The Engineering Digest – September 2024
Welcome to September’s Engineering Digest, where we bring you the latest highlights from the energy sector, exciting updates from the Royal Navy, and key developments in UK manufacturing.
From groundbreaking milestones in renewable energy to the Royal Navy’s latest drug bust in the Caribbean, we have a packed issue to keep you informed.
Plus, we celebrate the achievements of our recent graduates and welcome the newest members of our apprenticeship program.
Read on for all the details! 👇
Royal Navy Strikes a ÂŁ550m Blow to Caribbean Cocaine Trade
Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent intercepted 506kg of cocaine worth over £40 million in the Caribbean Sea. This marks Trent’s sixth drug bust in 2024, bringing the total value of narcotics seized to £551.5 million this year alone.
Partnering with the US Coast Guard, the ship swiftly acted on intelligence, seizing the contraband and detaining three smugglers.
Energy Sector Round-Up: Key Stories You Need to Know
- 🌍 Global Renewables Hit 40%
For the first time, zero-carbon energy sources supplied over 40% of the world’s electricity last year, marking a huge milestone in the clean energy transition.
- 🔥 Britain’s Last Coal Plant to Close
Britain will shut down its final coal-fired power station this month, becoming the first G7 nation to end coal use for electricity.
- 🤖 AI Could Lower Oil Prices
AI’s potential to optimise logistics could lower oil prices in the coming decade, reshaping the energy market.
Seven Royal Navy Sailors Have Real-Life ‘Top Gun’ Experience
Seven sailors from Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Duncan, a vessel we know very well, got their very own ‘Top Gun’ experience. The lucky Royal Navy personnel spent 48 hours aboard the US Navy Navy’s USS Wasp!
From witnessing thrilling flight deck operations with Ospreys and Harriers to discovering the unique traditions of their American counterparts, it was an unforgettable adventure.
UK Manufacturing Hits 26-Month High as Engineering Sector Expands
In August, the UK manufacturing sector reached a significant milestone, with the Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.5—the highest level in over two years. Key drivers of this growth include a surge in new orders, output, and job creation, fueled by strong domestic demand. Despite challenges from weak export markets, particularly in the Eurozone and China, UK manufacturers have shown resilience.
With input cost inflation easing and business confidence growing, the outlook remains positive, as 61% of companies expect production to rise in the next year.
Congrats to the Recent hythe engineering Graduates! 🎓
Our 4th-year apprentices have officially graduated and are now fully qualified members of Hythe Engineering!
Billy Bramble, Cody Stone, Lleyton Hussey and Archie Hudson – your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll achieve in the industry.
Read our latest article to hear their inspiring stories, achievements, and future plans.
And a Warm Welcome To Our 2024 Apprentices!
We welcomed five new recruits in the dockyard this month! Our 2024 apprentices are fully inducted and ready to begin their year of college training at Southampton Engineering Training Association. 🙌
Best of luck to Harley Moore, Jacob John, Luca Baker, Morgan Haynes and Thomas Kneller!
Until Next Time…
Thank you for reading! Stay connected for more exciting developments, achievements, and insights in our future editions.
Don’t forget to follow us on our socials for real-time updates and exclusive content.
If you have any upcoming projects or inquiries, feel free to reach out to our team of experts.