Róisín-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Patrol vessel |
| Subtype | Offshore patrol vessel |
| Manufacturer | Appledore Shipbuilders |
| Year commissioned | 1999 |
| Units |
P51 LÉ Róisín P52 LÉ Niamh |
Operators
Description
The Irish Naval Service ordered the Róisín class in December 1997 to replace the Emer and Peacock classes. Constructed by Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon, the class consists of two offshore patrol vessels: Róisín (P51) and Niamh (P52). Vard Marine designed the vessels using an all-steel hull derived from the Mauritian vessel Vigilant, though the Róisín design excludes the helicopter deck and hangar found on the earlier ship.
The class is configured for winter operations in the North Atlantic. Systems automation allows for a reduced crew complement. Primary operational roles include fisheries protection, search and rescue, maritime protection, and vessel boarding operations.
Róisín was commissioned in December 1999, with Niamh following in September 2001. The Irish Naval Service subsequently introduced the Samuel Beckett class as a successor. In early 2023, both Róisín-class vessels were withdrawn from active status and placed into operational reserve due to personnel shortages.
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 1500 tons |
| Range | 6000 km |
| Crew | 44 members |
| Width | 14.0 m (45.9 ft) |
| Length | 78.84 m (258.7 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 × Wärtsilä medium speed diesels, 2 × 5,000 kW (6,700 hp) |
| Armament |
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| Maximum speed | 23 knots |
Further Reading
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