#LunchLaunch - The final day of March marked the launch of yet another newbuild as part of an ongoing modernisation programme of the Arklow Shipping fleet, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Arklow Vanguard (yard no. 726) was given a lunchtime launch under glorious conditions. Turning out to see the spectacle were locals that were invited by the Dutch yard in Hoogezand. The 5,150dwat Bodewes Trader was given the customary sideways launch followed by wave splash that just added to the occasion.
The shipyard, Royal Bodewes has so far completed five of the ships under the ‘V’ naming series that began with launch of leadship Arklow Vale in 2015 (see video). With the launch of Arklow Vanguard, this marks the second half-way point as a total of 10 such cargoships are on order. They are to serve Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. based in Rotterdam.
Among the bulk-dry cargoes that the near 87m long Arklow Vanguard is to transport will be grain, animal feed and steel rails.
Royal Bodewes has a long history in building sea-going vessels that began in 1912. The yard started constructing traditional shallow draught sailing barges, in Dutch known as "tjalks."
Almost a decade later saw the first motorized cargoships introduced. They offered 'for the time' a modern approach for both ocean going and inland water vessels. In addition these motorships with an optimized cargo hold met the wishes of the shipowners.
