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On Wednesday, the 105.5m Twaite, became the longest liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanker to berth at Drogheda's Flogas terminal, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The 1,720dwt Dutch flagged-vessel docked in Drogheda after loading a cargo from the Whitegate Refinery, Cork Harbour. Later on the same day, the 1991 built vessel which is designed to take hazardous cargo designated under category D, departed the River Boyne on a flowing tide bound for Le Havre.

The Twaite surpasses the previous record only set on 19 August when the smaller 100m Thresher called to Drogheda. Like the Twaite, the Thresher is owned by Chemgas. The Dutch company's inaugural arrival in August represented a new shipping operator to the Co. Louth port. The 4,750 dwt Thresher was built in 2006 and had discharged 1,300 metric tonnes of the cargo at the Flogas facility which employs 100 staff.

Published in Ports & 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.