#ArklowNewbuild - Arklow Shipping's latest 'B' class newbuild which has a 'green' hull design form, became the fifth bulk general cargoship to be given a spectacular sideways launch yesterday at a Dutch shipyard, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 4,800dwt newbuild is one of six ordered by ASL and the ship's christening took place at the Ferus Smit B.V. Netherlands shipyard in Westerbroek, which launched leadship Arklow Bank earlier this year.

As previously reported, Arklow Brave has a hull form was chosen to adapt to the 'bulbless' principle which provides for a slender-straight stemmed bow without bulb. Taking this into account the 119 m long vessel will be able to load various loads at different drafts and wave conditions. The performance of this bow will be better than a bulb optimised for one single-draft and flat-water only conditions.

When she is delivered in January 2015 to her Dutch based division, Arklow Shipping Netherlands N.V., the Rotterdam registered vessel will be deployed in the shipment of wheat, corn and serve in other bulk commodity markets.

So far the 'B' series ships have been given the names, Bank, Bay, Beach, Beacon and Brave, so what will the final member be called?