Once again Arklow Shipping has had Dutch shipbuilder, Royal Bodewes launch an Eco-Trader of their 6,800dwt design series, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Arklow Resolve with a newbuild no. (NB: 825) at the Hoogezand yard, near Groningen, is were the launch on Friday took place at one of Bodewes three production sites. This newest Eco-Trader represents the fifth so far of seven of the series on order for the Irish client.

The morning transverse launch onto the Winschoterdiep Canal of the almost 105m multi-purpose dry-cargo ship with double side-skin construction, follows the 4,145 gross tonnes Arklow Ranger which as Afloat recently reported made its maiden sailing. This involved the 11 knot capable short-sea trader make a passage from Emshaven, Netherlands to within Norway's Arctic Circle.

As for the rest of the operational Eco-Traders/ R-class series, Arklow’s Rambler, Rally and 'leadship' Racer was launched in December, 2022 and was delivered to ASL almost a year ago, and was in service, starting with a maiden port of call to Spain.

When the two-hold Arklow Resolve is completed, the newbuild is to join the 38 Irish-flagged fleet that comprises Arklow Shipping Ltd. This in addition to 19 vessels that belong to Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. based in Rotterdam.

Combined the fleet, mostly of short-sea traders that serve in northern Europe and bulk-carriers further overseas, total 57 dry-cargo ships. Of the bulk-carriers, this involves six M-class and two larger twins of the S-series.