Another newbuild for Arklow Shipping was launched today as the first of six in a series from a Dutch shipyard that also built a version of a previous cargoship class, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Leadship Arklow Abbey was launched this morning (click video) with the familiar process of launching amidships at the Ferus Smit shipyard in Westerbroek. 

Designated as newbuild (Nb. 437) the cargoship was christened Arklow Abbey before slipping into the adjacent canal waterway.  The newbuild is a slightly modified version of the first series of 8600dwt bulkers that Ferus Smit built under Arklow Shipping's 'B' letter name series, for example; Arklow Bank which was completed in 2014.

As a bulk oriented general cargoship, Arklow Abbey will be mainly employed in European waters to transport in the shipment of wheat, corn and other bulk commodities.

The series is adapted for ice class 1A and with a modified bow form. Propulsion involves a propeller with a nozzle added.

Ferus Smit which has been building vessels for more than a century add Arklow Abbey's main engine output was decreased to 2000kW to allow for better fuel efficiency.

Below is listed some of the principle characteristics of the leadship:

– Loa = 119.495m
– Lpp = 116.895m
– B = 14.99m
– D = 9.70m
– T max = 7.160m
– Hold volume = 350.000 cft

The last time ASL had a vessel bearing the name Arklow Abbey also involved a Dutch built vessel dating to 1981 and in which the Co. Wicklow based shipping company ordered from the Bijlsma shipyard. This smaller short-sea trader of 1644dwt had spent a career until 1996. It is understood the vessel's final name was Carmen Cecelia and trading under the flag of Venezuela. 

As for the successor the shipyard is scheduled to deliver Arklow Abbey in September.