Michael Grey

Jan 8, 2025 | bairdmaritime.com | Michael Grey

Bridge consoles on the Royal New Zealand Navy survey ship HMNZS Manawanui, November 22, 2019 (cropped from original)It seems to have taken a very long time, but the concept of “human engineering,” which has struggled for acceptance among those who design equipment for the marine industry, seems to be better understood these days.

Dec 12, 2024 | bairdmaritime.com | Michael Grey

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ocean surveillance ship RFA ProteusWe would scarcely be human, if we were not becoming twitchy about the multitude of vulnerabilities we face in these uncertain times. There is a power cut, or as happened last week, half the trains in the country ground to a halt and instead of shrugging and looking for candles and alternative means of transport, you think about very nasty alternative reasons for the outage.

Nov 28, 2024 | missiontoseafarers.org | Michael Grey

Why aerodynamics needs to be taken more seriously in shippingBy Michael GreyIt is curious how the expertise of experts changes over time, which ought to emphasise the fact there is no such thing as ‘settled science’. For years people who designed ships clung to the notion that there was no point in making ships aerodynamic because of a theory that streamlining failed to offer any positive advantages until you got up to about 90mph.

Nov 19, 2024 | bairdmaritime.com | Michael Grey

Screenshot of video of the Houthi militia's capture of the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader, , 2023There is a reminder from the International Chamber of Shipping’s Guy Platten that a whole year has passed since the eastbound carrier Galaxy Leader was seized by Yemen's Houthis and carried into captivity along with her international crew of 25.

Nov 4, 2024 | bairdmaritime.com | Michael Grey

Do physicians still recommend a sea voyage as a cure for all manner of ailments, with the suggestion that salt-scented fresh airs and stiff breezes will leave the afflicted full of vigour and bounce? It was a question that appeared in my mind after reading a report that has emanated from the Seafarers’ Happiness Index, that excellent barometer of opinion from those whose doctors probably would not offer them such a prescription.