#ArklowDisposals - Arklow Shipping's oldest fleet members, the Dutch built 'V' class sisters previously focused on Afloat were all finally disposed this month against the backdrop of a new generation of newbuilds, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The 4,950dwt tonnes general cargoship Arklow Viking dating from 2000 followed elder sisters 'Venus' and 'Venture' which were launched the previous year. All single-hold 90m sisters were ordered from other operators from the yard of Pattje Shipyard B.V.
The trio during careers with ASL served in the Dutch-based division Arklow Shipping Netherland B.V. Despite the disposals the 'V' class naming nomenclature has continued with the ASL fleet as the leadship is named Arklow Vale. The foreship section of the newbuild was transported outside of her shipyard's covered hall last month.
Also last month the first of the 'V' class was disposed the Rotterdam registered Arklow Venus. She entered Dublin Graving Dock in June but emerged as the renamed Hermas and under the flag of Antigua & Barbuda. Three days after departing on 25 June she was berthed in Belfast Harbour on the Herdman Channel to load a cargo bound for the Thames.
As for Arklow Viking, she made her final voyage under ASL colours with a cargo of scrap metal from Setubal, Portugal. She docked in Dublin on 2 July to discharge at the Coal Quay adjacent to the Hammond Lane scrap merchant. On completion of this she shifted berths across the Liffey to enter the dry-dock. Days later she vacated as SP Viking and made her inaugural sailing under this name to Belfast.
The final sister, Arklow Venture which likewise of her sisters sailed to the Irish capital. She arrived on 10 July having loaded a cargo in Dordrecht. She too was renamed during a dry docking in the Alexandra Basin facitity and departed in recent days as SP Venture.
SP Venture shifted to a nearby berth to load cargo and is due to depart Dublin Port this afternoon on the start of a new career.
