Arklow Shipping’s Dutch G-Class Newbuild Makes Maiden Voyage to German Baltic Sea Port

5th March 2024

Making its debut, newbuild Arklow Grace of the G-class sets off on its maiden voyage from Delfzijl on the Dutch coast bordering Germany on the North Sea, but the cargo ship sailed to the nation’s Baltic Sea side. Credit: Simon Marrink /ShipyardFerusSmit-facebook

After a tow from Ferus Smit’s Dutch shipyard in Westerbroek last month, newbuild Arklow Grace has since completed builder’s sea trials along with the cargo ship’s maiden commercial voyage, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The tug Waterpoort towed the fourth of five G-class newbuilds, which is to serve Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. from the inland shipyard to Delfzijl. The port on the Ems Estuary is from where a series of sea trials involved a passage offshore of Borkum Island on the North Sea.

On completion of successful trials, Arklow Grace returned to Delfzijl to prepare its maiden voyage with a passage to neighbouring Germany, not on the North Sea but to the Port of Rostock in the Baltic Sea. The 5,150-dwt cargo ship departed on Saturday morning, and after a full day at sea, the Dutch-flagged cargo ship arrived at the German port yesterday evening.

Within the 87-length overall (LOA) hull, which has a beam of 15m, there is a maximized cargo hold volume of 220.000 cubic feet (cft). The maiden crossing was powered by the newbuild’s 1,600 kW MaK engine, which drives a single-ducted propeller that can deliver 10 knots.

The Dutch division, with its Arklow Grace now in service, brings a 20-strong fleet, all of which are registered at their home port of Rotterdam. While the Arklow Shipping Ltd fleet consists of almost twice as many cargo ships and which are Irish-flagged vessels, the majority belong to the short-sea trader category, along with several bulk carriers that operate deep-sea.

In an update, after the call to Rostock, Arklow Grave is today (6 March) transitting the Kiel Canal linking the Baltic Sea with the North Sea.

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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.