Wilson Porto the former Arklow Rover recently acquired by Norwegian interests, Wilson Ship Management along with another 'R' class fleetmate which Afloat will later report on, is berthed today in Belfast Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The general cargoship of 2,999 gross tonnage and custom built for Arklow Shipping, had set sail from Ventspils, Latvia, however the 2004 built vessel is due tomorrow to Dublin Port (pictured above in recent years). On that occasion the dry-cargoship berthed at the Deepwater Quay (DWQ) adjacent to the Hammond Lane Metal Co's plant, Ireland's largest exporter of recycled scrap.

By coincidence Arklow Vale is today also berthed at the DWQ. The leadship of ASL's Dutch ship managed 'V' series ships (see excellent launch video of 2015) is berthed here to where other cargoes include imported slag which is turned into an eco-friendly cement component from a local factory. This involves breaking down into dust form and afterwards is transported around the country.

This activity featured an ASL cargoship in 'Keepers of the Port' (of 2017) where this fascinating documentary filmed and directed by Moira Sweeney for Dublin Port Company is an online exclusive only available through DPC's YouTube channel. So click HERE to watch it now, but only until today Friday, 5 June, noting the related video gallery. 

Returning to Belfast Harbour where Wilson Porto is opposite of another general cargsohip Jolanta which Afloat reported some years back. The ship is back from Scandinavia and resumed working on what is an unusual short-sea coastal trading route on this island. This notably only involves sailing 'within' Belfast Lough.

The domestic route sees Jolanta operate a transhipment coal service from the harbour to Kilroot Jetty to supply the fuel to a power station nearby at Carrickfergus on the north shore of the lough.

As for Arrow, Seatuck Ferries ro-ro freightferry is currently dry-docking at Harland & Wolff having arrived last month. The freighter which is chartered to the Isle of Man Steam Packet is scheduled to depart next week.

In the meantime the Chinese flagged heavylift ship Da Ji which delivered container (RTG) cranes as Afloat reported earlier today is scheduled to depart tomorrow.