#SamuelBeckett – As the sleek profile of Naval Service newbuild OPV L.E. Samuel Beckett (P61) got underway yesterday on the horizon off Killiney Bay (see photo at bottom this link) this was her first patrol since Saturday's joint naming and commissioning ceremony in Dublin, writes Jehan Ashmore.

At almost 90m long the Babcock Marine built OPV90 class L.E. Samuel Beckett is 12 metres longer than her predecessor the OPV80 class leadship 'Roisin'. She was followed by sister, L.E. Niamh in 2001, having also been built at the north Devon shipyard then managed by Appledore Shipbuilders.

The hull forms of the Beckett class and her sister L.E. James Joyce currently under construction are designed by STX Marine. The improved sea-keeping qualities of the hull (see link to Air Corps footage off Ballycotton and Dublin Bay) are not only to improve operational working conditions.

The increased length and aft-deck space provides for storage of containers for (potential UN mandated) missions requiring humanitarian supplies and equipment. As such the newbuild can carry more than the 'Roisin' class sisters. Another benefit of the longer hull is that of crew comfort, particularly during the harsh environment of the Atlantic.

Having left an overcast Dublin Bay and in considerably calmer seas she increased speed passsing Dalkey Island and as seen on the photograph on the horizon off Killiney Bay. This resulted in greater resistance as the bow wave increased at the flared bow designed to deflect water away and minimise impact on the hull while maximising  speed and fuel efficiency.

She can achieve a maimum of 23 Knots which is generated from a pair of Wartsila diesel engines (10,000kw) which drive through twin shafts and propellers.

The newbuild has an endurance range of 6,000 nautical miles which will be required given that Ireland has a Fishey Exclusive Protection zone to patrol in an area representing 16% of EU waters. The OPV's main armament is a 76mm OTO Melara compact gun mounted at the bow.

As for that yellow buoy... in the photo, this is one of three marking a safety zone for bathers along a stretch of Killiney Beach close to Dalkey's White Rock Beach. They are there to protect bathers under a beach by-law implemented several years ago by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Boating activity among marine leisure users, notably jet-skiers, are not permitted to transit the zone between the buoys and the beach in the interest of safety for swimmers.