Displaying items by tag: Sat, 24 March (24pm)

24th March 2018

Leadship OPV90 Class LÉ Samuel Beckett Open to Public In Waterford City

LÉ Samuel Beckett seen underway in Irish waters

#Navy - A visitor to Waterford City today (Saturday, 24 March) is the leadship of the OPV90 class LÉ Samuel Beckett which is open to the public this afternoon between 2pm and 4pm..

The 'Samuel Beckett' class offshore patrol vessel is the first of a trio of sisters in the Irish Naval Service. The OPV is berthed at Frank Cassin Wharf (north side) of the River Suir.

In addition to the naval crew the Waterford Unit Naval Service Reserve (WUNSR) will be on board in providing information to potential NSR recruits. This is advance of NSR Recruitment Campaign beginning in April and running until June.

The OPV has carried out humanitarian missions in the Mediterranean in recent years under 'Operation Sophia' This involved search and rescue (SAR) operations which led to saving more than 1,000 migrants.

LÉ Samuel Beckett was built by Babcock Marine & Technology, Appledore, north Devon and was commissioned in 2014. The leadship forms part of modernisation programme to upgrade the fleet and so far has led to replacing a trio of ageing 'Emer' class OPV's.

A fourth sister, LÉ George Bernard Shaw earlier this month was floated-out of the building hall at Appledore downriver of Bideford. At that stage of the construction process, the hull and superstructure of the €67m newbuild were completed, though the mainmast and 76mm gun had yet to be added.

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.