Róisín-class patrol vessel explained

The Róisín-class large patrol vessel is a class of offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ^[1] ordered by the Irish Naval Service from December 1997. The first vessel is named,^[2] which is also the name given to the class. Construction on this first vessel commenced in December 1997, and it was commissioned in December 1999. The second vessel was named and delivered in 2001.^[3]

The class's primary mission is fisheries protection, search and rescue, and maritime protection operations, including vessel boardings.

Design

The class was designed by Vard Marine (formerly STX Canada Marine) and has an all-steel hull based on the Mauritian patrol vessel launched in 1995, but without the helicopter deck and hangar facilities. The level of automation incorporated into the ships' systems allows the ships in the class to be operated with just 44 crew including 6 officers. The class is designed for winter North Atlantic operations.

Names

Name	Pennant number	Builder	Laid down	Commissioned	Status
	P51	Appledore Shipbuilders, North Devon	December 1997	15 December 1999	"Operational reserve" (as of January 2023)^[4]
	P52		April 2000	18 September 2001

Notes and References

1. Web site: Róisín class. naval-technology.com.
2. Web site: L.É. Róisín P51. military.ie.
3. Web site: L.É. Niamh P52. military.ie.
4. Web site: Two naval ships to be tied up as staffing crisis deepens in Irish Navy . thejournal.ie . Journal Media Ltd . 25 January 2023 . 29 January 2023 . Niall . O'Connor .