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Displaying items by tag: Sibulk Prosperity

The 61,000 dwt bulker Sibulk Prosperity became the largest ship to date to dock at Shannon Foynes recently according to The Limerick Leader.

The Panamanian registered vessel carrying a cargo from Santo in Brazil. At 200 meters long and a draft of 10.5 meters, the vessel delivered a cargo of 22,000 tonnes and took 3 days to discharge its cargo of animal feed. The discharge rate was 1,100 per hour for her time in port. Limerick based ship agents Mullock & Sons provided stevedoring services.

Tim Egan, manager of Mullocks & Sons Shipbroking in Foynes said 'Ships that usually come into Foynes would be about 35,000 dwt. This is almost double that but the challenge isn't her size but her length. The way they are building ships these days, it nearly double the dead weight but is the same depth in the water. She will have to turn around in the Estuary to get out when she leave the port'.

Mr Egan commented that 'two years ago the Port Company of Shannon Foynes invested in a dredging vessel which has allowed super-sized cargo ships to get in and out of the port with greater ease. The dredging and ploughing has kept a depth in the Channel which makes it a lot easier'.

The Sibulk Properity departed Foynes with the assistance of Celtic Tugs based in Foynes.

Published in Shannon Estuary

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances