About Full Ahead - the podcast about ships and shipping
How much do we really know about the industry that keeps us connected?
In this series, we hear from the people who keep the maritime world moving — at sea and ashore — shining a light on an industry many rely on but few truly understand.
With decades of senior shipping experience, Alistair Eagles brings industry insight, while journalist Nigel Thompson brings curiosity and storytelling shaped by a lifetime spent close to the coast.
From ferries and ports to life at sea, expect surprising stories and a fresh look at a fast-changing sector.
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The Scillonian III: Behind the Scenes | The Full Ahead Podcast
In this special edition of Full Ahead, Nigel Thompson gets exclusive access on board the iconic Isles of Scilly ferry, from the bridge to the holds, the engine room and beyond.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group had invited us to join one of the final trips from Penzance to St Mary’s.
But there was a problem…
A storm meant Scillonian III couldn’t make the crossing.
So, instead of sailing, Nigel was given the chance to explore the ship from top to bottom — exclusively shown around by Captain David Redgrave.
Hear the stories, discover what life is really like on board, meet the people who’ve served on Scillonian III and find out what the future holds for the vital lifeline to the Isles of Scilly.
🎧 Join Nigel Thompson on board Scillonian 3 in the latest episode of The Full Ahead Podcast, proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea's leading ferry company.
23 Sept 2026
Full Ahead: Inside Stena Line’s Belfast Port operation
Every day, thousands of people and tonnes of freight move through Belfast Port but what does it actually take to keep all that traffic moving?
Stena Line is at the heart of that operation and with new technology being introduced to handle freight faster together with new ideas to bring people into the industry, the way the port operates is changing.
Darren Byers is Stena Line’s Belfast port manager. He’s spent more than 20 years working in maritime operations, including time with the RNLI managing lifesaving operations across Ireland and the Isle of Man.
In this episode of Full Ahead, we’re going behind the scenes at Stena Line’s Belfast operation.
We find out more about the kind of technology that is changing the way freight moves, what life is like running one of the busiest ferry operations in Northern Ireland and whether new approaches to recruitment can help bring the next generation into maritime.
So, what does it take to keep Belfast moving?
Let’s find out!
The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea's leading ferry company.
16 Sept 2026
Inside Harland & Wolff: A brighter future for Belfast's shipbuilder?
Join us as we step inside the legendary Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast for a behind-the-scenes look at a place where some of the world’s most famous ships were built.
We meet the apprentices learning the skills of the futureand hear from Navantia’s Head of HR and Culture Kat Thorn how the company is gearing for shipbuilding to come back to Belfast.
Also with Margaritaville at Sea’s flagship ‘Beachcomber’ due to arrive soon for repair, refurbishment and revitalisation, it's hoped the project will reinforce the city’s position as an increasingly important destination for cruise ship makeovers.
What does the future hold for this historic yard?
Can a new generation help put Belfast back at the beating heart of shipbuilding?
Come aboard for a fascinating look at the people, skills andplans behind the next chapter of the city's maritime story.
Thanks to Navantia. (https://www.navantia.es/en/product/belfast-shipyard/)
The Full Ahead Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stena Line, the Irish Sea's leading ferry company. (https://www.stenaline.co.uk/?ds_c=UK+-+Brand+-+Pure+-+Phrase&ds_ag=Stena+Line&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20-%20Brand%20-%20Pure%20-%20Phrase&utm_content=Stena%20Line&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20519585264&gbraid=0AAAAAD90SlkrTlbnnefK4YNTMLPjhyb5o&gclid=CjwKCAjw2aPVBhBkEiwA0Cptt2ePjjiV1f5wPmzYR83AS-I5Gz85Y3T4Koc71jVP18S-_GReWcJ3uBoC5bYQAvD_BwE)
Who has been a guest on Full Ahead - the podcast about ships and shipping
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Andy Bradbury
Ruth Wood
Martin Harrop
Dr Eddie Blanco-Davis
Ben McAlindon
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
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