The Irish Naval Service has taken delivery of a £41m Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from Babcock’s north Devon-based Appledore Shipbuilders.

It is the first of two patrol vessels ordered by the Irish Navy as part of a £81m deal signed in October 2010, with the second, dubbed James Joyce, still under construction.

Appledore shipbuilding director Andrew Hamilton was quoted by the northdevonjournal.com as saying that Samuel Beckett is the first ship to be completed at Babcock’s Appledore facilities since 2002.

"The 295ft (90m) vessel can accommodate 54 people and will replace the existing ageing ships used by the Irish Navy."

"The last ship completed here was HMS Enterprise, the sister ship of HMS Echo, in 2002," Hamilton said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The 295ft (90m) vessel can accommodate 54 people and will replace the existing ageing ships used by the Irish Navy.

The diesel electric OPVs will be used to preserve defence, customs and fisheries duties on the nation’s 3,500m coastline, according to westernmorningnews.com.

Featuring a flight deck and equipped with a comprehensive military communications package, the OPVs can cruise at a speed of 16k, have a range of 6000nm and an endurance of 21 days.

Both patrol vessels are also likely to feature a 76mm gun, in addition to two heavy machine guns and four general purpose machine guns.

The second OPV is scheduled for delivery to the naval service in 2015.