Launching of the Arklow Guard Completes Final 5,150dwt 'G' Class Trader

16th April 2024

Bow of the newbuild Arklow Guard, the final of five short-sea traders on the stocks at the Dutch shipyard of Ferus Smit at Westerbroek. Credit: shipyardFerusSmit-facebook

The fifth and final of the 5,150dwt class, Arklow Guard, was launched at Ferus Smit’s Dutch inland shipyard in Westerbroek, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Its launch on Friday saw the single-hold cargo ship take to the waters transversely into the adjacent canal, the Winschoterdiep, which, along with a canal network, connects the Ems Estuary, leading to the North Sea.

Arklow Guard marks the completion of the short-sea general cargo traders to serve Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V., based in Rotterdam. The port is where the newbuild is registered.

The shipyard near Groningen launched the leadship of the (G) class ship named Arklow Gem just over a year ago on 6 April, which is 87.4m long overall and has a gross tons of 2,999.

Following the G-class leadship, they are Arklow’s Glen, Globe, and Grace, built in January this year.

With a maximized hold volume of 220.000 cft, Arklow Guard has a carrying capacity of over 5000 deadweight tons, but it still falls under the 3000 gross tons limit.

A 1,600 kW MaK engine propels a single ducted propeller, giving a service speed of 10 knots.

Ferus Smit has a workforce of 200 people at its shipyard sites, Westerbroek along with offices, and at Leer, Germany, and between them, 6 to 8 newbuild vessels are built annually.

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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.