#ports&shipping - After a delay of a week, Arklow Venus which was constructed by Dutch yard Royal Bodewes was finally given the customary amidships launch yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The morning launch took place at 10.00 with the newbuild slidding off the stocks to enter the Winschoterdiep canal. Awaiting were a pair of tugs that already had mooring lines secured aft and fore so to guide the vessel safely away from the slipway to a nearby fit-out berth along the waterway. As routine the occasion in the yard was not open to the public.

As previously reported on Afloat, this 'Venus' revives the name of a predecessor but also marks the eight so far of 10 'V' class Eco-Trader 5150 newbuilds. The figure refers to the cargoship's deadweight while gross tonnage is measured at 2,999.

The 86m length overall short-sea multipurose trader has a single hold that can separated for two bulk cargoes. The new ship will join ASL's Dutch divison Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V.

Unlike the leadship Arklow Vale and earlier sisters, this latest newbuild has a revised straight stemmed bow. This design is also to reduce wave resistance and save on fuel consumption adding to greater efficiencies.

A main engine consists of a Mak 6M25C that will deliver a speed of around 12 knots.

As regards crew, each of the 9 seafarers will have their own private cabin with sanitary facilities and air-conditioning.