Arriving at Dun Laoghaire Harbour this afternoon was the Revenue Commissioners' new €9 million hybrid-powered patrol cutter, which is now in service, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The RCC Cosaint (Irish for 'protection') was built by Auxal Naval, part of the Armon Shipyard Group in Spain, and at 35m in length, the larger vessel is to replace the RCC Suirbhéir of 2004, which Revenue intends to put up for sale on the open market as it has now reached the end of its service life.
The new vessel will enhance surveillance and anti-smuggling efforts Photo: Jehan Ashmore
RCC Cosaint serves alongside the RCC Faire, which dates to 2009, and its estimated service life extends to 2029, and, as such, it will remain in active service for the Revenue Maritime Unit (RMU) which operates the Cork-registered patrol vessel.
The new biofuel- and biofuel-blend-capable cutter delivering 18 knots is part of a €20m investment by Revenue in new vessels for the service, as Afloat also previously reported.
According to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe last month, during his reply to Dail questions, he said that the RCC Cosaint was delivered ahead of schedule in August 2025, while the RCC Faire has an estimated service life that extends to 2029 and, as such, will remain in active service. The contract with AuxNaval includes an option for a second cutter, which could be a replacement for RCC Faire in time.
RCC Cosaint, a €9 million hybrid cutter, begins service today Photo: Jehan Ashmore
Together the RCC Cosaint and RCC Faire will serve the RMU, which has responsibility for patrolling Ireland's 3,173 kilometres of coastline. Officers work closely with An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the Lisbon, Portugal-based Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics), an initiative of eight EU member states and the UK, as well as other international law enforcement agencies.
RCC Cosaint made its maiden Irish port of call in August to Cork Harbour, and since then its crews have begun training for anti-smuggling patrols. Its range of 750 miles, along with better sea-keeping design, will enable it to expand its ability to tackle drug smuggling and other seaborne criminal activities further offshore.
In addition, such patrols will be longer in duration than the current pair built in Finland. Normally they are stationed in Kinsale, Co. Cork, and Dun Laoghaire to patrol along the coasts of Ireland. When RCC Cosaint berthed at the harbour’s Traders Wharf and nearby, the RCC Faire was moored in the marina.
Likewise, of this older generation, RCC Cosaint has a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) of 6.25m that can be launched from its stern cradle with crew on board to speedily set off on patrols. On its return to the cutter, the RHIB is retrieved into position and, using a winch, hauled up onto the cradle ramp.
As part of the cutter’s enhanced surveillance capabilities is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform also located aft on the main deck and capable of holding a 100 kg UAV.
The cutter is compatible with biofuel and biofuel blends using twin main engines, which meet Tier III emission control standards for Emission Control Areas designated under MARPOL Annex VI.
