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C Class Coaster 'Cove' Is Latest Launched Arklow Newbuild

13th June 2022
Ship Splash as C class coaster Arklow Cove took to the water with a launch at the weekend. The newbuild will join fleetmates that trade in cargoes among them grain. Ship Splash as C class coaster Arklow Cove took to the water with a launch at the weekend. The newbuild will join fleetmates that trade in cargoes among them grain. Credit: FerusSmit-facebook

At the weekend Arklow Cove was launched from a Dutch shipyard that now brings to the ninth newbuild of 10 'C' class coasters on order by the Co. Wickow shipowner, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The sideways launch of Arklow Cove at the Westerbroek shipyard of Ferus Smit, took place on Saturday and once again the 5,054dwat class involved a new ship name for Arklow Shipping Ltd.

Likewise of Irish-flagged C class fleetmates, the newbuild will be towed on the canal waterway to Eemshaven to undergo sea trials in the North Sea. 

Arklow Cove has a volume of 220.000cft and carrying capacity over 5000 deadweight tons. Typical cargoes of the handy sized coaster will involve loading grain into a single-hold just shy of 60m within a hull length overall (LOA) of 87.40m.

The newbuild has a 1A iceclass notation and is propelled by a 1,740 kW MaK engine with a single ducted propeller.

The 2,999grt coaster marks the continues upgrading of ASL's Irish and Dutch flagged fleet of 55 vessels comprising mostly of short-sea traders and several deep-sea bulkers that also trade beyond northern Europe.

Among the fleet is the dwindling R class coasters of which just four remain plying their trade with the oldest member of this former 16-strong class, Arklow Rainbow dating to 2006.

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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About Arklow Shipping

Arklow Shipping Limited, one of Ireland's leading shipping companies, has marked over 50 years of operation following its establishment in 1966.

The company, which began with a fleet of seven ships, has grown steadily over the years and now boasts a fleet of 59 vessels.

The company was founded by Captains James Tyrrell, Michael Tyrrell, and Victor Hall, who collaborated to create an umbrella company to operate their ships. This move allowed them to reduce overheads and strengthen their position in the market. The original fleet comprised seven ships, namely Tyrronall, Murell, Marizell, Valzell, Kilbride, River Avoca, and Avondale, all of varying sizes.

The shipping industry in Ireland underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s, with the replacement of traditional auxiliary schooners with modern crafts.

Arklow Shipping was at the forefront of this change, and the founders recognized the need for a new approach to shipping in Ireland. They built a company that could adapt to the changing market demands, and this has been a key factor in the company's continued growth.

Over the years, Arklow Shipping has bought, sold, and built ships, facing the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in the shipping industry. Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to meeting market demand and providing high-quality services to its clients.

Today, Arklow Shipping is a leading player in the shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The company's success story is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, who laid the foundation for a company that has stood the test of time.