#AvenhornArrives – Former Naval Service OPV LÉ Aisling under her new name Avenhorn arrived in Dutch waters following a five-day towage delivery voyage, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The operation began on Sunday to tow Avenhorn from Cork Harbour from where the oldest unit of the navy dating to 1980 had been laid-up in the Naval Basin on Haulbowline.

The final 'Emer' class OPV built by Verolme Cork Dockyard had served the navy for 36 years until decommissioned last year in her adopted homeport of Galway.

Bere Island based tug Ocean Bank which at 33m is more than half the length of Avenhorn arrived on Thursday to navigate the New Waterway (Nieuwe Waterweg). The canal connects the North Sea and the Port of Rotterdam.

Last month Dutch shipbroker, Dick van der Kamp Shipsales B.V. bid for the vessel that was sold at public auction for €110,000 through auctioneer Dominic Daly.

The new owners plan to refurbish Avenhorn which is registered in Belize and then place the vessel for re-sell.