#P&SReview - Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where Arklow Shipping's latest newbuilds are a Dutch built 4,800dwt general cargoship and a South Korean built 34,500 dwt tonnes bulk-carrier.

As reported above, the Dutch newbuild, Arklow Bank launched last month is to be followed by the Arklow Bay, second of six new 'B' class 4,800 deadweight tons multi-purpose cargoships which have 'greener' credentials through efficient hull design yet not compromising on cargo capacity.

A German-owned containership Arslan II (1991/3,125grt) that berthed in Dublin Port more than a month ago remains in dry-dock, following difficulties off Arklow Bank in what is understood to have been an incident involving her rudder.

The 260TEU container capacity vessel, named Coastal Isle until last November, has in recent years featured frequently in file footage broadcast by RTE, particular to cover stories regarding Dublin Port and balance of trade figures.