The Fleet

The Fleet

The fleet comprises one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communication’s and navigation systems.   The Flagship of the Irish Naval Service is the L.É. Eithne which a HPV.

Helicopter Patrol Vessel

Offshore Patrol Vessel

All these vessels were built in Verlome Dockyard in Cork and were commissioned into service during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These vessels patrol the Irish EEZ. During their service these vessels have completed numerous re-supply missions to Irish troops serving overseas with the United Nations.

Coastal Patrol Vesssel

The Naval Service operates two Coastal Patrol Vessels. These vessels were bought from the British Royal Navy and commissioned into service in the 1980s. Due to their high speed and shallow draught these vessels are ideal for patrolling close to Ireland's coastline. During their service these vessels have been involved in some of the largest seizures of narcotics and arms in Irish history.

The NS Fleet keeps the tradition of naming its vessels after famous women from Irish and Celtic mythology. Currently the Naval Service operates eight ships. 

• L.É. EITHNE  P 31
• L.É. ORLA P 41
• L.É. CÍARA P 42
• L.É. RÓISÍN P 51
• L.É. NIAMH P 52
• L.É SAMUEL BECKETT P61
• L.É JAMES JOYCE P62
• LÉ William Butler Yeats P63

The L.É. before the ships names means Long Éireannach or Irish Ship.