While tracking vessels in the north-west today, among them passenger ferry Aran Islands Express, a trio of general cargo ships operated by Wilson ASA have been trading in the Port of Sligo at the weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore

The operator Wilson ASA has the largest short-sea fleet in Europe, with around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 deadweight tonnes (dwt), all of similar design. Last month, Arklow Shipping as Afloat reported, sold a cargoship to the Norwegian competitor based in Bergen.

Of the three general cargo ships using the Port of Sligo, all are 2,000 dwt plus cargo ships and engaged in exporting fishmeal. The port  operated by Sligo County Council is where infrastructure work has taken place to increase more business for the regional port.

Sligo is the only working port between Galway and Derry~Londonderry (Foyleport) and has two quays, the Deepwater of 77m and Barytes of 55m, where the port handles cargoes of coal, timber, fish meal, and scrap. Cargo ships of up to 3,500 dwt tonnes can be accommodated.

Berthed this morning was Wilson Lahn, of 2,484 (dwt) with the 2001 built cargo ship alongside the Deepwater Quay. The slightly larger Wilson Mosel (2,676dwt/1993) completed loading last night and set sail at first light this morning for Egersund, Norway.

The 82m length overall (LOA) cargo ship was tracked later, mid-morning off Co. Donegal while Wilson Lahn continues to be loaded today and is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning.

As for the third cargo ship, Wilson Thames (2,439dwt/2000) departed yesterday, and when passing in the channel the Wilson Lahn, while loading took place of the aforementioned Wilson Mosel.

Both Wilson Mosel and Wilson Thames berthed on Friday’s evening tide, while Wilson Lahn was sitting at anchor in Sligo Bay, having the previous day sailed from Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland.  When at anchorage, the 83m cargo ship was waiting to berth on Saturday’s evening tide following the completion of loading fishmeal of the Wilson Thames and the departure of the 89m cargo ship, which is currently bound for Perth on the east coast of Scotland.

All of the similar long cargo ships are registered in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, and have blue hulls with Wilson in white lettering displayed amidships.