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Foggy Launch Conditions of Arklow's Newest Dry-Cargo Vessel (See Video)

26th November 2016
In stark contrast the clear blue skies above the shipyard at Hoogezand are newbuild sisters Arklow Valley (now in service) and on the stocks Arklow Valour which was launched yesterday In stark contrast the clear blue skies above the shipyard at Hoogezand are newbuild sisters Arklow Valley (now in service) and on the stocks Arklow Valour which was launched yesterday Credit: ASL

#FoggyLaunch - In particularly foggy conditions Arklow Shipping's newest dry-cargo vessel Arklow Valour was launched in the Netherlands yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Dutch flagged 2,999 gross tonnage general cargsoship (yard No. 725) was launched sideways off the stocks at Royal Bodewes in Hoogezand. The newbuild is to serve ASL's Rotterdam based Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. fleet. 

It is also pleasing to report that the upgrading of Arklow Shipping's fleet includes Irish flagged vessels as Arklow Cape was launched last month at Ferus Smit’s Dutch yard in Westerbreok.

As for Arklow Valour this fourth sister is of 10 single-hold cargoships on order. The 85m long vessel is a Bodewes 5,150dwt Eco-Trader design or in terms of vessel naming theme is of the ‘V’ class series. 

The newbuild has a straight stemmed bow likewise of the last completed sister Arklow Valley launched in July. This revised design compared to a previous trio of sisters as outlined below is also to provide an improved vision to the bow anchors when anchoring.

Representing the trio are Arklow Valiant, View and leadship Vale that feature a more distinctive pointed bow. This is to improve energy efficiency by deflecting wave impact and thus saving on fuel consumption.

These newbuilds are earning their keep as earlier this month Afloat noted Arklow Valley offshore of Dublin Bay. The vessel was bound for Drogheda Port having sailed from Terneuzen, Netherlands.

Jehan Ashmore

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.