In an update on Arklow Ranger, the fourth of seven Dutch shipyard completed Eco-Traders of the 6,800dwt / R class cargo ships, departed last month from its inland location to reach a seaport, writes Jehan Ashmore.
An Autumnal launch of the Arklow Ranger, which is just shy of 105m (LOA) length overall, took place in October as Afloat reported at the Royal Bodewes Shipyard at Hoogezand, near Groningen.
Following final works to prepare the Irish flagged cargo ship with a combined hold capacity of 310,000 cubic feet (cbft), the newbuild last month departed the shipyard.
This involved towage from the shipyard on the Winschoterdiep Canal and an onward connection via the Zeehavenkannaal to reach the Port of Delfzijl on the Ems estuary. From there took place the short passage to Eemshaven on 18 December, this in the same week prior to the start of the Festive Season.
It would appear that the last known activity of the Arklow Ranger occured the following day, after arriving at Eemshaven, as the newbuild currently remains at its berth in the Dutch north-eastern port.
As customary with the newbuilds Arklow Shipping have on order to Bodewes, that the shipbuilder's sea trails are conducted offshore of Emshaven. Such trials are carried out in the vicinity of The Frisian Islands, also known as the Wadden Sea Islands, which form an archipelago also off the neighbouring German coast.
Beyond the archipelago is the open waters of the North Sea from where Afloat will have more to report on this newest addition to the Irish Shipping Registrar.
