#Cobelfret – Finnlines have acquired ro-ro freighter Dorset from Cobelfret, which spent a brief spell late last year (see report/photo) on their Irish operations, Dublin- Zeebrugge and also to Rotterdam, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The sale to Finnlines earlier this year sees the 2,606 lane-metre vessel renamed Finnmerchant of 23,235 tonnes serve a new Baltic Sea route between Hanko,Finland and Rostock, Germany.

In addition the move to Scandinavia comes only a year later to when a Cobelfret subsidiary, C-Bulk Shipping purchased the 2003 built vessel launched as Longstone along with sister, Beachy Head.

It was in the previous spring of 2013 that the pair become surplus to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirements as part of a Private Finance Initiative contract involving all six 'Point' class sisters.

The sale in 2014 of Longstone to Cobelfret and renaming as Dorset followed a career with Foreland Shipping. That operator was previously Andrew Weir Shipping (AWSR Ltd) who originally ordered the vessel as part of quartet of Point class sisters from FGS yard in Flensberg, Germany.

The remaining Point-class pair where built by Harland & Wolff which completed Hartland Point first. Her sister, Anvil Point made history as she became the last ever ship to be completed at the famous yard when she was launched into Belfast Lough in 2003.

Another Irish connection with the Scandinavian operator came in the form of Celtic Ferries, whose ro-ro freighter, Finnforest, was chartered to serve in the Baltic.

Finnforest was originally built for Stena as one of the 'Searunner' class in which a sister, Diplomat became Celtic Link Ferries first ship running Rosslare-Cherbourg sailings. 

Celtic Link Ferries final Ireland-France sailing came to an end more than a year ago (March 31, 2014).

From thereon, the operations of CLF were officially acquired by Stena Line and this included the chartered Celtic Horizon on the 17 hour crossing.

The ro-pax was given a revised renaming, Stena Horizon and marked the operators first ever Ireland-mainland European route.  

#ExtendedDeadline- Due to high levels of interest in the inaugural Maritime Industry Awards (18 June), as previously reported on Afloat.ie, the entry deadline for companies to submit in the categories has been extended to Thursday 23rd April.

The awards ceremony, is to take place under the patronage of the National Maritime College of Ireland.

The Awards to be held at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin are to recognise and celebrate the most innovative companies in the Irish maritime sector; including: Manufacturing, Port Operations, Logistics, Commercial Excellence, Innovation Tourism & Leisure, Sustainability, Aquaculture, Education & Training.

#Ports&Shipping - The latest IMDO Weekly Market Review includes the following stories as outlined below. 

Irish Maritime News: New Leadership in Seatruck – As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Seatruck Ferries have announced that Alistair Eagles will be appointed CEO of Seatruck Ferries Ltd with effect from 7 May 2015.

At the same time, Ole Frie will be stepping down from his position as Chairman for Seatruck, and Kristian Morch will become the new Chairman of the Board.

Holyhead-Dublin Ferry: Record Numbers of Passengers Catch Holyhead to Dublin Ferry - A record number of people caught the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin last year. Some 1.88 million people made the trip in 2014 — the highest annual figure since 2003, which was 1.35mn meaning its popularity has increased nearly 40% in just over a decade.

Global Maritime News: Greeks Interested in Chinese Land-Sea Bridge - Greek government officials have underlined the cash-strapped country's interest in exploring further co-operation with China in logistics and transport infrastructure, following Cosco's investment in the port of Piraeus.

Operated under a 35-year concession, the Chinese-run part of the terminal increased its profit last year by nearly 26% to about $29m.

Shipping Confidence: Hits Two-and-a-Half Year Low on Fears about Over tonnaging and Low Oil Prices - Overall confidence levels in the shipping industry fell during the three months to February 2015 to their lowest level for two-and-a-half years, according our Hellenic Shipping News.

For more of each of the above stories and much more click the IMDO Market Review (Week 14) HERE.

In addition to further coverage from Afloat.ie's dedicated Ports & Shipping news by clicking HERE.

#RotterdamCongestion - Rotterdam's Maasvlakte 2 (MV2) a new container-handling terminal run by AMPT has been hitting back over claims of a slower than expected rollout of its operations.

The delayed roll-out of MV2 it has been claimed is one of the major factors in the current traffic congestion at Europe's biggest container port.

Leading barge and intermodal operator Contargo will next week introduce a congestion surcharge on containers carried to and from Rotterdam.

Contargo claim its barges are waiting three or four extra days at the seaport to unload and re-load shipments, making it necessary to charter extra capacity.

To read more on the story, Lloyds Loading List.com has a report here.

#ArdmoreNewTanker - Ardmore Cheyenne has been delivered from Fukuoka Shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan to Ardmore Shipping which has its financial headquarters in Mahon, Cork, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 25,000 dwt newbuild which is classified as an IMO 2 product and chemical tanker will have its technical management provided by Thome Ship Management.

She is to join sister Ardmore Cherokee, into the increasingly expanding Ardmore fleet, which currently stands at eighteen vessels. The fleet total equates to a tonnage of 718,000dwt and with an average vessel age of five years.

Commenting on her delivery, Mark Cameron, Ardmore Shipping's CEO, said:"We're delighted to see the Ardmore Cheyenne join our fleet and we extend our sincere appreciation to everyone at Fukuoka Shipyard for their hard work, dedication and professionalism, along with all those involved in ensuring her successful delivery".

"She is our second newbuild vessel from Fukuoka this year, with the third and fourth in the series due to deliver in the coming months. Like the Ardmore Cherokee, the Ardmore Cheyenne has been designed and built to the very highest standards and equipped with an array of fuel-saving measures to ensure the highest standards of performance for our customers. We look forward to her successful service in Ardmore's fleet and we wish her crew safe seas and Godspeed."

In February, the tanker products company also took delivery of Ardmore Dauntless and Ardmore Defender from another yard in Asia, that time from the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard ("HMD") in South Korea. Each of these newbuilds are 37,000 dwt and likewise of 'Cheyenne' are IMO 2 product and chemical tankers.

As previously alluded both South Korean built newbuilds were delivered in February with the Ardmore Dauntless delivered first and followed by Ardmore Defender on the 27th of that month.

The eco-design quality and industry-leading levels of fuel efficiency and environmental performance sees the pair employed in the Navig8's Delta8 pool.

Ardmore Dauntless and the Ardmore Defender are each equipped with the SkySails' Performance Monitor voyage optimization system. 

The system provides real-time data monitoring and analysis to enable the team on the bridge and onshore to constantly optimize the operational performance of the vessel.

#Ports&ShippingReview – Over the last fortnight, Jehan Ashmore has reported on the shipping scene.

Arklow Breeze the final of six bulk cargoships was launched from a Dutch shipyard for Arklow Shipping Ltd. The 119m hull designed with green credentials to improve operating efficiency without compromising on cargo loads was given a sideways launch from the Westerbroek yard.

The above footage shows the stern of the newbuild registered in Rotterdam as the 8,660dwt cargoship is part of ASL's Dutch division fleet, Arklow Shipping Netherlands B.V.

Compare the footage to that of an earlier sister Arklow Bay (click here) which showed her launch as seen from a three-quarter angled bow view. In addition to more about this cargoship which made a recent port cargo record see below.

'Lusitania: Life, Loss, Legacy' is an exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum to highlight little-known data that changes the commonly used figures of the last 100 years, when referencing the crew and passengers on Lusitania's final voyage.

Over Easter, a £6million refit of Stena Line's fleet on the north Irish Sea is to be completed with the upgrade of Stena Precision at Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard.

The inaugural Maritime Industry Awards to recognise and celebrate the most innovative companies in the Irish maritime sector are to take place on 18th June.

The now one-year old Arklow Bay sailed from Belfast to deliver a record shipment of stone to the UK east coast port of Ipswich.

#StoneRecord – One of Arklow Shipping's series of newest 'green' credential hull design newbuilds, Arklow Bay sailed from Belfast to deliver a record shipment of stone to a UK east coast port plant, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Arklow Bay, the second of the six 'green' or B class 8, 660dwt newbuilds which entered service a year ago having been launched Ferus Smit's Dutch yard, called recently to the Port of Ipswich.

The 119m long hull designed to improve operating efficiency and carry bulk-orientated cargoes had on this occasion discharged 8,229 tonnes of stone, the largest in the port's history.

The stone loaded on the Arklow Shipping Netherlands B.V. cargoship was for Lafarge Tarmac's asphalt plant at the ports Cliff Quay. The cargo delivery was welcomed by port owners, Associated British Ports as the stone total came close to a thousand tonnes more than a previous record of 7,371 tonnes.

Receiving aggregates on a vessel of this size was according to Lafarge Tarmac's Nigel Stephenson, Production Manager, "a great opportunity to contribute to a reduction in our carbon footprint and to help us provide the best possible solutions in a growing construction market."

Materials for the construction industry represented around 30% of Ipswich's total tonnage in 2014. Asides stone, materials include bricks, sand, gravel and cement which are vital raw materials for the region's construction industry.

In that year, during October, a sister of Arklow Bay, the third in the six-ship series, Arklow Beacon made her maiden voyage from the same Dutch yard at Westerbroek. The Dutch flagged vessel arrived in the port to load up to 7,000 tonnes of wheat while en-route to Lisbon.

Alastair MacFarlane, ABP Port Manager East Anglia said; "The Port of Ipswich is a key gateway to markets for the region's construction industry."

Nigel Stephenson, Production Manager Lafarge Tarmac said; ""Receiving aggregates on a vessel of this size is a great opportunity for Lafarge Tarmac to contribute to a reduction in our carbon footprint and to help us provide the best possible solutions in a growing construction market."

Together, ABP Ipswich supports 1,812 jobs locally and contributes £122 million to the regional economy.

#NewMaritimeAwards - The inaugural Maritime Industry Awards to recognise and celebrate the most innovative companies in the Irish maritime sector are to take place in June.

They awards seek to reward individuals who demonstrate excellence and originality in the field. The Awards are aimed at entrants who engage in manufacturing, port operations, logistics and commercial excellence but also extends to areas such as innovation, tourism and leisure, sustainability, aquaculture, and education.

The National Marine College of Ireland is the Patron of the Awards which will be held Thursday, 18th June at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin.

Entries deadline fast approaching!

The entry deadline is fast approaching for the inaugural Maritime Industry Awards. These Awards will recognise and celebrate the most original and innovative individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence in the Irish Maritime & Marine sector.

This will be an unmissable event for networking and entertainment and entries have started to roll in - the deadline to submit entries is Friday, April 17th.

The Maritime Industry Awards provides a voice for companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of the industry in Ireland, to shout about the successes and high standards of excellence that have been achieved in recent years.

These Awards are a vital platform that allow companies and individuals in this expansive industry to highlight their efforts. The Awards will be judged by a distinguished panel of Judges, chaired by Conor Mowlds, Head of College, National Maritime College of Ireland.

There will be 18 categories featured including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime Industry Award and the Overall Maritime Excellence Award.

The full Judging Panel includes:

Conor Mowlds, Head of College, National Maritime College of Ireland
Liam Lacy, Director, Irish Maritime Development Office.
Sheila Tyrell, Irish Maritime Law Association,
Capt. Kevin Allen, Harbour Master, Belfast Harbour
Geoffrey O'Sullivan (retired) Senior Science Policy Advisor, Marine Institute
Conchur O'Bradaigh, Professor of Energy Engineering, Marine Renewable Energy Ireland,
Lorcan O'Cinnéide, Irish Fish Processors
Professor Pat Shannon, Irish Offshore Operators Association

The awards are proudly supported by the NMCI, The Irish Independent, AIB, GAC Training and Amarach Research.

There are still a limited number of sponsorship options available to develop new business contacts and highlight your brand. Contact Kevin O'Driscoll on 01 407 0594 or email [email protected]

The Maritime Industry Awards are the only opportunity in the industry for your business to showcase the great work and high standards you have achieved. For more, including a full list of categories visit: www.maritimeawards.ie or call 01 407 0595

#Harland&Wolff - A £6million refit of Stena Line's fleet of North Irish Sea ferries finishes with the upgrade of Stena Precision at Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard over the Easter period.

Seven ships have been upgraded by Stena Line over the last five months with work being carried out at the Belfast shipyard.

Among them adds Afloat.ie, Stena's Belfast-Cairnryan route Superfast serving sisters VII and VIII with Stena Nordica standing in to cover the refits, before the former Dublin-Holyhead route ro-pax heads for a new career with DFDS Seaways on the Dover-Calais service.

Stena Line's Irish Sea North route manager Paul Grant said, "Over the last five years Stena Line has invested more than £250m in its Irish Sea business". For more, Belfast Live has a report, here.

#ArklowsLastestLaunch – Arklow Breeze had the honour of been launched as the newest and final newbuild of six cargoships from a Dutch yard last Friday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The ceremony for Yard No. (Nb) 414 saw a successfull sideways launch at the Westerbroek yard of Ferus Smit. The same Dutch yard having completed all of the previous bulk oriented general cargoships of 8,660dwt for Arklow Shipping. She joins the company's Dutch division based in Rotterdam, Arklow Shipping Netherland N.V.

A 119m long hull form without a bulb-less bow design has given the series 'green' credentials. This is to improve operating efficiency by reducing wave resistance in varying sea-state conditions without compromising on cargo-loads.

The bulb-less concept, instead features a straight-stemmed bow to allow a slender hull entry to slice into the waves. While at the same time taking into account various loading drafts. Total performance of this bow design will also be better than that of a bulb optimised for one single-draft and flat water only conditions.

Almost a year ago, Arklow Bay was also given a spectacular launch, see VIDEO. As for Arklow Breeze she is due to enter service next month.

She follows Arklow Brave which called to Dublin Port this month and whose agents are the Burke Shipping Group which invested in new port infrastructure late last year.

The new cargoship had loaded scrap metal elsewhere in the port alongside the Hammond Lane Metal Company. She departed laden with the cargo bound for Leixoes in Portugal.

The sisters will be mainly employed in the shipment of wheat, corn and other bulk commodities in European waters.