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Displaying items by tag: Forest products

Scot Explorer became the latest launch for a UK shipping forests products operator, following a christening ceremony that was held at a Dutch shipyard yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The launch (footage) of newbuild (NB 747) at the Royal Bodewes yard in Hoogezand marked the second of a three-ship order confirmed from Scotline which has its headquarters based in Romford, Kent.

Unlike leadship Scot Carrier launched last year, the latest newbuild of the trio of 4,800dwt sisters, differs having enclosed bridge wings, in order to make manoeuvring easier. The newbuild is due to be completed next month.

As for the final timber products carrier, this newbuild to be named Scot Ranger is scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2020.

Scotline primarily runs liner services throughout northern Europe with regular routes between Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Norway and the Baltic States. In addition to those serving the UK, Netherlands and France.

Published in Ports & Shipping

#Ports&Shipping- Specialist forest carrier operator, ScotLine which operates regular services to Irish ports, last week saw their latest newbuild take to the seas for first trails, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Since Scot Carrier's christening launch ceremony in September, the 4,800dwt short-sea timber trader, now the largest of the fleet has undergone outfitting. Last week the 90m long cargoship which has a beam of 15m departed on a canal journey under towage from the Dutch inland shipyard of Royal Bodewes in Hoogezand to Delfzijl.

From there Scot Carrier sailed under its own propulsion (Mak engine) to Eemshaven having made the passage through the Ems Estuary to enter the open sea. According to Royal Bodewes the inaugural sea trial in the North Sea was successfully executed.

Furthermore, Afloat today tracked Scot Carrier undergoing trials again having departed Emshaven, from where the newbuild is at time of writing offshore of Esbjerg, Denmark. 

Scot Carrier has been given an ice class 1B classification which is important for Baltic customers of the operator, which primarily runs 'liner' services around Northern Europe with regular routes between Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Germany. In addition to liner links calling to ports in the UK, France and The Netherlands.

The newbuild will join fleetmates that in addition to transporting forest products also can vary in loading a variety of bulk and project cargoes.

Published in Ports & Shipping

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.