Shipping Review: Waterford’s 2020 Port Vision, Arklow’s Newbuildings & World Maritime Debate

1st October 2016

A rare example of an Irish built carferry, Spirit of Rathlin after been lowered onto the River Avoca, Arklow by the giant floating crane-barge, Lara 1 Credit: Arklow Marine Services

#ShippingReview - Jehan Ashmore reviews the shipping scene from among stories of recent weeks.

Waterford Harbour Board celebrated its bicentenary and launched the port's business plan up to 2020 with a strategy for growth at the Belview facility through a €7 million capital investment project.

The second of 10 newbuild cargoships built to a new design for Arklow Shipping, yard No. 425 Arklow Cape is to be launched on 21 October from Ferus Smit in the Netherlands. Also in the same country, another newbuild at a more advanced stage, Arklow Valley began first sea trials.

While in the same week back home at ASL’s headquarters in Arklow, a rare example of an Irish built carferry, Spirit of Rathlin was completed from Arklow Marine Services.

The Tyrrell family behind shipowners ASL, are in their fifth generation of building vessels, which saw the 6 vehicle /140 passenger car ferry lowered into the River Avoca by giant floating crane barge, Lara 1.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) World Maritime Day included a debate (click to listen) on ‘Global Shipping’s Future Challenges’ The debate was held at the IMO headquarters on the banks of the River Thames, London.

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.