Afloat has tracked the newest Arklow Shipping 'A' class newbuild cargoship Arklow Archer which is currently under tow on a canal from a Dutch inland shipyard to a North Sea port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The newbuild Arklow Archer is a bulk oriented general cargo ship which was christened and launched last month at Westerbroek, near Groningen, and is currently under tow by the Waterpoort on the Ems Canal which links Delfzijl.

The port is located on the Ems Estuary which flows into the North Sea from where previous sea-trails take place with ASL newbuilds based in Delfzijl.

Arklow Archer is the first to carry this 'A' name in the ASL fleet. In addition the new cargoship is the fourth of six newbuilds in the class ordered by ASL to the German shipyard company of Ferus Smit which has a second shipyard located in Leer.

Due to Covid-19 health restrictions, the routine public viewing of ship launches at the Dutch shipyard was not an option when Arklow Archer was launched on 12th June.

During that week Ferus Smit was kept busy with not only the launch of the Arklow Archer but also the delivery of a sister Arklow Ace and the 'W' class Arklow Wood. The shipyard managment expressed their gratitude for the work and efforts by the shipyard workers during these extraordinary times.

Arklow Archer is based from a slightly modified version of the first series of 8600dwt bulkers that Ferus Smit built under the name of Arklow B – series. The design is adapted for iceclass 1A, with modified bow form and propulsion with a propeller nozzle added.

Another modification is that the main engine output was decreased to 2000 kW to enable for better fuel efficiency.

Likewise of the other 'A' class ships, the newbuild is registered at the shipowner's Co. Wicklow port and is Irish flagged.