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Patrol vessel ·Appledore Shipbuilders

Róisín-class

British offshore patrol vessel, introduced in 1999, displaces 1,500 tons with a crew of 44. Key figures: displacement 1,500 tons, length 79 m, top speed 23 knots, crew 44, built 2. In service with 1 navy — Ireland.

Displacement
1,500tons
Max speed
23knots
Ships built
2
Technical Specifications
SubtypeOffshore patrol vessel
Displacement1500 tons
Crew44 members
Width14.0 m (45.9 ft)
Length78.84 m (258.7 ft)
Propulsion

2 × Wärtsilä medium speed diesels, 2 × 5,000 kW (6,700 hp)

Performance
Range 6,000 nm
Maximum speed23 knots
Armament
Armament
  • 1 × 76 mm OTO Melara gun
  • 2 × 20 mm Rheinmetall cannon
  • 2 × 12.7 mm HMG
  • 4 × 7.62 mm GPMG
Operators
🇮🇪 Ireland
Ships In Class
P51 LÉ RóisínP52 LÉ Niamh
Similar Ships
Róisín-class vs

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 In early 2023, both Róisín-class vessels were withdrawn from active status and placed into operational reserve due to personnel shortages.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 7 April 2026. Suggest a change

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ship is the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class is a patrol vessel (Offshore patrol vessel) built by United Kingdom.
What is the displacement of the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class has a displacement of 1,500 tons.
What is the maximum speed of the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class has a maximum speed of 23 knots (42 km/h).
What is the range of the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class has a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 km).
How many crew members serve on the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class has a crew complement of 44 personnel.
How many Róisín-class ships have been built?
2 vessels of the Róisín-class have been built.
Which countries operate the Róisín-class?
The Róisín-class is operated by Ireland.
Latest Data Updates
  1. APR 72026 Updated Description updated in a site-wide editorial pass
  2. JAN 182026 Updated Manufacturer, units and 4 more fields updated