An increase in a budget set by the Irish Government for a new Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to serve the Naval Service, which will easily be the largest ship in the State’s history, in now to cost €300m.

The Department of Defence, according to The Journal.ie which also reported last week, was set to release documents associated with the MRV’s tender process of the planned newbuild. This will allow the Naval Service to be better equipped in responding to large-scale humanitarian crises.

Documents about the MRV, a first for Naval Service operations, have since been released on a European Union portal, where they reveal a flexible vessel to carry out maritime tasks for domestic and overseas including the ability to transport personnel for operational roles.

The project for the new vessel known as a Prior Information Notice, show documents that permit prospective shipbuilders to examine the project in advance of a full tender which will be released later in the year.

Prior to the original budgeted amount for the MRV, suggestions had put the cost of the project at €200m but that has now been significantly increased by additional €100m.

According to numerous security sources, they say that the increased budget allocated to the MRV project would be based on a more capable ship, with enhanced facilities than had been first envisaged. Among the functions of the auxiliary, would consist a helicopter deck, hospital, freight cargo provision, tanker role (for bunkering) and roll-on-roll to transport vehicles.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said in the Dáil last year that the ship would replace the Naval Service former flagship LÉ Eithne, which as Afloat reported in the same year, saw the Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV) decommissioned.

More here on the plan for the naval newbuild, with a design to be based among them a Dutch Navy auxiliary, HNLMS Karel Doormen which visited Belfast Harbour at the weekend and has since departed.

Newly appointed Isle of Man Steam Packet MD says securing the Liverpool ferry route is vital.

As Manx Radio reports, the excessive cost of the new ferry terminal in Liverpool is worrying but will be worth it to secure the future of the Merseyside route.

That's the view of the Steam Packet Company's new managing director after it was announced an additional £13.8m is needed for the project.

It takes the spend to more than £52m - the construction is being overseen by the Department of Infrastructure rather than the ferry operator.

But Brian Thomson says all Manx residents have a right to be concerned. 

Click this link to listen to a podcast from the MD including news of the finally reopened Irish route to Dublin Port.