Husky Tows Eight-Legged Sea Monster Off Arklow Bank

20th June 2015

#ArklowWindFarm- Maintenance work is underway at the Arklow Bank Offshore Windfarm that required the use a jack-up rig towed from Falmouth, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The eight-legged 'walking' jack-up rig Wavewalker 1 owned by Faro Seacore is also based in the south-west UK port from where MTS Vanquish towed the barge to Irish waters.

Wavewalker 1 is an innovative designed SEWP (self-elevating work platform) which was presented with the Product & Equipment Innovation Award at the prestigious Ground Engineering (GE) Awards ceremony held in London last month.

Assisting the maintenance project at the Arklow offshore installation operated by GE Wind Energy is Wicklow based Island Shipping which has a fleet of vessels and provides marine construction, engineering and consultancy services on a worldwide basis.

Their 21m twin screw multi-purpose workboat Husky under master Nicholas Keogh and crew Pat Byrne and Graham Fitzgerald have displayed skilful berthing procedures as the Wavewalker 1 has been based in Wicklow Port.

Husky's homeport may be Wicklow but that has not stopped her working outside domestic waters as the shallow-draft workboat has worked in the UK. This has involved a variety of marine operations among them surveying, dive support, towage and anchor handling.

In the case of Wavewalker1, the barge's first project carried out in 2013 was in far-flung Brazil, where she undertook drilling and rock blasting works in the outer channel to the port of Suape.

Published in Arklow Shipping, Ports & Shipping

Published in Arklow Shipping

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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About Arklow Shipping

Arklow Shipping Limited, one of Ireland's leading shipping companies, has marked over 50 years of operation following its establishment in 1966.

The company, which began with a fleet of seven ships, has grown steadily over the years and now boasts a fleet of 59 vessels.

The company was founded by Captains James Tyrrell, Michael Tyrrell, and Victor Hall, who collaborated to create an umbrella company to operate their ships. This move allowed them to reduce overheads and strengthen their position in the market. The original fleet comprised seven ships, namely Tyrronall, Murell, Marizell, Valzell, Kilbride, River Avoca, and Avondale, all of varying sizes.

The shipping industry in Ireland underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s, with the replacement of traditional auxiliary schooners with modern crafts.

Arklow Shipping was at the forefront of this change, and the founders recognized the need for a new approach to shipping in Ireland. They built a company that could adapt to the changing market demands, and this has been a key factor in the company's continued growth.

Over the years, Arklow Shipping has bought, sold, and built ships, facing the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in the shipping industry. Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to meeting market demand and providing high-quality services to its clients.

Today, Arklow Shipping is a leading player in the shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The company's success story is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, who laid the foundation for a company that has stood the test of time.