#GreenNewbuild – Arklow Beach became the third of six 'B' class 'green' newbuilds launched amidships at the Ferus Smit yard in Westerbroek, the Netherlands for Arklow Shipping's Dutch subsidiary, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The spectacular sideways launch (see photo's) and christening of the 4,800dwt vessel yard No. 111 follows Arklow Bay in March and class leadship Arklow Bank in January. Next month this latest unit of the 119m long newbuilds will be delivered to Arklow Shipping Netherland based in Rotterdam, which will also be her port of registry.

The new series of bulk oriented general cargo ships have 'greener' credentials in that her slender straight-stem hull form coupled by a 'bulb-less' reduces wave resistance.

The design also takes into account the various loading drafts and wave conditions to be encountered in service. In addition the performance of the bow design will be better than an alternative bulb for single-draft and flat-water only transits.

Arklow Beach alongside her sisters will be mainly employed in the shipment of wheat, corn and other bulk commodities within European waters.