#ShippingReview: Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where Fastnet Shipping has added a new 22m windfarm and survey support vessel (WFSV) to its fleet.

According to the 10th edition of the annual Irish Maritime Transport Economist, the volume of cargo shipped though ports saw a small overall increase last year with two of the five principle cargo segments experiencing growth.

At the Dublin Port Company's AGM, it was announced that the port will pay a €7m dividend to the State in June 2013.

Deliveries of hay to Galway Harbour were under the consideration of Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney in a bid to address the fodder crisis.

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Joe Costello visited Tanzania to assess the impact of the UNCTAD Port Training Programme.

More news of wind-farm support vessels, as two such craft have returned to Island Shipping, following completion last month of a charter to a UK offshore wind-farm.

#NewWindCat- Waterford based Fastnet Shipping Limited has added a new 22m windfarm and survey support catamaran to its fleet of marine plant hire, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The craft which has space to seat up to 27 personnel will be used to transferring construction and crew service teams for the offshore wind-farm /turbine transfer market.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the company since 2010 has entered this sector in UK waters, when they commissioned a quartet of multi-purpose high-speed craft wind-farm support vessels (WFSV) for the charter market.

The introduction of this fifth and larger WFSV will see the 24 knots maximum capable Fastnet Rock able to operate up to 200 nautical miles.

For further vessel specifications of the Panamanian flagged craft click HERE.

In addition to the wind-farm support vessels, Fastnet Shipping operate and charter out vessels involved in dredging contracts, harbour and coastal towage and provide offshore logistics support services.

#NEWBUILD NEWS - The first of two 20m windfarm service vessels (WFSV) is to be launched from Arklow Marine Services tomorrow, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The high-speed aluminium newbuild to be named Gardian 8, has been commissioned to service the offshore renewable industry in the UK, and handed over to her clients next month.

In the interim period, the WFSV which is twin-hulled is to take sea-trails before she is officially launched later this month to owners Gardline Group, based in Great Yarmouth.

Gardline have also ordered a sister WFSV, where the frames and longitudinal stiffening of the second newbuild are currently being fitted. She is to join the Gardline fleet with a delivery date in July.

Arklow Marine Services are also working on a 24m steel mooring barge for Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners. The barge, which has a beam of 6m is scheduled for delivery in April this year.