Arklow Rally has become the second of seven newbuild cargo ships of the 'R' class which was launched this month in the Netherlands, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The newbuild for Arklow Shipping Ltd is of the Eco-Trader 6,800 design from the Royal Bodewes Shipyard which built the cargo ship in Martenshoek, Hoogezand in Groningen. As the design name suggests, this class of dry-bulk vessel is 6,800 (dwt) deadweight tonnes.
The ship is 104.93m length overall (LOA) and has two cargo-holds where there are two portable bulkheads along with pontoon type hatch covers.
Arklow Rally follows the Irish-flagged leadship Arklow Racer which was launched in December.
As Afloat also reported the new cargo ship in February was tracked having recently entered service. This involved a passage depart from a port in north-west Europe to the Iberian Peninsula. Following this was a voyage into the western Mediterranean.
The launch of Arklow Rally (yard no. 822) into the Winschoterdiep Canal had taken place on 6th April. On this same day and time, another newbuild for ASL saw Arklow Gem also take to the waters of the canal.
This leadship of five new 'G' class short-sea traders, had slid off of the stocks at Ferus Smit's Dutch shipyard in Westerbroek.
As for the newest R class cargoship, the newbuild is to undergo shipbuilder's sea trials in the North Sea before delivery to the Co. Wicklow shipowner.
