Ferry Due from Wicklow Yard While Arklow Dutch Built Cargoship Makes Sea Trials

27th September 2016

Fourth of 10 cargoships on order to ASL, Arklow Valley under tow from the inland Dutch shipyard to the open sea where she begin sea trials today Credit: Bert Romling

#SeaTrials - As a new car ferry is to be launched in Co. Wicklow yard as previously reported, an Arklow Shipping Dutch flagged and built cargoship is making first sea trials today, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Royal Bodewes newbuild no 724, Arklow Valley, a cargoship with a modified bow design compared to her more distinctive sisters to improve energy efficiency, had been transported yesterday under tow. This involved a pair of tugs to take the near 87m long newbuild from the inland shipyard near Groningen to Delfzijl.

Further along the coast at Eemshaven, is where Arklow Valley had sailed to and this afternoon the newbuild was in the open sea off the Western Frisian Islands in the North Sea.

She is the fourth so far completed from 10 in a series of 5,100dwat Bodewes Traders on order to ASL. They will be part of Arklow Shipping Nederlands B.V. with an office located in Rotterdam.

The new series or ‘V’ class are all Dutch flagged and began with leadship, Arklow Vale. The single hold vessel was launched and named just over a year ago, by ships godmother, Mrs Mari Louise de Jong.

Published in Arklow Shipping, Ports & Shipping

Published in Arklow Shipping

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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.