As the Donegal Democrat writes, when they do things in Killybegs, they like to make a big splash about it and that's certainly true when it came to the recent ceremonial launch of the largest vessel in the fishing port since 1980.

The skill and know of Mooney Boats Ltd made it all possible. They have been at the heart of the community in the town for more than four decades and it is to them that the industry leaders look to when wanting to refit or build a new craft. The Shore Road is certainly a hub of service and development and this latest launch proves yet again that this local firm is amongst the finest in the industry.

The MFV Amethyst received its ceremonial launching on Saturday, September 28 from owner Ralston Johnston, with his wife Jane Johnston taking main stage at the launch party to christen the ship.

For further reading on the launch of the new build prawn trawler designated as Build 48 (Yard No.B48) click this link. 

#dAmicoLargestShip – The d'Amico Group, the Italian international shipowner with offices in Dublin, has announced the delivery of the 'Handy-Cape' type vessel, Cielo d'Italia, the largest and most innovative ship in the history of the group.

At the Sanoyas Shipbuilding Corporation's shipyard in Mizushima, Japan, the d'Amico Group an international shipping operator for more than 60 years received the newbuild last week.

The value of the order for Cielo d'Italia and its handy cape sister which will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016 is approximately region 100 M$ (benefitting from the prevailing favourable weakening of the yen against the dollar) and is part of the most significant development plan in the history of d'Amico Group.

Cielo d'Italia will be employed by d'Amico Dry on a short period time charter until the delivery of its sister ship, expected in the first quarter of 2016. For the 2014-2016 period, the Group has invested approximately $1.2 billion by ordering 38 new ships, both bulkers and tanker vessels.

The new 117,000dwt ship, 245m long and 43m wide, is the result of multi-year collaboration between two prominent companies on the international shipping scene, who working very closely designed an extremely innovative ship characterized by extremely effective design particulars, respect for the environment and energy efficiency, capable of reducing consumption and emissions by 20%, compared to other ships operating in the same segment.

Since d'Amico established its operating companies in Ireland in 2002, the Group has expanded its activities in the Dublin office. 

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Minister for Transport Paschal Donohue welcomed d'Amico's continued commitment to investment in Ireland and interest in the development of the Irish maritime sector.

Currently its Tankers division is ranked in the 10 biggest Product Tanker controlling and managing companies in the world and this has firmly positioned its Dublin office as a significant international shipping operation.