Displaying items by tag: Set Sail Sunday

22nd April 2017

Former LÉ Aisling Renamed Avenhorn to Set Sail Sunday

#Aisling2SetSail- The former LÉ Aisling which was sold at public auction last month has been renamed Avenhorn by Dutch owners, and is expected to depart Cork Harbour tomorrow for the final time, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Afloat has noted that the departure of the sole surviving ‘Emer’ class OPV built in 1979 by Verolme Cork Dockyard, is to take place one month after the auction on 23 March. The veteran vessel went under the hammer for €110,000 is to be towed to the Netherlands. This is involve the Bere Haven based Ocean Bank operated by Atlantic Marine & Towage.

LÉ Aisling in design terms is derived from the original LÉ Deirdre. However, LÉ Aisling became the third and final sister of an improved version belonging to the 'Emer' class that included LÉ Aoife.

In a career that lasted 36 years, LÉ Aisling was engaged in numerous missions, rescues, UN supply missions to the Lebanon. In addition the OPV served routine domestic fishery protection duties and those concerning arms and drugs interdictions.

The auction conducted by Cork based auctioneer Dominic Daly led to the sale of the 65.5m OPV to Dutch shipbroker Dick van der Kamp Shipsales B.V. They plan to refurbish the 1,025 displacement tonnes which has been re-registered in Belize before re-selling it to subsequent owners.

The disposal of LÉ Aisling paved the by way for direct successor LÉ William Butler Yeats, the third OPV90 class so far completed in the current Naval Service Vessel Replacement Programme. A fourth sister to be named LÉ George Bernard Shaw is under construction at a UK yard, Babcock Marine & Technology in Appledore, Devon.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.