Newbuild for Arklow Shipping Completes Maiden Voyage On Summer Solstice

21st June 2023

Arklow Rally at the Royal Bodewes Shipyard in The Netherlands when under tow, has since been handed over to the Irish shipowner and today completed a maiden voyage across the North Sea. Credit: RoyalBodewes-facebook

The second of seven newbuild cargo ships for Arklow Shipping has been delivered from Dutch shipbuilder Royal Bodewes to the Irish shipowner, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Arklow Rally of the Eco-Trader 6,800 dwat class follows the leadship Arklow Racer which was delivered in February.

The newbuilds were built at Bodewes shipyard in Hoogezand located to the east of Groningen.

The handover of Arklow Rally took place on Monday and the addition of the dry-bulk vessel is part of a continued progression of modern tonnage. At this stage the green-hulled fleet now totals 55 cargo ships.

On Monday evening the newbuild departed on its maiden commercial voyage. This involved a passage across the North Sea to Teesport in north-east England, to where Afloat tracked the arrival of the Irish-flagged newbuild this morning.

Sea trials of the 104m general cargoship had previously taken place in the North Sea with the newbuild based out of Emshaven. The port on the Ems Estuary is also where the Dutch-German border is located.

Published in Arklow Shipping, Ports & Shipping

Published in Arklow Shipping

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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About Arklow Shipping

Arklow Shipping Limited, one of Ireland's leading shipping companies, has marked over 50 years of operation following its establishment in 1966.

The company, which began with a fleet of seven ships, has grown steadily over the years and now boasts a fleet of 59 vessels.

The company was founded by Captains James Tyrrell, Michael Tyrrell, and Victor Hall, who collaborated to create an umbrella company to operate their ships. This move allowed them to reduce overheads and strengthen their position in the market. The original fleet comprised seven ships, namely Tyrronall, Murell, Marizell, Valzell, Kilbride, River Avoca, and Avondale, all of varying sizes.

The shipping industry in Ireland underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s, with the replacement of traditional auxiliary schooners with modern crafts.

Arklow Shipping was at the forefront of this change, and the founders recognized the need for a new approach to shipping in Ireland. They built a company that could adapt to the changing market demands, and this has been a key factor in the company's continued growth.

Over the years, Arklow Shipping has bought, sold, and built ships, facing the challenges and opportunities that come with operating in the shipping industry. Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to meeting market demand and providing high-quality services to its clients.

Today, Arklow Shipping is a leading player in the shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The company's success story is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, who laid the foundation for a company that has stood the test of time.