#Valiant – Following our pre-launch coverage of Arklow Valiant, the above footage shows the third Royal Bodewes newbuild make first contact with the water at the Dutch yard for Arklow Shipping, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Newbuilding 723 was launched from the quayside at the yard in Hoogezand, Groningen, last Friday for ASL’s Dutch division, Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. 

The single-hold 5,150dwat cargoship will became the 17th Dutch-flagged vessel out of the total fleet of 46 ships which are otherwise Irish-flagged.

Notably, she also differs to her completed 5,100dwat Trader sisters, Arklow Vale and Arklow View,  in terms of an efficient and cost-effective straight stem bow design.

She is the first vessel in the Arklow fleet to be named ‘Valiant’ in the series also known as the V class. Over the decades there have been previous V class generations that have carried names among them, Valour, Venture and Villa.

The christening of Arklow Valiant will be performed at a handing over ceremony in the port of Delfzijl that is reached from the inland yard by canal. Delfzijl is where Arklow View was also named.

Unlike last year's launch of leadship Arklow Vale where the naming was carried out at the Hoogezand yard.