#FrenchFrigate- A French Navy anti-submarine frigate, Jean de Vienne (D 643) of the Type F 70 class docked in Dublin Port this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Upon arrival in the channel fairway the 3,800 tonnes displacement frigate was assisted by port tug sisters, Beaufort and Shackleton.

The 139 metre long frigate which is on a four-day visit is the first foreign naval caller to the capital this year. 

Jean de Vienne entered service more than three decades ago in 1984 and has a crew of more than 250.

Note the frigate's pennant number (D 643) and use of the letter 'D'. This is because the French navy does not use the term "destroyer" so some larger ships referred to as "frigates", are registered as destroyers.

Among her armament are Exocet and Crotale missiles.

Propulsion for the frigate is from a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) system which generates 21 knots when in diesel mode and 30 knots from gas.

On Tuesday around midday, Jean de Vienne is scheduled to depart.