#ArklowLeadship – Afloat.ie has followed the progression of Arklow Shipping's series of 'B' class newbuilds almost a year ago to the day and that of leadship Arklow Bank which departed Dublin Port yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.,

Arklow Bank is the first of six in a series of cargoships ordered for ASL's Dutch division, Arklow Shipping Netherlands B.V. The leadship newbuild was delivered into service in early 2014 from shipyard, Ferus Smit B.V. of Westerbroek.

Flying the Dutch flag, the Rotterdam registered 8,660 total dwt cargoship had arrived from Spain to Dublin Port to berth along the port's south bank quays on Monday evening. 

The previous port of call is understood to be from Gijon, however Afloat.ie can confirm that the cargo on board was granulated slag in bulk.

The quay at the Deepwater Berth (locally referred as the 'Coal' Quay) is also where scrap metal is a main trade carried out along this part of the port. It is also where a crane is dedicated in the memory of the famous musician Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners.

A Coops & Nieborg pontoon system operated the hatch covers of the 119m long hull which has a 'bulb-less' bow and a hull form designed with 'green' credentials.

By examining the slender hull while alongside the newbuild, the fresh sharp waterlines could be seen and notably that of her straight-stemmed bow. 

Both the design of the bow and hull combined are to reduce wave resistance even in rougher conditions and while not compromising on cargo load volumes.

She is classed with Bureau Veritas and has a two-hold grain capacity of 9902,6m³ and for bale of 349.706ft³ .

Powerplant is sourced from a Mak engine delivering a maximum 13 knots.

To date the Arklow Bank has been joined by a quartet of sisters with a final unit to complete the series. In the meantime, it was business as usual as the 'Bank' departed yesterday afternoon bound for Porsgruun in Norway.