NATO naval vessels visiting Dublin Port from two participating EU member states arrived today and will remain in the capital for crew rest and recreation until the Bank Holiday Monday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

At dawn two vessels from the navies of The Netherlands and Poland arrived in Dublin to berth alongside the North Quay Wall Extension close to the Tom Clarke (East-Link) Toll Bridge. The vessels having anchored overnight in Dublin Bay when offshore of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

HNLMS Zierikzee (M862), an Alkmaar class mine-hunter of the Royal Netherlands Navy had anchored south of the Dublin Bay Buoy. Whereas ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki, a mine countermeasure forces command vessel with the Polish Navy, was closer to the East Pier of Dun Laoghaire.

The Dutch mine-hunter displacing 510 tonnes is based from the design of the Tripartite class which was developed as a collaborative project between the neighbouring nations of the Netherlands, Belgium and France. HNLMS Zierikzee was built by Van der Giessen-De Noord, Amsterdam and was commissioned in 1987.

Since the 15 strong series were introduced from the mid-1980's they have formed part of NATO flotilla operations, noting a major gathering of naval vessels departed the Clyde (Glasgow) is currently operating 'Exercise Joint Warrior' (22 October- 2 November). The exercises involves warships, submarines and aircraft from NATO and partner nations'.

ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki (511) is designed as a logistical support vessel, to transport troops and supplies for NATO forces. The vessel can carry 136 troops with vehicles and conduct offensive landing operations using landing craft (launched from the stern), helicopters and armoured personnel carriers.

In addition the 'Czernicki' can transport containers, food supplies, fresh water and has the ability to operate as a repair ship and command whilst at sea. With a displacement of 2,390 tonnes, the vessel is the largest to be built for the Polish Navy in a Polish shipyard, at the Northern Shipyard in Gdańsk and was commissioned in 2001.

Prior to arriving in Irish waters, the naval vessels has been in Cardigan Bay, Pembrokeshire south Wales and the last port of call was Cardiff at Britannia Quay. On the visit to the Welsh capital last weekend, there had been a third NATO vessel, FGS Bad Bevensen (M1063), a minesweeper of the German Navy.

Likewise of the call to the Irish capital, the naval crews had rest and recreation time ashore and to load provision of supplies following a passage across the English Channel from St Malo, Brittany, France.