Displaying items by tag: Largest State vessel

18th January 2024

Irish State Moves Closer to Purchase €200m Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) that Will be Largest in Naval Service History

The State’s purchase of the Naval Service’s largest ship in its history, which is designed to respond to humanitarian crisis, notably overseas, is set to move forward when the release of documents are to be issued across an EU platform.

The Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) project reports Journal.ie has been in the planning with the Department of Defence for many years (incl. Afloat adds a 'blueprint' based on a Royal New Zealand Navy MRV) but has stepped up a gear after the recent Commission on the Defence Forces.

According to sources, the MRV is anticipated to feature a large landing deck for helicopters, in addition the provision of other possible facilities, among them a roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) option. This would enable vehicles like those of the Defence Forces armoured personnel carriers to be loaded on board to be tasked on deployment missions.

The newbuild, in such missions, would have the capabilities to respond to major disasters and humanitarian crises, similar to vessels that have also been assigned in the rescue of civilians caught up in warzones.

Also anticipated is that the MRV will have a large medical facility on board and to aid this, that a specialist command and control systems be incorporated in the event of large-scale incidents.

Contact was made to the Department of Defence for a statement, though a Government source, has confirmed that in the coming days, is to see documents released in regard to the tender process for the MRV project.

The newbuild project which is known as a Prior Information Notice, will be examined by prospective shipbuilders.

Speaking in the Dáil last year, Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the ship would replace the Naval Service former flagship LÉ Eithne, which Afloat adds was decommissioned in 2022.

The cost for the MRV project is estimated to be €200m as previously reported, however it is understood that the final figure will not be decided until the tender process to prospective shipbuilders is completed.

More here on the proposed MRV newbuild in addition to Afloat's coverage of the Royal Netherlands Navy HNLMS Karel Doorman which visited Cork Harbour in 2021 and again the following year.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.