#NoOfficial - Arklow View, second of 10 newbuilds ordered for Arklow Shipping’s Dutch division is due to be launched next week, albeit there will be no official christening ceremony, writes Jehan Ashmore.

According to Royal Bodewes, the yard in the Netherlands has decided that no launching ceremony will take place so not to disrupt the work carried out at the busy inland shipbuilding facility. The yard located in Hoogezand on the outskirts of Groningen, will during the launch be closed off to third parties.

Last month, the fore and aft sections of the newbuild which has a distinctive bow design to improve on fuel efficiency was joined to complete the 89m hull which has a hold capacity of 6258m3 / 221,000ft3.

In September, leadship of the Royal Bodewes 5,100dwt Trader (V-class) cargoship series, Arklow Vale was given a christening ceremony with guests in attendance. For a video, click here as she was slid sideways into an adjoining canal.

The change to launch proceedings, however will not stop the repeat method as Arklow View (yard number 722) will too be slid amidships to meet the water for the first time.

As previously reported, Arklow Vale, following sea trials, made her maiden voyage from Delfzijl to Ghent. 

Since then, it is understood that the 2,999 gross tonnes vessel made a first commercial passage from the Belgium port to reach Pasaia, in northern Spain on 22 November.