#ShippingReview - Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where Arklow Bay, second of six 'green' newbuilds was launched in the Netherlands for Arklow Shipping Ltd.

Containership Arslan II that is understood to have got into difficulties involving her rudder off Arklow Bank in January has since remained in Dublin Port, was due to have departed last week. However, the latest departure date is scheduled for next week.

An Ireland-Libya serving livestock-carrier Express 1 which was detained in February by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) undertook 'post-repair' trails in the English Channel. It was also reported that she was due to leave Fowey this week, following urgent maintenance work.

Also earlier this week, a sister of the livestock-carrier, Atlantic M departed Belview, Waterford and is understood to be bound for Misrata in Libya.

Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD has appointed three new members to the Board of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company.

A year has passed since the revival of container rail-freight services between Ballina and Waterford Port and which has been deemed a success according to Irish Rail freight and DFDS Logistics which operate container services to Rotterdam.

Negotiators for the European Parliament and the Council reached an informal first reading agreement on the Clean Fuel Strategy.