy of Brexit, specifically the new port property built to enable smooth trade which is not in use, and how discussions are continuingto see how it could be used in the future.9.   The future!Thanks to Richard for talking to The Full Ahead Podcast.Subscribe now to hear the next edition first and if you would like to sponsor an edition, get in touch!And between episodes we are active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
• 
  Full Ahead ep 11 A life at sea 25.01.2026 50min

  When we started this podcast we said we were keen to share the stories of people working in the maritime industry and this edition does just that.There can't be many people who've worked at sea for over five decades and enjoyed the variety of roles as our guest this month has.Tony Cowell went to see when he was just 3! A Fleetwood fisherman for many years, he followed his father and grandfather into the challenging trade. Injury forced him to look for another role and for 21 years he was captain of the vital ferry service linking the Lancashire port with Knott End. A former coxswain of Fleetwood lifeboat, Tony might have hung up his ferry captain's hat but he remains chair of the RNLI in Fleetwood.In this feature length edition as well as hearing from Tony Alistair and Nigel horizon scan to take a look at some of the stories making the maritime news.And we've more words from a nautical background that are now in everyday use.If you'd like to suggest a guest or would be interested in sponsoring an episode, get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!Enjoy the podcast.
• 
  Full Ahead Ep 10 Coastguard SOS 23.12.2025 34min

  If you live in the UK and are in need of a TV entertainment suggestion for the festive season why not try Coastguard: Search and Rescue SOS a hit Channel 5 documentary series?The documentary follows first-hand the lifesaving work carried out across the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) from rescues way out in the Atlantic to cliff-top recoveries. Stories are told from the perspective of helicopter crews and investigators to surveyors and counter pollution officers, and include collisions, daring sea saves, and maritime emergencies filmed across the UK's varied sea areas and coastlines.One of the people who film and produce the series is journalist Andy Smythe. He's been telling Alistair and Nigel more about the variety of work he and the production team witnessed.If you're enjoying the podcast follow us to be sure of hearing our shows first in 2026.Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn pages too!Show notes:To watch all episodes
• 
  Full Ahead Ep 9 Ports, big and small 17.12.2025 24min

  We're back in the UK after our trip to the Ferry Shipping Summit in Sweden (enjoy five episodes from there!) and for this episode of the podcast we hear from from two very different ports.While we were in Malmo we spoke to Andrew Williamson, the Head of Cruise and Ferry at Portsmouth International Port. Next year the port marks its 50th birthday and is very much part of the community in an area that has long standing links with the maritime world.He tells us how Portsmouth is developing and offers an insight into how they invest and innovate for the future.In this edition we also meet Matthew Burdekin who is deputy harbour master at the Port of Lancaster in Lancashire. A port since 1750, as Matthew tells us, it's ideally positioned to cater for a wide range of loads.Thanks to both Andrew and Matthew for talking to the podcast.Show notes:Setting the scene with Alistair and Nigel3 mins Andrew Williamson tells us how Portsmouth has developed as a ferry hub.4 minutes Ports or ferry companies; who takes the risk?5 minutes Who owns the port of Portsmouth?7 minutes How to spread the word about opportunities within the industry?8 minutes To the Port of Lancaster where we meet Matthew Burdekin, deputy harbour master, for a look back at the history of a port that's existed since 1750!15 minutes Onto West Quay to hear more about Lancaster's hopes for the future.19 minutes How ships arrive at this riverside, tidal port.22 minutes We summarise our visit and look ahead to the next episode of the Full Ahead podcast.
• 
  The Full Ahead Podcast at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 Episode 5 21.11.2025 56min

  At this year’s Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo the theme was ‘Cutting-Edge Ferries Future Ready Ports' and in this final, bumper episode recorded in Sweden we look to the future.One of the recurring themes was ‘digital’ while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be adopted to smooth the journey for freight and passengers was another common discussion point.In this episode we hear from Henrik Lindqvist of Orbyt Global AB, Kadri Haufe of Nortal and Maddy Bosch of Brock Solutions who explain how tech is making transport smoother.Anders Orgard of OSK Design talks about the future of ferry design and construction.With next year's summit to be held in Greece we also hear the views of the CEO's of Patras and Kavala ports, Panagiotis Anastasopoulos and Dr Angelos Vlachos.And how an interest in Irish Sea ferry operations led Gary Andrews to a career in shipping.Our thanks to the organisers of the Ferry Shipping Summit for enabling us to attend.We hope you enjoy the podcast and if you would like to hear more stories of ships and shipping and would be interested in sponsoring an episode or short series in 2026, get in touch.Show notes:⁠2025 summit downloads⁠⁠2026 Shipping Ferry Summit details⁠Podcast contents:1-4 minutes setting the scene4-10 minutes Henriq Blomquist of Orbyt Global who specialise in maritime connectivity and navigation talks about developments aboard ships now and the future. 10-15 minutes Canadian based Brock Consulting are already working in Europe as Maddy Bosch told us:15-20 minutes In Tallin the port there has already adopted new ways of working as Kadri Haufe of Nortal explains. 23 - 34 minutes ship designers like Anders Ogard of OSK Design are keeping a close eye on developments onshore to make sure the ferries of the future offer exactly what passengers and crew need.34-43 minutes Gary Andrews of DFDS has been a lifelong ferry supporter. How does he view the future?44-50 minutes the CEO's of Kavala and Patras ports Dr Angelos Vlachos and Panagiotis Anastasopoulos share their views on collaborations with ferry operators and hopes for the future.
• 
  The Full Ahead Podcast at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 Episode 4 20.11.2025 23min

  This year’s Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo brought together a diverse range of ferry and port operators from across Europe.Eight executives responsible for some of the biggest ferry companies around gave their thoughts on the industry, its challenges and opportunities.In episode 1 of this series we heard the view of the man in charge of Brittany Ferries in the English Channel market but in this podcast we’ll hear the views from northern and southern Europe.Brian Thorsted of Fjord Lines in Norway and Juan Pablo Molina of Balearia offer their insight into two very different markets.Brian tells us how he's confident for the coming years while Juan Pablo explains why Balearia's fleet is set to grow with three additional ships joining an existing fleet of 35.And we hear how the Port of Kiel has undergone a transformation to make it among the most green in Europe.We hope you enjoy the podcast and if you would like to hear more stories of ships and shipping and would be interested in sponsoring an episode or short series in 2026, get in touch.Show notes:⁠2025 summit downloads⁠⁠2026 Shipping Ferry Summit details⁠Podcast contents:1-3 minutes setting the scene with Nigel and Alistair3-9 minutes We meet Brian Thorsted CEO of ⁠Fjord Lines⁠10-16 minutes Hear from Juan Pablo Molina Technical Director for Balearia.17-23 minutes The Port of Kiel received the summit's Port of the Year award. Lisa Serodnik Kiel’s environmental manager told us more about their transition to a port now able to offer electrical power to four ferries and three cruise ships at once. 
• 
  The Full Ahead Podcast at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 Episode 3 19.11.2025 37min

  Although the Ferry Shipping Summit took place in Malmo we were delighted to be able to see another Swedish port at work.Ystad is the country's southernmost port with links to the Danish island of Bornholm and Świnoujście in Poland.In this edition we hear from the man who is aiming to continue the development of this medium sized port by encouraging more freight and passenger traffic through it.We also got an 'access all areas tour' of PolFerries latest Ro Pax vessel Varsovia, met the captain and company CEO as well as the designer who we learned was the same one behind Stena's new arrival on the Irish Sea.And as we continue to shine a spotlight on the variety of jobs in the maritime world we learned what a ship broker does.We hope you enjoy the podcast and if you would like to hear more stories of ships and shipping and would be interested in sponsoring an episode or short series in 2026, get in touch.Show notes:2025 summit downloads2026 Shipping Ferry Summit detailsPodcast contents:1-3 minutes setting the scene3-7 minutes We meet Bjorn Bostrum port director at Ystad 8-15 minutes  Chief Executive of Polish Baltic Shipping Company Piotr Redmerski 16-21 minutes Roberto Prever from NAOS Ship and Boat Design on board the Varsovia, the ship he designed21-25 minutes We tour the Varsovia.26-30 minutes The life and times of a ship broker, Olof Berndtsson shares his story.30-32 minutes Looking ahead to episode 4.
• 
  The Full Ahead Podcast at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 Episode 2 18.11.2025 18min

  In the second of our series recorded in Sweden Alistair Eagles and Nigel Thompson look at an issue that affects the whole shipping industry - recruitment.It’s still the case that the image of the industry remains ‘male, pale and stale.’ That’s what Alistair said during his speech at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 in Malmo and not only lived to tell the tale but there were more than just a few murmurs of agreement!In this second episode recorded at the summit, we hear from some of those who are looking to make a career in the industry.From students to graduate trainees, we met a number who are on the first rung and heard how they got there and what they hope to achieve in the future.Produced by Nigel Thompson.Show notes:2025 summit downloadsDetails of Ferry Shipping Summit 2026Details of maritime careers in the UKPodcast contents:1-3 minutes setting the scene3-7 minutes We meet Mohammad, a recent graduate from the World Maritime University in Malmo9-15 minutes DFDS graduate trainees Pavlina and Andrea tell their stories.16-18 minutes Ebba Martensson from IT company Surikat talks about her experience in industry so far.
• 
  The Full Ahead Podcast at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 Episode 1 17.11.2025 34min

  Welcome to the first in a series of podcasts recorded at the Ferry Shipping Summit 2025 in Malmo, Sweden.The event brought together several big hitters from the world of ships and shipping and your hosts Nigel Thompson and Alistair Eagles spoke to many.Arguably few have as much experience as Peder Gellert. Until 2022 he was the executive vice president of DFDS shipping, a company he first joined in 1994.Now a consultant and still very much involved in shipping, he presented a State of the Industry at the sold-out summit.He showed how shipping is still facing a challenge when it comes to encouraging more to take traffic off the roads and how price and reliability is what drives people to choose ferries.You can hear his thoughts in this episode.One of those listening to Peder was the CEO of Brittany Ferries, Christophe Mathieu who told us about the  company’s fleet renewal programme, recovery from Covid and plans for the future.And we spent time with Bo-Lennart Thorbjornsson, co-founded of the summit and team member Mike Louagie who edits the newsletter that accompanies the event.Thanks to them for the invitation to attend and to you for downloading the first of five episodes we made during out time in Malmo.Subscribe now to be sure of hearing the next one first!We hope you enjoy the podcast and if you would like to hear more stories of ships and shipping and would be interested in sponsoring an episode or short series in 2026, get in touch.Show notes:2025 presentation downloadDetails of the Ferry Shipping Summit 2026Podcast contents:2-4' minutes Setting the scene in Sweden4 minutes Meet Bo-Lennart Thorbjornsson, co-founder of the summit8 minutes Mike Lougie is part of the team and the man whose editor of the newsletter that accompanies the event. A photographer, lecturer and journalist he tells us how they go about planning the summit.10 minutes Peder Geller was until 2022 Executive Vice President of DFDS. He’s still very much involved in shipping as a consultant and has been part of the industry since the 1990s.12 minutes Why is the market static?16 minutes When does he think the market for new ships will improve?21 minutes We reflect on Peder's interview24 minutes Among those no doubt listening intently to Peder's presentation was the Chief Executive of Brittany Ferries Christophe Mathieu. He told us about the effects the pandemic, Brexit and a host of other challenges has had on Brittany Ferries.29 mins We reflect on Christophe's interview.
• 
  Full Ahead ep 8. An insight into the work of a maritime lawyer and we meet Mersey Maritime's CEO 06.11.2025 34min

  Why and how are ships arrested? Can you avoid legal issues by simply sailing away? The Full Ahead podcast is shining a spotlight on all maritime matters, some of which you might be surprised to hear about, and this episode is no exception!Alistair and Nigel have been in Liverpool this week where the Mersey Maritime team are gearing up for their annual awards event. It’s not just a celebration; it also brings together the many and varied people who make up the sector on Merseyside.Mersey Maritime’s chief executive Ruth Wood met us ahead of the event to talk about why it matters, how Mersey Maritime is changing and also what drew her to the industry.In this episode we also get an insight into the fascinating world of maritime law.Colin Lavelle is a partner with Hill Dickinson in Liverpool and explains more about the legal issues linked to the industry and his route into it.The firm are the sponsors of Everton’s new stadium but we hear how the company’s links to the maritime world extend back to the early days of  the transatlantic liners and how one founding lawyer had a lucky escape by turning down a trip on an ill-fated voyage.And hear how Full Ahead is heading to Europe for our next episode.  1 min Welcome to Liverpool3 mon Meet Ruth Wood, CEO Mersey Maritime8 min Get involved with Mersey Maritime12 mins Meet Colin Lavelle of Hill Dickinson14 min Connections to the White Star Line16 mins How Colin became a marine legal specialist17’40” What’s the appeal of this area of law18’ Examples of the issues he deals with21 mins A result!22 mins ‘Thunderbirds’ the challenges of dealing with the variety of work28 mins How do you become a maritime lawyer29 mins Arresting multiple ships30 mins How the Titanic continues to prompt work.  Our thanks to Ruth Wood and Colin Lavelle for taking part in the Full Ahead Podcast.