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This Time 'Its All New' At Arklow With Launch of Third Eco-Trader

31st March 2016
The lastest Bodewes built Eco-Trader 5,100dwt newbuild Arklow Valiant is to be launched tomorrow. The lastest Bodewes built Eco-Trader 5,100dwt newbuild Arklow Valiant is to be launched tomorrow. Credit: Photo Merijn Visser

#ItsALLnew – It will be a first for Arklow Shipping now in their 50th year as a new general cargoship launched tomorrow is to be bestowed with the name Arklow Valiant, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Also setting a new departure for the 'Valiant' is a considerably different bow design when compared to a previous pair of completed sisters, Arklow View and leadship Arklow Vale. The latter single-hold cargsoship which is designed with energy-saving bow characteristics is currently docked in Dublin Port today.

Arklow Valiant represents the third of the Royal Bodewes Eco-Trader 5,100dwt series built to the Dutch shipyard’s own design. The newbuilding no.723 is to be launched tomorrow morning at Hoogezand on th outskirts of Groningen.

To compare the new design of the bow, click previous footage here of Arklow Vale and that of a photo of newbuild on her first call to Dublin Port in January.

The cargoship is one of a 10 ship order by Arklow Shipping. They will serve Dutch division, Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. based in Rotterdam and among the bulk dry cargoes they will transport this will include grain, animal feed and steel rails.

A previous generation of ‘V’ class vessels but built to a different design were disposed last year by ASL. The ageing trio were named Arklow's Viking, Venture and Vale.

Jehan Ashmore

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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.