Two Chinese frigates arrive in the capital

Rob Powell Navy, News

TWO frigates from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy sailed up the River Thames today. The Type 054A ships Huanggang (577) and Yangzhou (578) arrived at West India Docks and they will be followed this evening by the 18-month old Type 903 replenishment ship Gaoyouhu which will go in to the Royal Docks. Just an hour separated the arrivals this morning …

Brazilian sail training ship Cisne Branco arrives in London

Staff Writer Navy, News, Tall Ships

THE BRAZILIAN navy’s sail training ship Cisne Branco sailed up the River Thames yesterday afternoon for a port visit to London. The ship was dressed overall, bringing some much needed colour to the Thames on a dull day as she made her way up the river to arrive at West India Docks at about 2.30pm. Built in Amsterdam, the 74 …

FGS Oker sails down the Thames

Rob Powell Navy, News

A GERMAN navy intelligence ship was seen sailing down the Thames this afternoon. FGS Oker (A53) arrived in the capital under the cover of darkness late last week and has spent the weekend moored alongside HMS Belfast. The Type 423 Oste class ship, commissioned in 1988, set off early this afternoon with Tower Bridge lifting for her at 2pm. With …

Disappointment for HMS President campaigners in Autumn Statement

Staff Writer Heritage vessels, Navy, News

CAMPAIGNERS hoping to HMS President have had their hopes dealt a blow by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement but say they “won’t give up on her.” A petition asking for the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, to use proceeds from LIBOR fines to bail out the WWI vessel was signed by over 10,000 people. But when details of where the proceeds …

Petition and fundraising campaigns launched to save HMS President

Staff Writer Heritage vessels, Navy, News

A PETITION and fundraising campaign have been launched to try and save HMS President – one of three surviving Royal Navy ships from WWI. The ship, which was moored on the Victoria Embankment for over 90 years until she had to move earlier this year, is currently in Chatham Docks facing an uncertain future after the trust that looks after her …

JDS Kashima says sayonora to London after first visit

Staff Writer Navy, News

143-METRE-LONG Japanese training ship JDS Kashima sailed down the Thames yesterday afternoon. Kashima arrived in London on Sunday for a three day visit with graduate students on board from the Marine Self Defense Force. Tower Bridge lifted for the departure of the JDS Kashima at 1430 with two Kotug vessels alongside to assist  the ship out of the Pool of …

JDS Kashima sails up the River Thames for London visit

Rob Powell Navy, News

Japanese navy ship Kashima sailed up the River Thames yesterday for a three day visit to the capital. The 143-metre long vessel is the training ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) and arrived through Tower Bridge shortly after 1pm to moor alongside HMS Belfast. Her arrival in London is the latest port visit for the ship which is …

HMS Bulwark visits London to host Royal Navy photographic awards

Staff Writer Navy, News

ALBION-class assault ship HMS Bulwark arrived in London late on Sunday evening. 176-metre long Bulwark sailed up the Thames to arrive at Greenwich Ship Tier shortly before 01:00 having recently taken part in events off Orkney to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland. On Tuesday night the ship hosted the prestigious Peregrine Trophy which celebrates the work …