#DifferentBow - The bow foreship of Royal Bodewes newbuild (yard No.723) to be named Arklow Valiant, was last week transported from the contruction hall to the outfitting quay at the Dutch shipyard, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The foreship was joined to the newbuild’s stern section complete with superstructure. What is notably different is the bow design compared to her sisters built to the yard’s ‘Eco-Trader’ 5,100dwt design series.

Leadship, Arklow Vale (yard No. 721) see first call to Dublin Port (and photo), features an energy effecient bow designed to save on fuel costs. Note the straight stem to reduce wave contact and upper sloping hull plating that faces astern (back towards the bridge).

To also compare the differences, watch the above video (below) of the newbuilld with a slightly raked bow yet remains more conventional when contrasted to launch footage of Arklow Vale last September. 

The latest completed sister Arklow View (yard No. 722) carried out sea trials last month.

At almost 87m in hull length overall, the single-hold cargoships are to serve Arklow Shipping through Dutch division Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. The pair are registered at Rotterdam.

A service speed of around 12.5 knots is generated by a main engine (MaK 6M25 1740 kW) with a Siemens Gearbox. As for the controllable pitch propellers they are manufactured by Berg.