#ASLseaTrials - Arklow Vale, the leadship newbuild of the latest series of ‘V’ class cargoships on order to Arklow Shipping’s Dutch division is to carry out sea-trials tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The newbuild left the inland building yard of Royal Bodewes in Hoogezand, Groningen which is located in the north-east of the lowlands nation and is on her way down a series of connecting canals to Delfzijl. From there the Arklow Vale is to enter the River Eems estuary on the Dutch-German border which flows into the Wadden Sea.

Arklow Vale is built to a design of a Royal Bodewes 5,100dwt Trader Series in which 10 in total are on order.

In our last report, at that stage Arklow Vale was constructed at only module stage and with main sections yet to be joined up to complete the hull. The bow of the hull features a straight stem bow to reduce wave impact and reduce fuel through energy-efficiencies.

Arklow Vale was launched in September and in the customary fashion with a spectacular sideways launch. This resulted with a massive splash as the hull entered the canal for the first time much to the joy of yard workers and staff, owner-officials and spectators alike.

It is understood, Arklow Vale is owned by Avoca Shipping B.V. the Netherlands and will be operated Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. based in Rotterdam.

The major port is where both newbuilds are registered, while the majority Irish flagged fleet are registered at their homeport of Arklow, Co. Wicklow.