LÉ Gobnait (pennant number P72) is one of two Lake Class Inshore Patrol Vessels purchased from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in 2022. Built by Tenix Defence in the city of Whangarie, New Zealand, as one of four Lake Class Inshore Patrol Vessels, she served with the RNZN as HMNZS Pukaki from 2009. On arrival in Ireland in mid-2023, a national fit-out took place to standardise her equipment, so far as desirable, with other ships in the fleet. She was commissioned, along with her sister ship LÉ Aoibhinn, on 04 Sep 2024. The national fit-out is coming to a conclusion, and it is intended to begin working the ship up towards operational status later in 2025. As an Inshore Patrol Vessel, LÉ Gobnait is designed and crewed for operations in coastal areas, and will primarily patrol the Irish Sea.
Ship’s Name
The name LÉ Gobnait marks a return to the convention of giving Gaelic female forenames to Irish warships, after a break from that tradition for the P60 Beckett class ships. Although born in Clare, Saint Gobnait is associated most particularly with the village of Baile Bhúirne in Cork, where she founded a church and resided in her later life. She is the patron saint of beekeepers.
Ship’s Crest
The Ship’s crest shows, in its lower half, three beehives, noting the patronage of St Gobnait. In the upper half is the flag of Leinster, indicating the link between the Inshore Patrol Vessels and the coast of that province, off which they operate.
Ship’s Characteristics
Type - Inshore Patrol Vessel
Length - 55m
Beam - 9m
Draught - 2.9m
Main Engines - Two medium speed MAN B7W engines producing 5000Kw (6705hp).
Max Speed - 24kts
Range - 3000NM when cruising at 12kn
Crew - 24 Personnel
Armament - 2 x 12.7mm Browning HMG’s
