Avenhorn (Aisling) Arrives in Dutch Waters Of New Waterway to Port of Rotterdam

29th April 2017

Avenhorn arriving on the approaches to the New Waterway that connects the North Sea to the Port of Rotterdam. Despite the sell, the vessel retains her naval pennant number P23 on the bow.

#AvenhornArrives – Former Naval Service OPV LÉ Aisling under her new name Avenhorn arrived in Dutch waters following a five-day towage delivery voyage, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The operation began on Sunday to tow Avenhorn from Cork Harbour from where the oldest unit of the navy dating to 1980 had been laid-up in the Naval Basin on Haulbowline.

The final 'Emer' class OPV built by Verolme Cork Dockyard had served the navy for 36 years until decommissioned last year in her adopted homeport of Galway.

Bere Island based tug Ocean Bank which at 33m is more than half the length of Avenhorn arrived on Thursday to navigate the New Waterway (Nieuwe Waterweg). The canal connects the North Sea and the Port of Rotterdam.

Last month Dutch shipbroker, Dick van der Kamp Shipsales B.V. bid for the vessel that was sold at public auction for €110,000 through auctioneer Dominic Daly.

The new owners plan to refurbish Avenhorn which is registered in Belize and then place the vessel for re-sell.

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About The Author

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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