The latest launch of a newbuild for Arklow Shipping Nederland B.V. represents the third in a series of five cargo ships ordered by the shipowner, writes Jehan Ashmore.
With a shipyard newbuilding number of 456, the Arklow Globe was successfully launched last Friday morning from Ferus Smit at their shipyard in Westerbroek. At the stern, Rotterdam is the registered port along with the Dutch flag above while the ASL houseflag and that of the shipbuilder fluttered at the foremast in windy conditions.
Relative to the weather, the public with umbrellas stood on the canal bank opposite of the shipyard in anticipation of the launch. Also awaiting were two tugs, fore and aft of the newbuild ready to take the strain from the mooring ropes after the cargo ship entered the water.
Arklow Globe has a maximized hold volume of 220.000 cft and a carrying capacity of 5,150 deadweight tons. Cargo is contained in single hold within a hull of around 84m length overall (LOA).
As for propulsion, power is from a 1600 kW MaK engine with a single ducted propeller from where a 10 knot speed is delivered. For manoeuvres within confined areas and berthing is where an electric bowthruster of 275kW will assist.
The newbuild follows in the wake of leadship, Arklow Gem launched in April whereas the second ship, Arklow Glen made a debut just two months later with a launch taking place on Bloomsday.
The inland shipyard near Groningen is where Arklow Globe was launched in close proximity to the next of the same series, as amidships sections lay on the quayside.
