Launch of Third ‘C’ Class Cargoship Arklow Castle Revives Old Name

13th January 2017

After the launch of newbuild Arklow Castle yesterday in the Netherlands. The third 'C' class cargoship revives a name of a predecessor which notably operated a rare 'container' only service for ASL Credit: 112 Midden-Groningen

#CastleLaunch- Arklow Castle was launched in the Netherlands yesterday to form the third ‘C’ class newbuild of a 10-ship order from the Co. Wicklow based operator, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 5,054dwt cargoship Arklow Castle (yard No. 426) slid into the canal at the Ferus Smit shipyard in Westerbroek.

Arklow Castle has a maximized single-hold volume of 220.000cft and a carrying capacity over 5000 deadweight tons and still falls under the 3,000 gross tons limit. The newbuild's hull has an 1A iceclass notation. Propullsion is from a 1740 kW MaK engine with a single ducted propeller.

ASL transport cargoes among them: bulk grain and dangerous bulk cargoes, steel rails, minerals, generals, offshore and landline pipes and provision to carry containers.

Arklow Castle follows sisters ‘Cape’ launched last October and leadship ‘Cadet’. Both these 2,999grt newbuilds have been given new names whereas Arklow Castle revives a predecessor that operated a rare ‘container' only liner-service for ASL until around 2006.

This former Arklow Castle ran a liner-service between Avonmouth (Bristol) to Bilbao link with calls to Greenock and Dublin on the outward voyage.

According to the ASL fleet list, a ‘W’ class bulker, Arklow Wave is no longer included. This leaves only Arklow Wind as the final of a trio of South Korean built ships dating from the early 2000’s left in service.

As reported on Afloat the 14,000dwt Arklow Willow was sold last year to Canadian interests, McKeil Marine, Hamilton which saw the ship make a delivery voyage to Lake Ontario.

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.