Displaying items by tag: US naval vessel

2nd June 2023

Activities by US Naval Vessel in Irish Waters Is Cause for Concern Among Defence Force Officials

A US naval ship, Virginia Ann which has been conducting operations in Irish territorial seas for the past four months with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitter turned off is causing concern among Irish defence officials.

The advanced offshore supply ship reports The Irish Times, which is fitted with equipment capable of subsea operations, had departed Cork Harbour in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Afloat adds the 3,518 gross tonnage vessel had berthed at Rushbrooke (near Cobh) to be resupplied and further downriver along the quay the decommissioned Coastal Patrol Vessel (CPV) twins LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara which await disposal.

The US naval ship which features cranes amidships and stern-mounted is currently sailing west offshore of Mizen Head.

Virginia Ann which was built in 2015 is according to the newspaper, operated by the US Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Centre or Navfac-EXWC.

More on the story here on the naval visitor that is understood to be capable of advanced subsurface operations, including the deployment of deep-sea divers from the 86m vessel.

Published in Naval Visits

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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.