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Another Arklow Splashes Out Marking Final of 10 Short-Sea Traders Launched

18th May 2018
This morning Arklow Villa makes a final splash as the newbuild short-sea trader is the final of 10 commissioned for Arklow Shipping This morning Arklow Villa makes a final splash as the newbuild short-sea trader is the final of 10 commissioned for Arklow Shipping Credit: Transport Online / Royal Bodewes retweeted

#Ports&Shipping - The final newbuild of 10 short-sea traders commissioned for Arklow Shipping, the Arklow Villa was launched at a Dutch shipyard this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Yard no. 730 Arklow Villa is singledecker built at Royal Bodewes shipyard in Hoogezand. The newbuild was given the yard's customary sideways launch which took place at 10.00. 

The 2,999grt shortsea trader is built to the yard's in-house Eco-Trader 5,150 series which began with the launch of leadship Arklow Vale in 2015.

The series can otherwise be referred as the 'V' class given their vessels naming nomenclature which saw last month a previous sister Arklow Viking began sea trials. This sister has a main engine (MaK 6M25 1740 kW) generating about 12.5 knots. 

Eco-Traders are constructed using efficient hull design to minimise drag and thus reduce fuel costs. The final sister will also operate for Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. meaning that the latest 87m newbuild will fly the Dutch flag and have Rotterdam as a port of registry. 

The launch follows Afloat's recent report on the acquisition of second-tonnage to Arklow Shipping's Irish flagged fleet.

Arklow Dale is the latest addition having been a former Flinter Group B.V. cargoship, Flinter Arctic that belonged to the Dutch company that totalled around 50 vessels. This fleet total was similar to ASL's two nations flagged fleet comprising mostly of short-sea traders and several deep-sea bulkers. 

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.