On October 20, 2003, we celebrated the naming and launching of a multi-purpose cargo vessel "S448" at our dockyard. She is a sister ship of m.v. "Arklow Wave", which we covered in the previous issue.

Again, we were blessed with a cloudless and windless weather. It was indeed a crisp autumn day, as many tourists anticipate in this high season in Japan.

We had six guests from Arklow Shipping, including Mr. Tyrrell, CEO, and two from Bureau Veritas. With a rather small attendance, the ceremony took place in a friendly and hearty atmosphere, partly thanks to the warm character of Irish people.

After playing of the national anthems, Ms. Sheila Tyrrell, chairman of the ship-owning company, named the vessel as "Arklow Wind". The godmother then cut the champagne cord with a beautiful yet dynamic stroke of the axe. Yes, Ms. Tyrrell's axeplay was so perfect that the audience erupted in big cheers and applause!

At the dinner party held in the evening same day, high praise from Arklow Shipping about our technical capabilities made us happy - happy like a student receiving a diploma, because for Kyokuyo, like many other far-eastern shipbuilders, building a ship to the European industry standard was a challenge.

And, euh, that's not all. There was a post-party party (as you may guess)! We occupied a jazz bar, which finally turned out to be an... Irish pub! As far as I remember, we drunk much, played guitar and piano, experienced the river-dance, and sung out together the Irish national anthem in Gaelic!

[2004/02/20]