The newest Irish flagged cargoship to enter service, Arklow Arrow following completion of sea trials on the Dutch-German border, has also carried out a maiden voyage to the UK, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Arklow Arrow is the fifth and latest 'A' class of six bulk orientated newbuilds on order by Arklow Shipping to Ferus Smit's Dutch inland shipyard at Westerbroek. The newbuild as routine is registered in the Co. Wicklow shipowners homeport.
The 5078grt/8,543dwt newbuild with ICE-Class 1A, was towed on the canal system to Delfzijl and from there to nearby Emshaven. From early February, a passage through the Ems estuary began to enable trials on the Wadden Sea.
Making the maiden voyage involved the Arklow Arrow cross the southern North Sea to head up the Thames Estuary and from there through a lock to enter Tilbury Docks (see Avonmouth Docks). Cargo is contained in two box holds and operations is carried out by a crew of 9.
Last week, the 120m newbuild departed the dock to await for orders offshore of Margate, off the north Kent coast from where Afloat has tracked the trader remain at the London anchorage.
Another ASL vessel belongs to the Spanish built 'F' class, Arklow Freedom is berthed in the Port of London, at Northfleet, having arrived from Drogheda. While a Dutch built 'R' class, Arklow Rogue departed Tilbury and along the Thames in the early hours of today and is bound for Kinsale.
