Monthly Archives: August 2021

If youre in the market for a superyacht with a view, Nick Stark Design may have just the solution. The Australian studio has unveiled a new concept, dubbed Project Grace, which is designed to immerse seafarers in prime ocean vistas while under sail.

The striking vessel spans an imposing 210 feet and is characterized by a large amount of glazing detail. Central areas, such as the main saloon on the main deck, feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows through which guests can soak in the seascape. Think of it as your very own floating observatory.

Its easy to forget that owners experience the yacht from the inside outa stunning silhouette is a thing of beauty, but for most of your time on board you will be looking out, not in, Stark, the founder and naval architect, said in a statement.

The superyachts upper deck comes complete with a jacuzzi and bar.Nick Stark Design

At the same time, the swathes of glass serve to let in plenty of natural light and connect the indoor world with the out. Spanning three decks, the vessel can sleep up to 12 guests and boasts two full-beam VIP suites on the main deck plus a separate owners suite on the upper deck.

Outside, Project Grace is equipped with a sprawling beach club, a wellness area with a large swimming pool, and a private sundeck with a jacuzzi and bar. Theres even a dedicated party deck that comes complete with a custom sound system, DJ booth and integrated lighting for seaside soires. Naturally, theres also a helipad and a storage garage for the requisite toys and tenders.

The vessel sports a helipad and storage garage for toys and tenders.Nick Stark Design

As for performance, the tri-deck superyacht sports a sharp bow and a sleek hull thats been optimized for greater efficiency on the high seas. The vessel will likely be forged from aluminum to save on weight and fitted with lithium batteries and controllable pitch propulsion. This will result in faster speeds while lowering the vessels running costs.

Nick Stark Design has garnered a rep for its envelope-pushing designs. Earlier this year, the studio presented a 308-foot hybrid superyacht known as Project Crystal, which features a crystalline lattice that glows in the dark. Both vessels remain concepts at this stage, but we certainly hope Project Grace will grace us with her presence soon.

Check out more renders below:

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

Nick Stark Design

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Loaded With Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, This 210-Foot Superyacht Concept Is Like a Floating Observatory - Robb Report

By Steven Freeland,Danielle Ireland-Piper,Dan Jerker B. Svantesson,

What do cyberspace and outer space have in common? As we make clear in a new report to the Department of Defence, both are new frontiers for national security that blur traditional ideas about borders, sovereignty, and defense strategy.

These areas are important elements of Australias critical infrastructure and are vital to our ability to defend our nation and keep it secure. They also have a dual-use character: both areas (and often even individual pieces of equipment) are used for both military and civilian purposes.

Sovereignty is a legal and political concept. It generally refers to the authority of a country (nation-state) to exercise control over matters within its jurisdiction including by passing laws and enforcing them. Historically, this jurisdiction was based primarily on geography. However, cyberspace and outer space are not limited by borders in the same way as territorial spaces. Sovereignty also includes the power to give up certain sovereign rights, such as when countries agree to limit their own actions so as to cooperate internationally on human rights and national security.

Cyberspace and outer space enhance our defense and national security capabilities, but our increasing dependence on continuous access to both also makes us vulnerable. These domains can be a source of unity and vision for humanity, but they can also be a source of tension and discord and could easily be misused in the conduct of war.

The worlds dependence on the internet has outpaced efforts at effective cybersecurity. For every solution, another threat arises. This can create serious vulnerabilities for defense and national security.

There is a general understanding that international law applies to cyber activities. However, the details of precisely how are not agreed upon. The debate generally concerns what military cyber activities are acceptable or peaceful, and which are prohibited or might be considered acts of war.

For example, during peacetime, international law is largely silent on espionage. Nation-states can generally engage in cyber espionage without clearly violating their legal obligations to other countries.

However, it can be hard to tell the difference between a simple espionage cyber operation (which might be permitted) and one carried out to prepare for a more disruptive operation (which might count as an attack). Both involve unauthorized access to computer systems and networks within another nation-state, but working out who is responsible for such intrusions and their intentions can be an imprecise art.

Different countries have suggested various approaches to the problem. France and Iran say any unauthorized penetration of their cyber systems automatically constitutes a violation of sovereignty, irrespective of the reason.

Others, such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand, say a cyber operation must be sufficiently disruptive or destructive to count as a violation of sovereignty principles. These might seem like legal niceties, but they matter they can determine how the impacted country might retaliate.

Outer space is no less challenging. The militarisation and possible weaponisation of space represent a significant defence and national security challenge for all countries.

Outer space, like the high seas, is often seen as a global commons: it belongs to everyone and is governed by international law. A key tenet of international space law is that space may not be appropriated, which would prevent plans such as colonising the Moon or Mars.

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by almost every spacefaring country, provides that the Moon and other celestial bodies are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. It also forbids the placement of weapons of mass destruction in outer space and the militarisation of celestial bodies.

The treaty also imposes international responsibilities and liabilities on the countries themselves even for transgressions carried out by a private entity. Everything revolves around the imperative to promote responsible behavior in space and minimize the possibility of conflict.

Initially, there were different views as to whether the peaceful use of space meant that only non-military rather than non-aggressive activities were permissible. However, the reality is that outer space has been and continues to be used for terrestrial military activities.

The 1991 Gulf War is often referred to as the first space war. The use of satellite technology undeniably represents an integral part of modern military strategy and armed conflict for Australia and many other countries.

The situation is made more complex by the increasing interest in possible future mining in space and the potential rise of space tourism. There is also no clear international agreement about where to draw the line between sovereign airspace and outer space, or about what (and whose) criminal law applies in space.

At present, some 70-80 countries have some degree of sovereign space capability, including an ability to independently launch or operate their own satellites.

On the other hand, this means nearly two-thirds of the worlds countries do not have any national space capability. They are completely dependent on others for access to space infrastructure and to space itself. Their ability to enjoy the benefits of space technology for development and well-being relies on strategic and geopolitical networks and understandings.

Even Australia, which is a sophisticated space participant, currently has a relatively limited sovereign capability for space launches, Earth observation, GPS, and other critical space activities.

However, it is not economically feasible for Australia to be wholly independent in every aspect of space. For this reason, Australias twin policy of ensuring access to space through strategic alliances with selected spacefaring nations, while also developing further sovereign space capability in specific areas, is essential to Australias defense and national security interests.

Addressing the intersection between cyberspace and outer space is vital for Australias defense and national security policies. Both civilian and military actors participate in these domains, and the range of possible activities is rapidly developing.

We will need to understand the increasingly close intersection between cyberspace and outer space technologies to be in the best possible position to develop effective and integrated defense and national security strategies to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

This article is republished fromThe Conversationunder a Creative Commons license. Read theoriginal article.

Declaration:

Steven Freeland is a Director of the International Institute of Space Law

Danielle Ireland-Piper was part of a research team that received funding from the Australian Department of Defence. However, the views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Australian Government or the Australian Department of Defence.

Wendy Bonython was previously employed by the Department of Defence. She is a current member of the Defence Department of Veterans' Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee.

Overall, this research was supported by the Australian Government through a grant by the Australian Department of Defence. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Australian Government, the Australian Department of Defence, or the universities or other institutions the authors are affiliated with.

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Experts: Cyberspace and Outer Space are New Frontiers for National Security - IndraStra Global

Since the days of Cleopatra's pleasure-boat, the super-rich have taken to the high seas to showcase their wealth. From warring monarchs flexing their muscles through their armadas, to playboy billionaires entertaining supermodels in Cannes, there has always been a glamorous cachet attached to owning the waves.

Indeed, some yachts are as famous as their owners, like the Christina O, Aristotle Onassis's party ship, which entertained the likes of Jackie O and her sister Lee Radziwill, as well as hosting Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly's wedding party. Or Roman Abramovich's 430 million Solaris, well-known for being amongst the most extravagant (and well-travelled) in the world.

The history of the glamorous vessel is explored in a new coffee table tome, Yachts: The Impossible Collection - Legendary Yachts That Define Time & Design, out this month. From the original J Class yachts of the 1800s to the mega-yachts of the 2020s, kitted out in the latest technology and streamlined to make less of an environmental impact.

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This new coffee table tome explores the history of the yacht - the ultimate status symbol - Tatler

Dr. Rob Moir

To meet the ravages of climate change, Congress has introduced the Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act (HR.8632). The ocean covers nearly three-quarters of the planet. Nothing has more of an impact on the climate than does the ocean. About one out of every four carbon dioxide molecules emitted into the atmosphere are drawn down into the ocean. Sea water along our shores buffer the rise of land temperatures during the summer and the cold of temperatures during the winter. The ocean fuels rainfall, drives local water cycles, is one with weather systems, and with waters warming, gives much more energy to hurricanes. Yet, we know very little about the ocean. We are not very good at making long term predictions to prepare for whats to come.

To increase our understanding, accelerate ocean monitoring, enhance data management, and to better coordinate across agencies, the Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act features the BLUE GLOBE Act or the Bolstering Long-Term Understanding and Exploration of the Great Lakes, Oceans, Bays, and Estuaries Act. This bill gives NOAA a stronger focus on technology advancements and adds innovative technology components to better address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

An Ocean Innovation prize is in the bill to catalyze the rapid development and deployment of research vessels, unmanned vehicles, and sensors. Federal agencies will be directed to develop careers in oceanic and atmospheric data collection. This will result in better informed alerts necessary for navigation, resource managers, fishermen, and the general public to forecast ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and marine heat waves.

The Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act features $10 billion for shovel-ready restoration grants for coastlines and fisheries. $3 million will go to work within 90 days and will include compensation for fishermen labor and vessel use. $300 million per year for four years will provide grants to non-federal entities to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats. Coastal restoration work will result in tens of thousands of new jobs.

Protecting spawning, breeding and nesting nurseries are nature-based climate solutions. More sea grass beds, salt marsh grasses, seaweed forests and mangrove stands provide natural buffers that protect inland ecosystems and reduce sea level rise. Meanwhile, reducing storm damage benefits the hospitality and tourism sector, which employs over 7 million U.S. workers and produces $450 billion in GDP annually a good return on a $10 billion investment by the government.

Transportation is a large contributor of greenhouse gasses warming the globe. Bunker fuel, the dirtiest fossil fuel on the planet, is used by much of the global shipping fleet. 800,000 tons of fuel oil sludge and other oily waste is dumped from ship bilges each year. Compliance with speed restrictions when in the presence of whales increases fuel efficiency and will reduce fuel costs. Reducing diesel emissions and electrifying operations will result in less toxic air exposure for adjacent, mostly low-income communities.

For offshore energy, the bill prohibits oil, gas or methane hydrate exploration on the Continental Shelf, except for the western and central Gulf of Mexico planning area, much of which is already riddled with wells. An ambitious national offshore wind goal for the Continental Shelf is set at not less than 12.5 gigawatts by 2025, and not less than 30 gigawatts by 2030. Offshore wind leasing and development will be allowed in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

The Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act brings together more than a dozen worthy efforts. Some are specific, such as strengthening marine mammal conservation, $5 million a year for oyster conservation, restoration and management, $12.5 million a year for harmful algal bloom forecasting, $30 million increasing annually by $5 million to $50 million for ocean acidification research, and placing a five-cent excise tax on virgin plastic in manufactured single-use products such as packaging (no tax on medical products or personal hygiene products).

More broadly, the U.S. should be party to the Law of the Sea Convention (1982). If climate had been defined as the continuation of the oceans by other means, instead of the interactions of the natural system, the Convention would have been the most powerful tool to force nations into action. With passage of this bill, we would finally be better able to negotiate international issues such as deep seabed mining, Arctic claims, high seas, and migratory fish stocks, and ocean protection.

A tribal and Indigenous communities resilience subgroup would be created in the White House and a resilience liaison position created within the Department of the Interior to coordinate with tribes. This bill authorizes $200 million for each fiscal year 2022-2026.

Finally, harking back to the Ocean River Institutes first year advancing bioregional ecosystem-based management and the Massachusetts Ocean Planning Act, the Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act would enact into law and fund with $10 million a year Regional Ocean Partnerships to manage and restore coastal areas and ocean resources across state boundaries. States and tribes would be empowered to take a lead role in ocean and coastal management. Just as Massachusetts did in 2008.

Dr. Rob Moir is a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmentalist. He is president & executive director of Ocean River Institute, a nonprofit providing expertise, services, resources, and information unavailable on a localized level to support efforts of environmental organizations. Please visit http://www.oceanriver.org for more information.

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Together We Can: Collaborative Ocean-Based Climate Solutions - E/The Environmental Magazine

After the strong fluctuations over the last month, August started on a positive point. From August 3, the companys stock is noticeably rising. Yesterday it was trading at $23.81; the next day, it reached $23.98. Overall in a week, stock gains 14%. The market capitalization is equal to 26.83 billion dollars. Major brand Carnival Cunard announced that its luxury cruise ship Queen Elizabeth would return to the high seas on Friday after 17 months in the water. She will initially put her paddles in the water for a series of cruises around the UK. After a series of other flights in the United Kingdom, the international sailing of Cunard Queen Elizabeth on board will begin in October.

Cunard is the operator of the luxury cruise liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. Known for White Stars impeccable service, fine dining, and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, the Britannia Club, the Princess Grill Suite, and the Queens Grill Suite.

Finance and Tech Contributor

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Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL)Stock Gains 14% Within A Week: Luxury Cruise Ship Queen Elizabeth About To Return. Own Snap - Own Snap