Steady As She Goes

Episode 13 of Steady As She Goes brings another packed round-up of maritime stories, history and news from around our coasts and beyond.
In this episode we look at several developments in the ferry world, including the charter of MV Norbay for the Rosslare–Cherbourg service and the arrival of Côte d’Albâtre covering duties on the Dunkirk–Rosslare route. We also revisit the proposed Cork–Boulogne ferry service, with the latest update on the project and the reported involvement of Laurence Goodman in the proposed Hibernia Line.
Elsewhere around the coast we mark the opening of the new Irish Coast Guard station in Westport, remember the much-loved Royal Iris of the Mersey as she prepares for her final departure after 60 years, and take a poignant look back at the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster.
There’s also a fascinating mystery from maritime history involving the disappearance of the SS Naronic, a listener-inspired Maritime Words of the Week, and the remarkable story of an Irish-flagged bulker heading deep into the Amazon.
All that, plus maritime memories, listener contributions and plenty more besides.
Safe sailing — and steady as she goes.

Some modern ships now sail with giant spinning towers rising above their decks.
It looks like futuristic technology — designed to help cut fuel consumption and emissions.
But the idea behind it was first tested almost a century ago… and it worked.

In this episode of Steady As She Goes, we explore the spirit of dauntless courage that defines life at sea — past and present.
We’re joined by David Carroll to reflect on maritime heritage and the stories that continue to shape our coastal communities. In Maritime Words of the Week, we dive into the origins of “Monkey Island” — that distinctive high vantage point on a ship’s superstructure — and uncover the fascinating history behind its name.
In News from Around the Coast, we bring you the latest developments from Ireland’s maritime world, and we take a moment to think of seafarers navigating not only rough weather, but the realities of conflict in today’s global waters.
From heritage to hard truths, Episode 12 is a tribute to the resilience, professionalism and quiet bravery of those who go to sea.
⚓ Listen now and join the conversation.

Episode 11 of Steady As She Goes remembers the ILV Isolda, the Irish Lights vessel whose dramatic wartime loss left a lasting mark on our maritime story. In this episode, we’re joined by Elleesa Rushby to explore the history of Isolda, the events surrounding her sinking, and why her story still resonates today. We also bring you News From Around the Coast and our ever-popular Maritime Word of the Week. Settle in as we honour a remarkable vessel and the people connected to her story.

From livestock cargoes to lifeboat legacies, Episode 10 of Steady As She Goes is a story of small beginnings and lasting impact.
We look back at the very first passenger sailing from Rosslare — a voyage that carried more than just travellers, and helped shape a proud maritime tradition.
Thirty years on, we reflect on the Sea Empress disaster and the lasting safety lessons learned across the industry. We also mark Ernest Shackleton’s birthday, bring you news from around the coast, celebrate the arrival of Larne RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat, and bid farewell to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s vessel Celtic Mist.
From pigs and sheep to proud seafaring heritage — this is Episode 10.