North East war vessels takes on piracy

A ship built in the North East is helping to tackle pirates off the coast of Somalia.

HMS Northumberland, constructed by Swan Hunter at Wallsend in 1992, is joining fellow Northern vessel HMS Cumberland to conduct anti-piracy operations in the wake of a rise in attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden.

Gateshead back BAE investment

Last week's announcement that BAE Systems is to invest £28m in a new manufacturing plant in Birtley has been welcomed by Gateshead Council.The news came as part of a deal with the MOD worth up to £3bn, and will…

Yachting elite prepare on Tyneside

Some of the world's most talented yachtsmen are descending on South Tyneside College this summer to undergo specialist training to prepare them for one of the world's toughest professional yacht races - the Volvo Ocean Race.The nine-month race is known…

Able UK begins work on major dismantling contract

One of the biggest-ever oil platform dismantling contracts is now underway at a North East facility.Three huge barges have delivered modules a BP platform to Able UK's TERRC (Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre) in Graythorp, with another three scheduled…

Pilots navigate Morocco from North East

Pilots are learning to navigate one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean from the comfort of South Tyneside.The Marine College at South Tyneside College has won an on-going contract to train Moroccan pilots to navigate the new Tangier Med…

Royal coincidence for Newbiggin

A Northumberland town experienced a moment of serendipity last week when a royal visit coincided with planning approval for a new development.Newbiggin by the Sea played host to His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex on the day planning approval…