The first of two Irish offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built by Babcock for the Irish Naval Service was officially named and commissioned on 17 May, following successful completion of sea trials and handover at Babcock’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon at the end of April 2014.
The first-of-class LÈ Samuel Becket was named in Dublin this weekend alongside the Samuel Beckett Bridge. The naming was followed by the commissioning ceremony.
LÈ Samuel Becket will be operational with immediate effect undertaking a range of duties including fishery protection, search and rescue, anti-pollution and maritime security duties, including vessel boardings. To conduct these operations a crew of 44, plus ten trainee berths, are available..
