Following Britain’s exit from the EU, the Irish Defence Forces recognised the need for enhanced capabilities to carry out shorter naval missions along the south and east coasts of Ireland. These deployments would encompass various roles, including state security operations, fisheries protection, maritime rescue operations and drug interdiction through boarding operations in the waters surrounding Ireland
After conducting a navy capability review it was determined that Lake-class Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) would be well-suited for the relatively calm conditions of the Irish Sea. This would allow the larger Ocean Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in the Irish Naval fleet to concentrate on operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
Consequently, the Irish government initiated contact with the Royal New Zealand Navy to explore the possibility of acquiring two of their Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs). Two of a fleet of four of this vessel type were in extended periods of reduced activity between 2013 and 2018 were decommissioned in June 2019.
In March 2022 the New Zealand Government announced the sale of two Lake-class IPVs, HMNZS Pukaki (P71) and Rotoiti (P72) to the Irish Naval Service. The sale was valued at €26 million.
On May 14, 2023, following a 35-day, 10,000 nautical mile journey from Auckland, New Zealand, the newly acquired Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) arrived at Haulbowline Island Naval Base in Cork Harbour aboard the Happy Dynamic general cargo vessel.
Owned by Sevenstar-Exceptional Marine Transport, the Happy Dynamic general cargo vessel, weighing 15,000 tons and measuring 157 meters in length with a beam of 26 meters, successfully transported the two IPVs and a number of catamarans during its month-long voyage from New Zealand. Two large 400mt cranes on the ship itself were used to load and unload the IPVs into Cork Harbour.
With exceptional manoeuvrability and a maximum speed of 25 knots (46 kms) the Lake-class were designed for inshore waters. They will operate with a core crew of 20 and have the flexibility to accommodate up to an additional 16 individuals.
The ship’s design enables effective patrol, including the capability for vertical replenishment in up to sea state 5 (4m) and patrolling operations up to sea state 8, with waves measuring between 9 and 14 meters (30 and 46 feet) in height.
Following several months of crew familiarisation, training and comprehensive preparation for operational readiness, both vessels will be officially named and commissioned into the Irish Naval Service to begin operational service in early 2024.
We understand that at least one of the new IPV vessels will be based on the east coast in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Video credit:
DroneHawk
Mike Millett/ AirflowNZ
Tony O’Driscoll
Information sources:
Irish Naval Service
The Journal
Tony McKeown
