#AoifeToMalta- Former Naval Service OPV Aoife now under the ownership of the Maltese authorities is berthed alongide Cork Dockyard today in readiness for her new role in the Mediterranean Sea, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The transfer of the 1,019 tonnes offshore patrol vessel follows completion of administration arrangements between Maltese officials and the Department of Defence. This will see Aoife join the Armed Forces of Malta maritime squadron. Among her duties she is expected to be tasked in the rescue of refugees in the worsening humanitarian crisis. 

Earlier this year discussions began regarding the donation to Malta of LÉ Aoife (P22), the oldest unit of the Naval Service fleet which after 35 years-service was decommissioned in January. The proposal drew criticism from quarters within Maltese military describing the vessel as "past its sell-by date" and of "junk" status.

The introduction of Aoife according to the Maltese Government will address a shortfall in the capability of having a longer range vessel and given the country's role in UN mandated missions. In fact the Aoife's role will almost be full-circle (see report) and she will become the largest vessel of the Maltese fleet.  

Aoife made the short passage today from the Naval Service basin on Haulbowline Island to the berth outside the dockyard. Likewise the facility at Rushbrooke is where her elder sister Emer underwent work following her sale by public auction in 2013. 

The former LÉ Emer (P23) was sold for €320,000 to Nigerian interests to serve as a personnel transfer carrier and security vessel for the oil industry off West Africa.

Emer has since changed hands as in February this year she was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy and renamed NNS Prosperity.