Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: Newbuild off Arklow

One of the newest dry-cargo vessels of Arklow Shipping’s Dutch flagged fleet, Afloat tracked today at anchor off the Co. Wicklow port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Arklow Gem had departed Liverpool yesterday evening to arrive off Arklow this morning and this follows yesterday’s coverage of an even newer fleetmate, Arklow Rambler (see, pending maiden Irish port of call).

The Dutch flagged G series Arklow Gem which is the leadship, had departed from the other side of the Irish Sea, at the Alexandra Branch No. 2 Dock of the Merseyside port. As of this afternoon, the 5,150 dwt newbuild continues to remain at sea awaiting orders whilst at anchor in Arklow Bay.

While in the port, along the North Quay of the River Avoca is the Arklow Maritime Heritage Museum which focuses on its boat-building, lifeboat and fishing traditions, and not surprisingly featuring photographs and models regarding the town’s famous shipping company run by the Tyrrell family.

The distinctive green hulls of the combined Arklow Shipping fleet of Irish and Dutch flagged vessels involve their short-sea fleet of dry-cargo ships trading in European waters. Whereas, Arklow Shipping Ltd's Irish-only registered fleet also includes medium to larger bulk-carriers, operating deep-sea on a global scale. Of the largest bulkers are the 34,905 dwat twins. Arklow Spirit which today is off Spain at the Tarragonna anchorage in the Meditterranean while Arklow Spray is in Mexico but on the west coast in Manzanillo on the Pacific Ocean.

Also amongst the museum's exhibits and displays located at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre, is a video of the launch of the B class Arklow Beach of 8,660dwt built almost a decade ago by Ferus Smit for Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. The same shipyard is currently constructing the G series in which so far three have been completed for the Dutch division based in Rotterdam.

The second of the series is Arklow Glen which is in service, having made a recent passage from Aberdeen, Scotland to Seville, Spain where the short-sea trader is currently located at the inland port. As for the third newbuild, Arklow Globe was only launched last month at their Dutch inland shipyard in Westerbroek, outside Groningen.

A further two newbuilds are to be constructed in the five-ship series and will be flagged in the Netherlands.

Published in Ports & Shipping

About Marine Technology

Marine technology, as defined by the European association WEGEMT, refers to the use of technology for ensuring the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in, the marine environment. This includes a wide range of technologies that support naval architecture, marine engineering, ship design, ship building, and ship operations.

In addition to these foundational technologies, marine technology also encompasses oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and production, hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering, marine resources (including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources), transport logistics and economics, inland, coastal, short sea and deep sea shipping, protection of the marine environment, and leisure and safety.

The importance of marine technology cannot be overstated. With over 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, the marine environment plays a critical role in our lives. From transportation to energy production, marine technology enables us to harness the immense potential of the oceans while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Moreover, the development of marine technology is crucial for the sustainable use of marine resources. As the demand for seafood and other marine products continues to grow, the sustainable management of these resources becomes increasingly important. Marine technology can help us to achieve this by providing innovative solutions for sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and other forms of marine resource management.

In Ireland, claims are made that the island country "has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world". Ireland is at a very exciting stage when it comes to aquatech. There are currently 62 aquatech companies operating here, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges.”

Ireland’s growing expertise in the developing aquatech sector means it has the potential to become a global leader in the field, with Irish aquatech companies turning over €200m last year.

Over €15m has been invested in aquatic businesses, and over 200 high-tech jobs have been created in the sector over the last six years.

In conclusion, marine technology is a vast and rapidly evolving field encompassing a broad range of technologies and applications. As we continue to explore and exploit the potential of the oceans, marine technology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safe and sustainable use of these resources.