Displaying items by tag: Rivers: Jeremy Paxman

30th May 2017

Names Revealed of BG Freight Line's New Quartet to Enter Merseyside-Lee Service

Afloat has identified the names to be given of the new quartet of 'Ireland' Max 1,003 TEU capacity containerships currently under construction in China. BG Emerald is among the ships to be delivered in 2018

#IrelandMax- Afloat has further researched into the names of BG Freight Line’s newbuilds lo-lo ships under construction in China and can reveal BG Emerald is among them, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The custom-built ‘Ireland’ Max containership with ‘green’ credentials is one of a quartet under construction at the Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard in the city located near the Shanghai Yangshan Harbour. They are expected to enter service in 2018 on BG Freight Line’s short-sea Irish hub feeder services linking the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Newbuild BG Emerald with a 1,004 TEU capacity will also enter the new and first ever Liverpool-Cork containeship service. The Merseyside-River Lee route was launched intially in March by Thea II, which appeared on 'Rivers with Jeremy Paxman'. The TV series broadcast earlier this year showed the presenter on board the 340 TEU boxboat when operating on the Manchester Ship Canal.

Afloat has also indentified the names to be given of the remaining quartet of sisters. They are BG Diamond, Jade and Sapphire.

Also ascertained is that each containership is around 11,000 gross tonnage and that they have been developed by BG Freight Line, in conjunction with designers CIMC ORIC and Arkon Shipping.

The ‘Ireland’ Max containerships are being built to DNV GL specification and fitted with state-of-the-art features in order to comply with Emission Control Area (ECA) requirements. This been a clear commitment by the operators to achieving the highest possible environmental standards.

Each of the quartet will be fitted with a modern wet scrubber system for exhaust cleaning in order to fulfil the requirements for trading within the ECA area. The vessels are also fully fitted for the loading of 45ft short-sea containers in all positions, with room in total for 488 units.

Additionally, a various number of odd-sized containers can be stowed fast and securely due to a new proprietary and innovative cargo stowage system. To minimise operational cost the vessel will be fitted with a modern two-stroke main engine with very low fuel consumption.

Specifications of the new 'Ireland' Max containerships

Containers: 1004 TEU (alternative 488 units 45ft)
Deadweight: 13,250 tonnes (on 8.0m draft)
Length overall: 153m
Reefer plugs: 253
Service Speed: 16 knots
Exhaust cleaning by WET-scrubber

As alluded BG Freight Line operate an extensive lo-lo container feeder network operated by 23 vessels among them BG Ireland. The additon of BG Emerald strenghtens the links of the nations served by the shipping line that is a subsidiary of the Peel Ports Group. They are a major operator of ports throughout the UK.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.