#Ports&Shipping - The newest cargoship launched for Arklow Shipping took place this morning at the Dutch yard of Royal Bodewes which so far has completed eight sisters, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Arklow Viking, yard No. 729 was launched at 10.00hrs and forms the ninth out of 10 ordered of the Eco-Trader 5150 series designed in-house by the yard of Royal Bodewes. The inland yard in Hoogezand in located in the north-east of the Netherlands.

The Arklow Viking has a length overall (LOA) of 89m and likewise each of the sisters measure in at 2,999 gross registered tonnage. The figure though referred in the name of the 5150 series is that of deadweight total. Ships under this design series are also known as the 'V' class given the vessels begin with that letter. The previous sister was named Arklow Venus.   

At the stern the Arklow Viking is given a port of registry in Rotterdam. The major port is where ASL's division in the Netherlands, Arklow Shipping B.V. is based.  

The newbuild when completed will likewise take a repositioning journey along the canal network to Delfzijl. Invariably from there the new shortsea trader will be based for builders sea trials off Emshavn in the North Sea.

Ships from both the Irish and Dutch flagged fleet are commonplace in Irish and UK waters. In addition to trading throughout western Europe between Iberia and Scandinavia.