LÉ Róisín (P51)

LÉ ''Róisín'' (P51) is the lead ship of her class of offshore patrol vessel in the Irish Naval Service. Commissioned in 1999, the ship's primary mission is fisheries protection, search and rescue, and maritime protection operations, including vessel boardings. Róisín or Róisín Dubh, is often used as an allegory for Ireland. However, the original Róisín Dubh was a daughter of Red Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone in the late 16th century.

Design

The ship was designed by Vard Marine (formerly STX Canada Marine) and has an all-steel hull based on the Mauritian Vigilant patrol vessel launched in 1995, but without the helicopter deck and hangar facilities. The level of automation incorporated into the ship's systems allows the ship to be operated with just 47 crew including eight officers. The vessel is designed for winter North Atlantic operations.

Weapon systems

The ship is armed with an OTO Melara 76 mm gun dual purpose gun installed on the bow gun deck. The gun fires shells and is capable of firing up to 85 rounds per minute to a range of over . There are also two 12.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm Rheinmetall Rh202 cannon for anti-aircraft defence.

The main gun is controlled by an Ultra Electronics Command and Control Systems, Radamec 1500 optronic director with a daylight TV camera, thermal imaging camera and eyesafe laser rangefinder. System 1500 functions in automatic or manual mode. The system provides fire control for surface engagement with spotting corrections in both line and range and has an effective secondary self-defence anti-air capability. System 1500 can detect a small patrol boat at ranges in excess of , night or day. The ship's Kelvin Hughes surface search radar, operating at E, F and I bands, is installed high on the main mast over the bridge. The Kelvin Hughes navigation radar operates at I-band.

Command and control

The communications package includes VHF, HF, Inmarsat Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DFPS) and secure communications. Three inflatable boats are deployed from each ship; two Delta rigid inflatable boats (RIB) launched with Caley davits, and a single Avon RIB.

Propulsion

The ship is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V26 diesel engines each developing continuous power. The engines drive two shafts with Lips inboard turning controllable pitch propellers via single reduction gearboxes. Each propeller is 2,500 mm in diameter and functions at 300 rpm.

The engines provide a maximum speed of with a range of at a cruising speed of .

A Brunvoll FU45 CPP bow thrusters, rated at 340 kW with of thrust, is fitted for precision manoeuvring and station keeping. A pair of non-retractable anti-roll fin stabilisers is also fitted.

Three Caterpillar 3412D1-T generators each deliver 405 kW of electric power at 1,500 rpm. One Caterpillar 3406D1-T emergency generator delivers 205 kW at 1,500 rpm.

Construction and career

''Róisín'' was built by Appledore Shipbuilders in Devon, entered service with the Irish Naval Service in September 1999 and is based at the Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour Headquarters and Dockyard.

On 5 October 2004, ''Róisín'' was the first vessel on scene after the fire on board the Canadian Forces submarine off the northwestern coast of Ireland. As ''Róisín'' attempted to assist the submarine, she suffered serious damage from the rough seas and was forced to return to harbour.

''Róisín'' enforced a exclusion zone around the vessel which ran aground on 24 July 2013 near Quay Rock at Ballymacus Point, near the Sovereign Islands in southern Ireland, while attempting to enter the harbour near Kinsale, County Cork. ''Róisín'' stood by the merchant vessel ''Abuk Lion'' in the Irish Sea off Kinsale, County Cork on 30 December 2013 when that vessel was in difficulties. ''Abuk Lion'' was later taken in tow by ''Celtic Isle''.

''Róisín'' took part in a surveillance operation of the yacht ''Makayabella'' in September 2014 before it was boarded off Mizen Head and subsequently had €80M worth of cocaine seized.

From May to July 2016 ''Róisin'' was deployed to the Mediterranean as part of a humanitarian mission during the European migrant crisis, and was involved in the rescue of several hundred people from unseaworthy vessels.

As of January 2023, ''LÉ Róisin'' and '' LÉ Niamh'' were reportedly tied-up at Haulbowline and would not be " enton patrol due to the crippling staffing retention and recruitment crisis in the Defence Forces".

See also

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References

External links

IDF LÉ ''Róisín'' webpage

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roisin (P51)
1999 ships
Ships built in Devon
Róisín-class offshore patrol vessels