Changes have been made to the fleet of Cardiff-based ship operator Charles M. Willie. Leaving the fleet in November 2022 was the 4,123 dwt coaster Celtic Warrior. Completed as Thule in 1996, she joined Willie’s fleet in late 2014, having been acquired from German owners, and was handed over to Latvian interests, while she was alongside at Rotterdam, in mid-November.
Joining the fleet is the 4,891dwt, 2009- built IJsseldijk, renamed Celtic Challenger, which was handed over while she was in dry dock at Sharpness during November 2022. Built in India, to Conoship’s popular 4450 MPV design, the 90m coaster was operating under the Antigua & Barbuda flag. Founded in 1938, Charle M. Willie & Co currently operate a fleet of short-sea traders, made up of 15 units, ranging in size between 4,100dwt and 5,700dwt. KA
The small coaster IJsseldijk off the French coast, June 2020.
KRISPEN ATKINSON