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Displaying items by tag: Final Newbuild

The launch of Arklow Crest has culminated in the final newbuild of a ten-ship series for Irish shipowners, when the short sea trader took to the waters at a Dutch shipyard last Friday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

With a newbuild number of 436, Arklow Crest slid into the canal at Ferus Smit's shipyard in Westerbroek which was contracted to build the new design cargo vessels for Arklow Shipping.

The Co. Wicklow shipowners having received the leadship of the series, Arklow Cadet which took place in 2016. During this year the shipyard completed a trio of the 'C' class general cargoships with Arklow's Cloud, Coast and Cove and all currently in service. 

All but one of the 10 'C' class were given ship names never previously used by vessels of the ASL fleet which was formed in 1966.

Following sea trials and delivery to ASL the Arklow Crest will be able to provide clients a maximized hold volume of 220.000 cft and a carrying capacity over 5,000 deadweight tons. This makes the almost 88m long vessel still fall under the 3,000 gross tons limit.

The single hold cargoship has an 1A iceclass notation and for propulsion, this is generated from a 1,740kW MaK engine and using a single ducted propeller.

A typical bread and butter cargo will be in the carriage of grain. 

Likewise of the C class series, Arklow Crest is registered at its east coast homeport and will represent the newest merchant ship of the Irish-flagged fleet.

Published in Arklow Shipping

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.