All the ships at sea today
Ocean Fleets, by Allan Ryszka-Onions
As the author says in his opening remarks, Ocean Fleets is the new name for the 18th edition of Ocean Ships, a series that has charted the changing European shipping scene for over 50 years. Now also with a new publisher, the book remains as a kind of encyclopaedia of vessels currently in operation, with all the particulars you'd expect of size, weight, flag state and so on.
The information is laid out alphabetically by shipping company within two parts: 'Cruise ships'; and 'Cargo vessels and tankers'. Not every vessel is pictured, but the images that are selected are good-quality colour photos.
In addition to the extensive ship listings, there is an informative preface where Allan Ryszka-Onions comments on recent changes in vessel design relating to the IMO 2020 sulphur emission regulations and other moves towards 'greener' fuels.
Ocean Fleets
By Allan Ryszka-Onions
Coastal Shipping Publications
ISBN 978 19137 97003
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Salvage story told through a treasure trove of images
In the Wake of the Empress of Ireland, by David Saint-PierreThe sinking of the Empress of Ireland in 1914 remains the worst peacetime disaster in Canadian history. Of the 1,477 people onboard, 1,012 died as the ocean liner went down in just 14 minutes.
Fighting on after D-Day
Normandy: The Sailors’ Story, by Nick HewittTo tie in with the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, Yale University Press published this detailed and readable book by veteran ship restorer and historian Nick Hewitt, which puts the efforts of the Allied navies in the Battle for France centre stage.
Scotland's WW2 supply crews
Never to Return, by Roderick G MacleanAs remembrance season approaches, we often look out for new titles on the Merchant Navy in wartime, and Never to Return fits the bill this year.
New northern take on the Titanic tragedy
Titanic: The Greater Manchester Connections, by James W BancroftFew maritime tragedies have held such a place in the public imagination as that of the Titanic. The tales and testimonies of passengers aboard that doomed voyage in 1912 have inspired countless books and several film adaptations, some more fictionalised than others.