Ireland commissions new Naval Service vessel
The Ireland Department of Defence has commissioned a new Naval Service vessel, the LÉ George Bernard Shaw, at the Frank Cassin Wharf, Waterford.
The commissioning marks the end of the current phase of the Naval Service ship replacement programme, which has seen the supply of four new vessels since 2014. George Bernard Shaw is the final ship of the P60 class vessels built at Babcock Marine Appledore in Devon. Three ships, LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce and LÉ William Butler Yeats are in full operational service. The total value of the contract for the four vessels was €270 million.
The 90m long vessel has a beam of 14m and has a maximum speed of 23kt. The vessel has a range of 6000 nautical miles at a speed of 15kt.
The vessel is equipped with one 76mm OTO Melara gun, two 20mm RH-202 Rheinmetall cannons, two 12.7mm Browning heavy machine guns and four 7.62mm general purpose machine guns.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
