Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD names the two Naval Service Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs)

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD today (5 April 2024) announced that the Naval Service’s two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) have been named the LÉ Aoibhinn and the LÉ Gobnait.

The two IPVs, which were purchased from the New Zealand government, are currently undergoing a comprehensive programme of works and preparation at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, including crew familiarisation and training, prior to the vessels becoming operational.

Speaking today, the Tánaiste said “I am delighted to announce the names Aoibhinn and Gobnait for the two Inshore Patrol Vessels recently added to the Naval Service fleet.

While these names are firmly rooted in ancient Ireland, representing women in Irish mythology and history, they are also relevant to modern Ireland as variations of these names can be recognised today.

The introduction of the IPVs to the naval fleet will enhance the capability of the Naval Service, both in relation to fisheries’ protection and other roles. These ships will serve and protect the people and the State for many years to come.”

The purchase of the IPVs is one of several strategic measures being implemented by the Government to increase the capabilities of the Naval Service in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. The safeguarding of critical infrastructure remains a top priority for the Government.

These new additions will also play a vital part in the Naval Service’s HR regeneration efforts as they will augment fleet strength, introduce certain new Electronic Warfare and intelligence gathering capabilities and enhance the patrol profile of the Naval Service on the East coast.

The changing face of maritime security in the Irish Sea has highlighted a requirement for a specialist inshore capability in order to protect Irish interests. The IPVs will allow the Naval Service to continue to modernise and tackle the dynamic and ever-changing maritime environment in which they operate 365 days a year.

The IPVs will be tasked like all other operational vessels with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking will be to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, they will also carry out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance.

The core ship's company complement is 20, with the capacity to take up to 16 others. Their area of operations will be the Irish Sea on the East and South East Coast.

ENDS

NOTE FOR EDITORS

• The long standing practice for naming of ships for the Irish Naval Service has been that the names of Naval Vessels should, in the first instance, be selected from those of female mythological and historical personages, and with the prefix L.É. (Long Éireannach- Irish ship).

• Following a departure from this practice, when the P60 class vessels were named after notable Irish literary figures (LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats, LÉ George Bernard Shaw), the Tánaiste has reverted to the use of traditional Irish names in naming the new Inshore Patrol Vessels

• Aoibhinn can be interpreted as – “radiant beauty”. Many versions of the name exist, including the Anglicised version, Eavan. Eavan Boland (1944-2020) was an accomplished figure in Irish literature.

• Gobnait (5th/6th Century A.D.) can be interpreted as “bringer of joy”. Ancient folklore suggest a holy woman from the Munster region who was the patron saint of beekeepers and metal workers.

• A formal naming and commissioning ceremony will take place later in the year.

• The Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased from the New Zealand Government in March 2022. A year-long project to regenerate the vessels to operational seaworthiness standards and modification to specific Naval Service requirements was undertaken by the New Zealand Defence Force in partnership with their primary contractors and local businesses. The project was overseen by the Irish Naval Service and the Department of Defence.

• The two Lake-Class Inshore Patrol Vessels are the former HMNZS ROTOITI and PUKAKI. The ships were built in Whangarei by BAE Systems Australia (formerly Tenix Shipbuilding). They were delivered to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and commissioned into their Royal Navy in 2009.

• Both ships have been in Lloyd’s Lay Up class appraisal survey since October 2019, having been withdrawn from service and have undergone restoration works to bring them up to Lloyd’s Classification. Some of the additional Naval Service requirements have also been fitted.

• They have fully automated control and navigations system, a powerful engine, modern communications and surveillance systems, active stabilisers and comfortable accommodation. Using two RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) both ships can undertake boarding operations and surveillance.

• The ships are highly manoeuvrable and capable of speeds up to 25 knots (46 kilometres per hour).

General IPV Details

• Length overall 55 m

• Length waterline 50.6 m

• Beam moulded 9 m

• Draft moulded 2.43 m

• Draft max (propellers) 2.9 m

• Height (keel to top of mast) 20 m

• Displacement 340t