Category Archives: High Seas

Looking up at the distinctive black and red funnel of Cunards Queen Elizabeth, which has navigated Alaskas Inside Passage and the sapphire Mediterranean, as well as Australias own dramatic coastline in 2023,its hard not to experience a sense of awe.

That feeling is one thatll soon be increasingly common down under again, as the luxurious vessel bases herself out of Sydney and Melbourne for her annual summer residency between November 2023 and March 2024.

Queen Elizabeth returns to Australia for her annual summer residency in November. Cunard

Christened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, the 294-metre-long ship is a part of a proud sailing legacy spanning over 180 years, back to the days when founder Samuel Cunard operated his first transatlantic mail service between Liverpool and Boston via Halifax.

Red and black funnels are a staple across all Cunard Queens. Cunard

A common thread since that time is the black and red funnel adorning every ship, from those early wooden steamers originally crossing the frigid North Atlantic to the three Queens of glass and steel currently in service: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and, of course, Queen Elizabeth.

Though each ship offers a distinct experience and its own highlights Queen Elizabeth has a two-storey library beneath a beautiful glass ceiling, for example all three share the same sense of timeless glamour and design, with contemporary touches.

The two-storey library on board Queen Elizabeth. Cunard

Soon, theyll be joined by a fourth monarch, when the hugely-anticipatedQueen Anne hailed as Cunards most luxurious ship yet enters service in May 2024.

Queen Anne will welcome up to 3,000 guests when she sets sail in May 2024. Cunard

By all accounts, Queen Anne is set to take Cunard in a bold and exciting direction, one where the golden age of cruising has been reinvented (some may say perfected) for the modern era.

But what sets Cunards grand dames of the sea apart from rivals? How do the ships differ from one another and what kind of experience awaits curious travellers embarking on a high seas adventure?

Four words sum up the Cunard experience perfectly: the height of luxury. Its about opulence and refinement from bow to aft, while still remaining accessible and affordable with destinations and itineraries for diverse tastes and budgets.

Queen Victorias Grand Lobby is a picture of elegance from top to bottom. Cunard

Naturally, given the ships royal connections, regal splendour runs deep. Picture soaring lobbies and chandeliers dripping in crystal, complimentary daily Afternoon Tea served on delicate plates, not to mention genuinely stunning staterooms and suites.

Varying in size across the fleet, Cunards Queens Grill Suites are the pinnacle of accommodation options. Each comes with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, pre-dinner canaps and attentive butler service, plus entry to an exclusive Queens Grill restaurant and Grills Terrace enhanced by Cunards signature White Star Service (more on this soon).

This Grand Suite is just one of the lavish accommodation options on board Queen Anne. Cunard

Its not purely about heritage charm though, there are plenty of 21st century refinements on every Cunard ship, including that all-important WiFi to share your discoveries on the go (though its a welcome opportunity for a digital detox!).

With more spaciousness and impeccable service, Cunards Queens are designed for those seeking only the very best with plenty to see, do and discover too.

Memorable service is an essential ingredient of every Cunard voyage, whether dining in the Britannia Restaurant, having a pint at the Golden Lion pub or treating your mind and body at Mareel Wellness & Beauty. Simply chatting with the crew leaves an impression.

Cunard dubs this White Star Service, and its about thoughtful and refined service, making you feel entirely looked after and completely at ease. Youll encounter it the moment you cross the gangway, when white-gloved officers and crew welcome and invite you to explore your new floating abode.

Every crew member is trained at Cunards own White Star Academy, ensuring consistency across the fleet, so you know exactly what to expect no matter which ship you sail on.

White Star Service puts you at ease the moment you cross the gangway. Cunard

Queens Grill Suites, like this on Queen Victoria, are the pinnacle accommodation on every ship. Cunard

That opulence continues in the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant on board Queen Anne. Cunard

The globe-spanning ports visited are incredibly diverse as well. From local voyages in Australia to the iconic Transatlantic Crossings, to a life-changing World Voyage, theres something for both new and long-time cruisers, with itineraries from three days to three months.

Heres a teaser of what else awaits on board each Cunard ship:

Queen Elizabeth (not to be mistaken for her predecessor the QE2) is the jewel in the Australian summer cruise season. Her interiors take design cues from the symmetry and style of the Art Deco era, with all the contemporary features guests seek.

Queen Elizabeth has travelled the globe, from wild Alaska to the balmy Mediterranean and beyond. Cunard

A soaring triple-storey Grand Lobby sets the tone for the splendour flowing throughout, and the glamour and indulgence only ramp up across each of the ships 12 passenger decks.

Queen Elizabeths triple-height lobby harks back to the golden age of cruising. Cunard

Britannia Restaurant and Steakhouse at The Verandah are two of the 10 dining venues ready to satisfy guests taste buds, whether in the mood for fine dining or casual al fresco bites. And with complimentary Afternoon Tea served daily in the Queens Room why not?

Complimentary daily Afternoon Tea is an experience worth relishing. Cunard

Settle into a good book from the two-storey library set under a beautiful glass ceiling; see a show at the 800-seat Royal Court Theatre, an impressive venue spanning three decks of the ship; or embrace the transformational power of the ocean at Mareel Wellness & Beauty equipped with a sauna with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea.

As the only true ocean liner in the world regularly crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Queen Mary 2 is much more than your average ship. Shes also Cunards flagship and has some rather special features on board.

The glittering New York skyline is a popular sight on Queen Mary 2s Transatlantic Crossings. Cunard

For starters, there are 24 kennels allowing dogs and cats to cross the Atlantic Ocean in style (on Transatlantic Crossings only). This unique space even features a dedicated owners lounge, not to mention ample room for pets to stretch their sea legs.

Four-legged friends also get to travel in style on board Transatlantic Crossings. Cunard

In addition to the largest library at sea, with some 8,000 hardbacks and no less than 500 paperbacks within its storied walls, Queen Mary 2 also boasts a 3D cinema and planetarium known as Illuminations. Here you can lose yourself among the stars and rousing classical soundtracks, or enjoy some inspiring films, stunning concerts and recitals.

Illuminations takes guests on an immersive journey through the stars and closer to home. Cunard

Londons West End is known for its spectacular shows and grandiose theatres. That same spirit is alive on Queen Victoria, which was the first Cunard ship to debut West End-style theatre boxes within its Royal Court Theatre. Naturally, the views are rather impressive.

Queen Victoria was the first Cunard ship to debut West End-style theatre boxes. Cunard

A love and passion for the arts is a theme echoing right throughout the ship, where some 500 displayed art pieces make walking down the hall akin to exploring an art gallery.

Outside, guests can breathe in an ever-changing view from the decks, get active or slow things down in one of two pools, or embrace cruising classics such as croquet, lawn bowls and shuffleboard.

Croquet, lawn bowls and shuffleboard are essential cruise classics. Cunard

The debut of a ship is always worthy of celebration. For Cunard, the arrival of Queen Anne is bigger news still, not only as the first new vessel since 2010 but the 249th ship to enter the fleet. Thats a staggering figure, one leaving many cruise lines in its wake.

Queen Anne sets a new course for the cruise line, elevating its trademark experience to even greater heights. Cunard

As you can imagine, a new ship is also a perfect opportunity to elevate the experience, giving long-time cruisers and those dipping their toes into the world ample reasons to step on board.

With this in mind, Queen Anne will host the largest array of dining options on any Cunard ship, including debuts of Japanese restaurant Aji Wa, and the high-end steakhouse Sir Samuels, which is primed to showcase the very best of British and Australian beef and seafood.

The iconic Queens Grill restaurant is also taking things up a notch, with an exclusive menu curated in partnership with two Michelin-star chef Michel Roux, in addition to a refined stable of British pub classics for the Golden Lion.

There will also be a Wellness Studio where you can salute the sun as it slips behind the horizon, the Panorama Pool Club to soak up some rays as you sail from port to port, and an exhilarating new bar and entertainment space known as Bright Lights Society.

Open from sunrise to sunset, the Wellness Studio will host regular fitness sessions, including yoga. Cunard

Queen Annes Panorama Pool Club is destined to be a popular hangout. Cunard

Bright Lights Society will be a whirlwind of entertainment, with unexpected performers and dazzling musicians. Cunard

Australians will get a chance to experience Queen Anne when she makes her way down under in early 2025. Until then, Queen Elizabeth is the finest way to embrace the Cunard way of life close to home with residency every Australian summer, or, if you fancy sailing further afield, youll want to check out Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2.

For those looking for truly unique experiences, Cunard runs local event voyages like the Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage, Great Australian Culinary Voyage and Australian Literature Festival at Sea.

A Cunard cruise is a fantastic way to see the world, allowing you to wake up in diverse ports and enjoy the beauty of the ocean in style. Cunard

All you need to do is find a cruise that speaks to you and book. The rest from the food and wine to show-stopping live entertainment is all curated by the expert Cunard team.

To explore the world with Cunard, visit cunard.com

This article was produced in collaboration with Cunard.

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High seas glamour: what its like to cruise the world with Cunard - Executive Traveller

Massive multiplayer warfighting game Foxhole is expanding big time, taking its huge wars to the high seas for the first time by adding major naval vessels like submarines, battleships, destroyers, and more that will take dozens of players to crew and operate across duty stations like command, piloting, engineering, guns, sonar, depth charges, and sea mines. It'll also bring a huge overhaul to the mechanics of naval invasions, introducing sea-based headquarters vessels where players can spawn. Foxhole's Naval Warfare update will launch on October 26, 2023.

Foxhole is a huge game where thousands of players produce each bullet and shell, drive it to the front lines, and fire it at the enemy. In development since 2017, the first small boats and amphibious craft were introduced years ago but operations had been mostly restricted to coastal areas and near-shore islandswith the near-shore islands generally left off the map for recent wars.

This new expansion will expand the war map to include fully water-based regions once again, with players now able to use not just landing ships and undertake sea-based logistics, but construct portable harbors to support successful invasions. The new regions will have not just large strategic islands, but offshore oil platforms to fight over. The new Base Ships will be designed to spawn players at sea before ferrying them onto landing craft so they can relive the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan.

The Naval Warfare update will include a few other big thingsincluding some that developers Siege Camp had said probably weren't ever coming to Foxhole. Most notably is towing for infantry-pushed field weapons and equipment. Trucks, Half-Tracks, and other vehicles like them will now be able to attach and tow all those field guns. There'll also be attachable trailers for logistics players hauling expanded amounts of cargo to the front.

Rounding out the update are a few things that would be notable for Foxhole players in their own right: Large deployable field artillery guns, new massive Heavy Duty trucks to haul them, heavy self-propelled artillery platforms, and player-built launch sites for screen-obliterating ballistic rockets.

If this is the first you're hearing of Foxhole, it's a pretty unique game where thousands of players strategize, supply, and fight in their own wars as either the Warden or Colonial factions. It's roughly based on a time in a fictional world at the technology level of the after World War 1 interwar period, with in-game tech advancing as each war goes on to something like the end of, or just after, World War 2.

You can find Foxhole on Steam, where it's $30 US, or on its website foxholegame.com. Foxhole hit its proper 1.0 release last year, and developer Siege Camp has announced their next game will be a massive medieval warfare MMO, but that clearly hasn't slowed down the pace or scope of updates and new features on Foxhole.

Excerpt from:

Warfare MMO Foxhole is adding naval combat complete with huge ... - PC Gamer

A second season for Netflix's live-action One Piece series was officially announced, building upon the stellar Season 1 cast with a whole new batch of characters.

Led by Iaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, the live-action One Piece cast faithfully brought to life the beloved world of Eiichiro Oda's pirating anime, racking up stellar viewership numbers and rave reviews.

This led the streamer to green light Season 2, as the One Piece creative team ventures further into this swashbuckling adventure. According to series cinematographer Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, they have "definitely started writing" Season 2.

So with the ball rolling toward the sophomore season, here is every character expected to return.

Iaki Godoy's Monkey D. Luffy is the lovable captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He wants nothing more than to find the elusive One Piece and become the king of the pirates. Luffy is also known for his rubber man powers, with the ability to warp and stretch his body at will.

Season 1 saw Luffy assemble the first iteration of his Straw Hat crew, procure a ship, and take down the villainous Arlong. The second season will likely see the character back in the spotlight, as his team of pirates ventures toward the Grand Line in search of Gold Roger's famous treasure.

Nami (played by Emily Rudd) is the Going Merry's navigator, having joined the Straw Hats despite efforts to betray them in Season 1. She came across Luffy early in the first batch of episodes as she attempted to steal a map to the Grand Line that Godoy's Straw Hat captain was also on the hunt for.

After teases of searching for a doctor to join the Straw Hats in the first season, the second will likely cover the events of the Little Island and Drum Mountain Arcs where Nami falls ill, making the team's probe for a medical professional even more urgent as they try to save their navigator.

Jacob Gibson's Usopp is expected to return for One Piece Season 2. Usopp is the cowardly tall-tale-telling sniper of the Straw Hat crew, joining the band of pirates after they helped him save his home of Syrup Island and come into possession of their iconic ship, the Going Merry.

Following the events of Arlong Park, Usopp and the rest of the Straw Hats become even closer, something that will almost certainly affect the Straw Hat sniper. Given the live-action series made some significant cuts surrounding Usopp in Season 1, hopefully, the character gets his moment to shine in the next batch of episodes.

The most recent member to join the Straw Hat crew was Taz Skylar's Sanji. Sanji is a cooler-than-cool chef who heads off on a life of adventure on the Going Merry after getting a blessing from his mentor/guardian Zeff. Sanji now finds himself cooking for the crew as their full-time cook.

Sanji only just joined the Straw Hat Pirates toward the end of Season 1, helping the team take down Arlong and his Fish-men. In Season 2, fans can get a deeper dive into how Sanji does business, including his penchant for clandestine battle tactics.

Roronoa Zoro (more commonly referred to as simply Zoro) is a sure thing for One Piece Season 2, with Mackenyu likely back in the role. Zoro is the master swordsman of the Straw Hats who is on a quest to become the greatest sword-wielder to ever live.

Given the likelihood that Season 2 will tackle the first few arcs of the Arabasta Saga, the series will dive further into Zoro's backstory and his history with the dastardly Baroque Works.

After playing one of the primary villains and chasing around the Straw Hats throughout One Piece Season 1, Vincent Regan's Garp showed some compassion toward the merry band of pirates in the first season's finale. It was then revealed that the much-feared Marine vice admiral was, in fact, the grandfather of series protagonist Luffy.

This cliffhanger left audiences wondering whether Garp was going to continue his pursuit of the Straw Hat Pirates or not. Surely, this was a short-lived bout of empathy for the high-ranking Marine, and he will be hot on their tail yet again in Season 2.

Koby (played by Morgan Davies) is an enterprising young Marine cadet and reformed member of Alvida's pirate crew. During Season 1, Koby earned the trust of Vice Admiral Garp, helping the Marine in his quest to take down the biggest pirates in the East Blue.

The pink-haired recruit will only become more ingrained in the Marine way of life in Season 2, potentially even coming to blows with his former friend Luffy, who was responsible for his joining the Marine force in the first place.

Another one of the big bads of Season 1, Jeff Ward's Buggy the Clown is not done in this high-seas adventure. This colorful pirate captain captured Luffy during the events of Season 1, with the Straw Hats doing battle with this super-powered sailor.

While the Straw Hats ended up using Buggy's head (thanks to his disassembling abilities) to help them find Arlong in the first season, the clown pirate will almost surely flip back to being an adversary in Season 2. If the next batch of episodes tackles the events of the Loguetown Arc, then it will see Buggy team up with the villainous Alvida to take on the Going Merry crew.

Helmeppo (played by Aidan Scott) is the cowardly son of Marine Captain "Axe Hand" Morgan and a new recruit to the Marines alongside Kody. The character first saw Koby as a rival amongst the Marine ranks but came to appreciate his prowess in hunting down pirates.

It remains unknown just how involved Helmeppo, Garp, and Koby will be in Season 2 as the series' central trio of marines does not play a super big part in some of the upcoming storylines. However, seeing how much focus they got in Season 1, perhaps some changes will be made to include them.

Alvida (brought to life by Ilia Isorels Paulino) is the captain of the Alvida Pirates and the first antagonist Luffy comes across in the events of the series. After stowing away on her ship, Luffy befriends Koby, does battle with Alvida, and escapes all before the end of the first episode.

While Alvida was not heard from much after Luffy and Koby made their daring escape in Season 1, she will seemingly be a big part of Season 2, starting an alliance with Buggy the Clown known as the Buggy and Alvida Alliance.

Tony Tony Chopper (aka Chopper) is the next member of the Straw Hat Pirates who will seemingly come into the picture.

The anthropomorphic reindeer was teased in the Season 2 announcement video and even hinted at in the first season as the Straw Hats start their search for an on-deck doctor.

It looks as though Captain Smoker will be the primary antagonist of One Piece Season 2. The character was featured sporting his signature cigars and burning one of Luffy's wanted posters in the post-credits scene of Season 1.

Smoker is a Marine Vice Admiral who has appeared as a recurring adversary of Luffy and the Straw Hat crew throughout One Piece's prolific anime and manga, first appearing as a Marine Captain in the Loguetown Arc.

If Tony Tony Chopper is going to appear in Season 2 of the Netflix series, then so will Dr. Kureha. Kureha is the adoptive mother of Chopper and a renowned doctor calling Drum Island home.

While she is known by some as a witch, she has mentored Chopper as he aspires to be the best doctor the world has seen and cure every disease on the high seas.

Nefertari Vivi is a princess of the Arabasta Kingdom who debuts as an antagonistic Baroque Works bounty hunter known as Miss Wednesday during the Reverse Mountain Arc.

She eventually joins the Straw Hat crew for most of the Arabasta Saga after it turns out she was spying on Baroque Works as Miss Wednesday.

King Wapol is one of the primary antagonists of the Drum Island Arc, coming to blows with the Straw Hats as the Going Merry arrives on the Island Wapol once ruled as king.

Wapol is another pirate who possesses the powers of the Devil Fruit, who is the former monarch of Drum Island. However, he is forced to flee his throne after the Black Bear Pirates take over his home. The Drum Island Arc sees Wapol coming back to his kingdom after months since he and his citizens escaped to safety.

Portgas D. Ace is someone who plays a small part in what will likely be covered in the next season of One Piece but becomes a critical figure going forward.

Born the son of the famed Gold Roger, Portgas D. Ace allies himself with the Straw Hats during the Drum Island Arc after working on the crew of Captain Blackbeard. Following Blackbeard killing one of his own crew, Portgas vows to see the tyrannical pirate brought to justice.

Given the importance the mysterious Baroque Works organization is going to have in Season 2, it would make sense for the hulking Crocodile to be introduced.

Crocodile is the primary antagonist of the Arabasta Saga and one of Luffy's longest-running adversaries in the anime. He is first introduced as the president of Baroque Works and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the Little Garden Arc.

Another addition to the Straw Hat crew who will likely be introduced sometime in Season 2 is Nico Robin.

The Straw Hat archeologist is first seen by audiences during the Arbasta Arc as the vice-president of Baroque Works working under the villainous Crocodile.

Dorry is a giant from Elbaf who is one of the two captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates alongside Broggy.

Dorry and Broggy ally themselves with the Straw Hat Pirates during the Little Garden Arc as they take on officers of Baroque Works.

Broggy (like Dorry) is a giant co-captain of the Giant Warrior Pirates who has been at odds with Dorry for centuries on the prehistoric island of Little Garden.

Broggy teams up with Dorry and the Going Merry crew to take on Baroque Works during the Little Garden Arc.

Loan Shark Galdino (aka Mr. 3) is a bounty hunter for the mysterious Baroque Works organization.

Mr. 3 becomes a big part of the story during the Little Garden Arc, serving as the primary antagonist of that particular section of the story.

Bentham, who goes by the code name Mr. 2, is another agent of Baroque Works, playing as one of the big bads of the Arabasta Arc.

Bentham goes on to eventually flip sides, though, becoming an ally of Luffy's by the time the arc ends.

Captain Tashigi is a Marine officer who works under the dastardly Captain Smoker. While Smoker is hell-bent on taking down the Straw Hat pirates, Tashigi is less enthused by that conquest, helping Luffy and his crew at points.

Tashigi has become the subject of much speculation among fans, with many thinking the Marine officer is actually an aged-up Kuina (the deceased childhood friend and rival of Roronoa Zoro).

King Nefertari Cobra is the monarch of the Arabasta Kingdom and the father of Nefertari Vivi.

After allowing the evil Crocodile into his confines, he quickly loses control of his kingdom, with Luffy and the Straw Hats coming in to save the day and taking down the evil pirate captain.

Monkey D. Dragon is a pirate who has been labeled by the World Government as the "World's Worst Criminal" and is first introduced in the Loguetown Arc.

After Luffy is captured by Smoker following their first confrontation, Dragon is key in helping the Straw Hat Captain escape the cigar-chomping Marine's clutches.

One Piece Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

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One Piece Season 2 Cast: Every Character Expected to Appear - The Direct

Football, to the Portuguese, is not just a game. Its a pulsating beat of a nations heart, an ever-evolving symphony of talent, passion, and innovation. And while the pride and spirit of this small yet mighty nation remain unwavering, Portuguese football is on the cusp of a new era, and what an era it promises to be!

In recent years, weve witnessed the birth of a new generation of Portuguese prodigies, as clubs academies have been churning out young talents ready to take on the world. With figures like Joo Flix, Rafael Leo, and Nuno Mendes making headlines, its clear that Portugals future in football is on safe ground.

But it isnt just about individual talents. The Portuguese national team has showcased resilience, technique, and ambition that places them firmly among the worlds best. With their Euro 2016 victory and the subsequent UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019, Portugal is not just seen as a footballing nation that once revolved around the genius of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, its a collective unit driven by young blood with a voracious hunger for silverware.

On the club front, Portugal has always been seen as a hub for nurturing young talent. The Primeira Liga, often considered the unsung hero of European leagues, offers a blend of experienced stalwarts and budding prodigies. With FC Porto, SL Benfica, and Sporting CP leading the charge in European competitions, its evident that the Portuguese club scene is no longer content with just being part of the narrative; they aim to make a big impression on it.

The recent investments, revamped infrastructure, and a more global approach to talent scouting signify that Portuguese clubs are ready for the limelight. More partnerships with big sponsors, deeper penetration into untapped markets, and a burgeoning fanbase reflect the renaissance of Portuguese club football.

Now, lets take a slight detour from the green pastures of football to the glitzy, pixelated world of online gaming. Portugals trust in online casinos has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a grey area, the legal and regulated online gaming sector has witnessed a surge in popularity. Likewise, across the ocean, casino Brasil as a search query and entertainment destination has been gaining momentum.

Why talk about online casinos in a football piece, you ask? The connection is deeper than one might think.

Football and betting have a long-standing relationship. With the emergence of online casinos, the nexus has only grown stronger. Many Portuguese football clubs have embraced these platforms as sponsors, benefitting from significant financial influxes, leading to better facilities and more competitive squads.

Moreover, its not just about placing bets on match outcomes anymore. The advent of virtual football games and e-sports competitions means fans can immerse themselves in an alternative reality of football, managing their favourite teams or even creating their own dream teams.

But with great power comes great responsibility. Both the gaming sector and football stakeholders in Portugal have emphasized responsible gambling. Clubs, in partnership with online platforms, have launched campaigns to ensure the experience remains fun and doesnt morph into an addiction.

Another interesting facet of the online surge is how technology is reshaping entertainment, including the football experience. From Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that take fans into the stadium from the comfort of their homes to Augmented Reality (AR) applications that provide real-time stats during live matches, the line between the digital and real is blurring rapidly.

Could you imagine a scenario where fans, through VR, walk alongside their favourite players in the tunnel before a big match? Or engage in tactical discussions in a virtual fan forum? The possibilities are endless, and we are just scratching the surface.

In many ways, Portuguese football is at a crossroads. On one hand, theres an undeniable resurgence on the field, with a fresh wave of talent and a renewed club vigour. On the other, theres the vast, untapped potential of online engagements with the best bookmakers, where the pixelated world offers avenues to amplify the beautiful game.

But amid all these changes, one thing remains constant: the passion of the Portuguese fans. Whether its cheering from the stands of Estdio do Drago or from a VR headset in a living room in Lisbon, the heartbeat of Portuguese football remains robust.

As we stride into this exciting future, its evident that Portugal, a nation once known for its Age of Discoveries, is on the brink of a new era of exploration. Only this time, the quest is not on the high seas but on the football pitches and the limitless realm of the digital world. And oh boy, what a journey it promises to be!

by Carolina Rocha Barros

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The future of Portuguese football: the pitch, the pixels, and the promise - PortuGOAL.net

High winds and rough seas are forecast for the northern area of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) as Typhoon Koinu is expected to hit the area late Wednesday.

As of 1am Wednesday, the eye of the storm was at about 330km to the east-southeast of Taiwan (China), according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

The strongest winds recorded were at level 14 (150-166km/h). The typhoon is heading northwest at about 10km/h.

It is expected to weaken as it enters the waters 270km to the south-southeast of Fujian Province (China) and then the East Sea on Friday.

The areas from Qung Tr to Bnh Thun provinces, the Central Highlands and the southern region will see moderate to heavy showers in the evening with rainfall of between 10-30mm, and over 50mm in several locations.

There are also chances of whirlwinds, lightning and high winds during the downpours. The warning for natural disaster risks remains at level 1, the lowest, said the NCHMF.

The NCHMF warns that heavy rain can also cause inundation in low-lying areas and risks of landslides and flash floods in the mountainous region. VNS

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Typhoon Koinu to cause high winds, rough waters in East Sea - VietNamNet

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Given the resource scramble for our oceans and the use of increasingly sophisticated technology for exploration, mining and fishing on an industrial scale, we urgently need transformative ocean governance because business-as-usual is destroying our oceans. The first step is to establish a set of principles towards achieving this transformation.

Since January 2020, a group of 21 senior researchers from around the world and across ecological, social, economic, industry and legal disciplines, have developed a set of 13 principles for transformative ocean governance and action. They focus on the reform required for ocean-use practices and address a combination of the UNs sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Led by Nelson Mandela Universitys Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, the Principles for transformative ocean governance, was published on 7 September in Nature Sustainability. The authors have a total of 440 years of experience gained from working in and influencing the ocean governance realm in over 30 countries.

While there are a lot of rules about sustainable governance on land, there are fewer for oceans, especially areas beyond national jurisdiction. Oceans are difficult to govern because they are dynamic and without borders, hence they require international cooperation and collaboration.

To date, governments, industry and organisations have failed to offer equal access for all humans to the ocean environment and have failed to halt the decline in ocean health and ecosystem service delivery. Ecosystem services, such as oxygen production, sustain life on Earth and half of the Earths oxygen is generated by tiny plants in the ocean called phytoplankton.

In South Africa, we have rules for catching certain species, and organisations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sets rules for the hake fishery and compliance is required in order to sell to Europe. But this is just one species and many species lack rules. Many other species are also caught as by-catch.

The large fishing companies and the oil and gas industries have the technology to provide researchers with data such as camera footage from the oceans so that we can work together to achieve a sustainable marine environment, but so far there isnt much willingness to do this.

Researchers rely on grants and donor funding and there arent sufficient funds to pursue the work we would like to do to better understand the ocean. Even our exclusive economic zones are not well understood and the high seas beyond are even more unknown; its the wild west out there with few rules.

To address these issues, we invited a group of researchers from around the world to a conference hosted by Nelson Mandela University in January 2020. The goal was to engage with the latest developments impacting ocean governance from a developmental, ecosystem-based and human-rights-based approach.

At the conference it was agreed to develop a set of ocean governance principles that work to establish a balance between the economic, conservation, social and cultural requirements of the wide range of role-players in the ocean environment. Our aim is to offer guidelines for countries and hopefully help to inform policy and enforceable regulations.

Its taken three-and-a-half years to develop the 13 principles because we are a very diverse, transdisciplinary group, representing a wide range of needs, including legal frameworks, international and domestic politics of ocean governance, developmental approaches including inclusive and equitable development, the blue economy and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and ecosystem-based and human rights-based approaches, including marine planning, ocean health, social justice and the role of civil society in governance.

The 13 principles, which are elaborated on in the article, span the following areas:

Its not easy to govern the ocean and apportion fair access to all the competing groups. And at the same time to respect non-measurable cultural needs, such as indigenous communities whose ancestors live in the ocean and who call for it to be respected and conserved because this is their spiritual home. Exemplary work has been done in Canada to include Indigenous ocean knowledge and the needs of the First Nations.

To illustrate the transformative principles of ocean governance in action we drew on our work done to date in Algoa Bay. Since 2017 a group of us have been working on Algoa Bays Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), which is the first in South Africa, and will be released early in 2024. The plan has been developed by the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research and the SARChI Chair in Marine Spatial planning at Nelson Mandela University, as well as the Chair of Marine Natural Products at Rhodes University, with a number of collaborators, and with funding from the South African National Research Foundation/ Department of Science and Innovation.

In 2019, the Algoa Bay project joined the One Ocean Hub (OOH), an international programme of fair research partnerships for sustainable development among the Global North-South, funded by UK Official Development Assistance. The aim is a healthy ocean for all.

Together, the Algoa Bay and OOH projects have brought together researchers from the biophysical sciences (including deep-sea and fisheries science), the social sciences (including anthropology and the arts), and ecological and resource economics and law (national and international law on environment, human rights and the sea), with the joint aim of helping to inform stakeholders and governments on what transformative ocean governance entails and what can be achieved through it.

It requires considerable consultation, including talking to industry, government, lawyers, biologists, small-scale fishers, ocean-dwelling communities and holders of Indigenous knowledge. It also requires investigating the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process used by industries such as oil and gas and marine minerals.

The EIA process that gets approved is often wholly insufficient. Exploration goes ahead in most cases, with some exceptions where multinationals are taken to court such as the contesting of seismic blasting along the Wild Coast in the search for oil and gas.

Industry has the power and money, and characteristically uses economics and job creation in their bid for a large slice of the ocean. Its very difficult pushing back against big industry and governments or any sector that gains the most benefit from the ocean but we have to reach a point of collaboration. We are hoping the ocean governance policies and MSPs will assist in putting pressure on industry and governments to work with other sectors and collaboratively come up with win-win solutions for ocean sustainability.

Many developing nations are working on their MSPs now and they regularly contact us for help. One of our teams is working with Madagascar; we work a lot with Western Indian Ocean countries from South Africa all the way up the east coast of Africa.

We are well into the UN Ocean Decade and the 2030 drive to protect the oceans, which cannot be a box-ticking exercise. We have to move beyond the blue team wanting to conserve the oceans and industry hitting back that they dont like what we are presenting. Its a constant fight instead of working as one team. The ocean environment is screaming for collaboration and hopefully this can be achieved.

Professor Amanda Lombard holds the SARChI Chair in Marine Spatial Planning at Nelson Mandela University and is lead author of a seminal article Principles for transformative ocean governance, published on 7 September in the leading international journal, Nature Sustainability.

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Governing our seas using core principles of sustainability - Mail and Guardian

PRESS RELEASE

Published September 18, 2023

The Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market refers to the market for specialized lubricants designed to meet the needs of medium-speed marine engines. These engines are commonly used in various types of ships, including container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, and offshore support vessels. Marine medium-speed engine oils play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of these engines in the challenging maritime environment.

The marine medium-speed engine oil market is integral to the reliable and efficient operation of medium-speed marine engines in the shipping industry. As environmental regulations become more stringent and the demand for sustainable shipping practices grows, there is a continued need for innovative and environmentally friendly engine oil solutions. Meeting these challenges and maintaining compliance with evolving regulations will be key factors in the success of lubricant manufacturers in this market.

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Key Components of the Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market:

Medium-Speed Marine Engines: These engines typically operate in the range of 600 to 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and are known for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and versatility. They are commonly used in both propulsion and auxiliary power generation on ships.

Marine Medium Speed Engine Oils: These are specialized lubricants formulated to meet the specific requirements of medium-speed marine engines. They provide lubrication, cooling, and protection against wear and corrosion in the harsh maritime environment.

Key players in the marine medium speed engine oil market include:

Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market- Segmentation

Growth Drivers:

Global Shipping Industry: The global shipping industry is a primary driver of the marine medium-speed engine oil market. The demand for goods transported by sea continues to grow, leading to increased shipping activity and the need for reliable engine lubrication.

Stringent Environmental Regulations: Regulatory bodies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have introduced strict environmental regulations to reduce emissions from ships. This has led to the development of low-sulfur and low-emission engine oils to comply with these regulations.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Reduction: Ship operators are increasingly focused on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions to meet environmental goals and regulations. High-quality engine oils can contribute to achieving these objectives.

Maintenance and Reliability: The reliability and longevity of marine engines are crucial for the shipping industry. Engine oils that offer superior protection against wear and corrosion help extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs.

Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development in lubricant technology have resulted in the formulation of more advanced and high-performance marine engine oils.

Challenges:

Environmental Concerns: The shipping industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, including emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Meeting these requirements with the right engine oils can be challenging.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with evolving international and regional regulations regarding emissions, exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), and fuel quality is a complex task for both ship operators and lubricant manufacturers.

Market Competition: The marine lubricants market is highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers vying for market share. This competition can lead to price pressures.

Supply Chain Complexity: Marine engine oil supply chains can be complex due to the global nature of the shipping industry. Ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality engine oils across different regions is a logistical challenge.

Technology Compatibility: As ship engines evolve and become more technologically advanced, ensuring that engine oils are compatible with the latest engine designs and materials is essential.

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Marine Medium Speed Engine Oil Market: Navigating the High Seas ... - Digital Journal

Nasim al Bahar naval exercises between Pakistan and the Royal Saudi navies are three decades old now and performed every two years, alternating between the two countries. The latest exercise in this series concluded in the Kingdom city of Al Jubail this month. This three-day bilateral exercise was divided in two parts, on shore activities and sea exercises involving ships and aircraft. Bilateral defense co-operation is however, not confined to the navies alone. In fact a couple of weeks ago a joint anti-terrorism army exercise was conducted in the army special forces center at Cherat.

The bulk of the earth is covered by the oceans. For Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, territorial waters are important as they are the cheapest and most practical channels for commercial activities. While Saudi Arabia exports its oil overseas through tankers, Pakistan gets its oil and gas through its ports. The safe and smooth transport of energy resources is not only important for the Kingdom and Pakistan, but indeed the entire world. Therefore, ever vigilant navies, jointly working to secure international waters, are a global necessity.

Threats at sea are broadly divided into two categories; traditional and non- traditional. Traditional threats originate from the states perceived as antagonistic. It is necessary to correctly assess enemy capabilities and plans. Preparations to defend territorial waters and ports can be sound only if the threat perception is correct.

Nasim al Bahar has not only contributed to bilateral security but also enhanced regional peace and future prosperity.

- Javed Hafeez

Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted a multi-national naval exercise called Aman 2023. It was attended by 50 naval contingents from around the globe, including Saudi Arabia. It amply depicted that both the Kingdom and Pakistan accord high importance to securing not only their own territorial waters but the high seas as well. Global prosperity and resultant economic activity is beneficial to all nations. And of the three forces, naval international co-operation is more in vogue now. Combined Task Forces (CTF) 150 , 151 and 152 , stationed in the Gulf are proof of that.

Non-traditional threats on the high seas have also proliferated in recent years. These include piracy, human, drug and arms smuggling. Nations have to guard against illegal fishing in their territorial waters. Similarly, vigilance is essential against nuclear waste dumping. Ecosystems in the oceans and seas have to be safeguarded. All these aspects are regularly discussed at Pak-Saudi naval exercises.

Pakistan Navy ships Saif, Dehshat, Himmat and Muhafiz sailed to Al Jubail especially for these exercises. Marines from both sides also participated. Helicopters for rescue operations were provided by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Seminars and workshops were held to discuss and hone tactical procedures. Special co-ordination meetings were held to discuss and decide the details of the exercise. As soon as the harbor phase endes, sailors and marines are readying themselves for sea activities.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long coastlines and important ports. The Kingdom has the port of Dammam on the Gulf and Jeddah on the Red Sea, apart from five other major ports. Pakistan has major ports of Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar on a 700 km long coastline. Foolproof security around these ports and in their territorial waters is essential for the two countries. Their bilateral naval cooperation is also built around this imperative and, therefore, assumes strategic dimension.

The main aim of such exercises is to enhance the interoperability of two forces not using identical ships, arms and equipment. They also afford an opportunity to test new arms and equipment in a real time war situation. Seminars and workshops are good occasions not only to learn much needed technical skills but also share their experiences about the tackling of traditional and non- traditional threats and challenges. Over and above, the soldiers develop mutual bonhomie. And increasing cooperation between two navies further cements the already brotherly ties.

This is eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Both countries have faced threats of various kinds in their territorial waters and beyond. The sea lanes in our region will assume great importance as trade between China, GCC and Africa picks up via the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Pakistani port of Gwadar will play a pivotal role in that scenario. Regional ports will become busier hubs of economic and commercial activity.

Only a secure and stable polity can achieve economic prosperity. And general prosperity is the best anecdote to extremism. Nasim al Bahar 14 has also been called Daraa al Bahar which means shield of the sea. It is necessary to enhance naval defense in order to keep security threats away from the land. Security and prosperity have a symbiotic relationship. Nasim al Bahar has not only contributed to bilateral security but also enhanced regional peace and future prosperity.

-Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst. Twitter: @JavedHafiz8

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point-of-view

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Threats on the high seas and the Pak-Saudi partnership - Arab News Pakistan

Chinas naval pressure campaign against rival nations in the South China Sea has reached unprecedented heights since yearly short-term moratoriums on fishing were lifted, with Chinese ships shadowing Western warships in the region and seeking to interrupt maritime resupply on a submerged, Philippine-claimed island.

Chinas naval pressure campaign against rival nations in the South China Sea has reached unprecedented heights since yearly short-term moratoriums on fishing were lifted, with Chinese ships shadowing Western warships in the region and seeking to interrupt maritime resupply on a submerged, Philippine-claimed island.

The Peoples Liberation Army Navys ongoing blockade of the Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef thats part of the Spratly Island chain in the West Philippine Sea, has become a rallying point for Southeast Asian countries concerned about Chinas harassment of smaller nations on the high seas. In early August, the Philippines accused Chinese vessels of firing water cannons at its Coast Guard ships as they attempted to resupply the reef.

It was a major display of force by China, including six large Coast Guard ships and four naval vessels. It looked to be a calculated show of force by China, said Ray Powell, the director of SeaLight, a Stanford University project focused on Chinas maritime gray zone activities. It looked like China was trying to send the Philippines a message that playtime is over. Were bringing in the big guns.

China basically claims almost all of the South China Sea, asserting indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, the Paracel Islands, and the Scarborough Shoal via a so-called nine-dash line ringing the sea. While those claims are disputed by almost every other country in the region, including Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, China has spent more than a decade creating facts on the ground by artificially enhancing atolls and reefs, turning them into airfields and ports.

The crisis, which has been ongoing since Chinese authorities lifted their annual fishing moratorium in mid-August, has seen Peoples Liberation Army-backed maritime militia forces actively blocking Philippine Coast Guard resupply vessels from landing on the shoal, where the Philippines periodically needs to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era U.S.-made tank landing ship. Manila ran the Sierra Madre aground on top of the submerged reef in 1999 to help support its legal claim to it.

Its not the first recent maritime flare-up between Chinese and Philippine sailors. Even during the administration of the mercurial former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who sought to strengthen relations with Beijing and threatened to boot a rotating presence of U.S. troops from the archipelago, Manila filed a formal diplomatic protest in 2021, when more than 200 Chinese fishing boats laid anchor at the disputed Whitsun Reef in the Spratly chain. The Philippines also sought arbitration at the Hague over the territorial dispute with China in the sea in 2016.

But with new Philippine President Bongbong Marcos in power and taking a more hawkish tack toward China, the tensions have kicked up another notch. Through the summer, China repositioned large portions of its maritime militia forces to operate out of Mischief Reef, according to Powell. Mischief, an atoll in the South China Sea that has been developed by Beijing and armed with anti-aircraft missiles, isabout 25 miles from Second Thomas Shoal.

China also buttressed those militias with more forces near Sabina Shoal, another disputed shoal, and Thitu Island, the second-largest of the Spratlys. And its not just shadowing and water cannons; China has also fired blinding lasers to daze Philippine vessels at least twice this year.

And Manila has dusted off Vietnams playbook from 2014, when Chinese vessels harassed Hanois navy over an oil rig dispute in the South China Sea, by naming and shaming China directly. When it comes to international relations, anything that you publicize that has a reputational cost for China, hits a nerve with the Chinese, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela told Bloomberg in August.

The push against Second Thomas Shoal is also a sign to experts that Chinas navy can more effectively sustain itself at sea from disputed islands in the South China Sea. And just as Chinas air force has used constant incursions into Taiwans air defense identification zone as a tactic to burn out Taipeis pilots, it is using the pressure campaign at sea to exhaust Philippine forces.

They couldnt really flex their muscles against the Filipinos, the Malaysians, [and] the Indonesians until after they built up the islands in the South China Sea, and thats really why they did that, said Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow for naval warfare and advanced technology at the Heritage Foundation and a former U.S. naval attach in Malaysia. Now they can keep those cutters and those patrol boats and fishing boats out there a lot more frequently [and] actually start to wear down the Malaysian and Filipinos just because they can keep a constant presence where the other guys dont have as many platforms.

And the more that China uses Coast Guard and maritime militia forces to harass the Philippine and other regional navies, the more routine Chinas aggressive posture becomes. The Chinese just keep coming at them and messing with them, Sadler said. It becomes like a new normal. Chinese military strategists believe that under the constant pressure, the United States would go away rather than continue to contest its maritime control.

Even with the Philippines adamant that it will continue to resupply the sunken reef despite Chinese harassment, experts are worried that the Biden administration needs a longer-term solution to the recurring crisis, which has bedeviled the last three U.S. administrations.

The Philippines and the U.S. are going to have to come up with a solution for Second Thomas Shoal, said Powell. Because otherwise, time and the elements will solve it for them, and at that point, China will just own the shoal.

The rest is here:

China Wants to Burn Out Southeast Asian Navies - Foreign Policy

Highlights

After years of working on Kinect Games and the Viva Pinata series, no one really knew what to expect from Rare. It seemed like the studio was very far from its glory days, which the release of the nostalgia-filled Rare Replay only further cemented. However, things quickly changed with the surprise announcement of Sea of Thieves, and the studio has not really looked back since.

While it is not a perfect game, Sea of Thieves has seemingly kicked off a new era for this iconic studio. It not only felt like an extremely unique multiplayer experience, but it also served as one of the earliest selling points for Xbox Game Pass. Rare has since focused much of its resources on expanding this title and whisking players away on brand-new journeys across the high seas. It is impressive just how far the game has come, yet that will likely not last forever. While Sea of Thieves will not close tomorrow, there will come a time when players must take one final voyage across its oceans.

RELATED: How Legend of Monkey Island Could Be A Turning Point For Sea Of Thieves Adventures

Upon release, Sea of Thieves was a bit lackluster. While the visuals and ship combat were fun, the rest of the game felt rather bland. There was no real form of progression, the gameplay felt like a series of rinse-and-repeat scenarios, and there was not much to do within its massive world. It may have been a unique experience, but that uniqueness could only take the game so far. Instead of abandoning the project, Rare committed to improving upon it.

Since release, Sea of Thieves has gotten countless updates that have expanded the game in new ways. New collectibles are frequently added along with new factions, new mission types, new time-limited events, and various other goodies. Originally, the studio was releasing massive new updates every single month, which gave players a reason to keep logging back in for more. In 2020, the studio shifted to a seasonal model with new content every three months, and that seems to have mostly paid off.

Sea of Thieves has gone through a ton of changes since release, making it feel like a vastly different game. It has even featured crossover stories from Pirates of the Caribbean and Lucasfilm Games' Monkey Island series, along with cosmetics from all sorts of different Microsoft franchises. All of this has helped create one of the best pirate games around, which has built an audience of over 30 million players as of June 2022. It seems like there is no stopping this multiplayer game as the studio has plans for the next five years, but no live-service game can last forever.

While Sea of Thieves' last days are likely a ways away, there will come a time when the game must close its doors. Already, Rare has had to cut off support for the PvP Arena mode because players were just not playing it. The game has also been going on for five years now, so naturally players will end up finding new games to play. On top of that, the game's 10th season had to be delayed, some players have become aggravated by cheaters, the newer content has not been engaging enough, and there is still no interesting form of progression outside of cosmetics.

Sea of Thieves is still going strong, and it likely will be for years to come. But if the playerbase gets bored with its content, then it will no longer buy its microtransactions. If there is no income stream, then Rare will not be able to keep updating the game with new content. With no new content, players will likely fall off in droves with only the diehard ones sticking around. Even if it does not seem like it, every online game has its expiration date, and Sea of Thieves' day may come sooner than some players realize.

Sea of Thieves is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MORE: What to Expect From Sea of Thieves' Dark Deception Adventure

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Sea of Thieves Will Have to Face the Reaper Sooner or Later - GameRant