Irish Coast Guard Awards Contracts for 38 New Search and Rescue Vessels

The Irish Coast Guard has awarded two contracts to Zodiac Milpro for the design, construction and delivery of 38 new search and rescue vessels. The fleet renewal falls under the Irish Coast Guard’s Stewardship – Leading Together Transformation Programme.

The contracts will provide 21 new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and 17 Inshore Rescue Boats (IRBs) to Irish Coast Guard units nationwide. The vessels are intended to equip volunteer boat crew with a new generation of purpose-designed rescue boats.

The first vessels are anticipated to be delivered in 2027, with subsequent deliveries scheduled on a phased basis through to 2031. The Fleet Renewal Programme represents an investment of approximately €14 million.

Irish Coast Guard end users were instrumental in shaping the requirements for the new fleet, drawing on their frontline experience to inform the design and operational capabilities of the vessels. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), through its Spot Buying Team, supported the Irish Coast Guard throughout the procurement process.

Seán Canney, Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard:

“This contract award demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in and enhancing our maritime search and rescue service. The new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and Inshore Rescue Boats will provide enhanced capability and resilience ensuring that Irish Coast Guard units are equipped to meet the challenges of the future. The process to renew our rescue assets has benefitted from ongoing input from Irish Coast Guard volunteers and staff under the Stewardship – Leading Together Transformation Programme and I look forward to seeing the new vessels enter service and serve coastal communities into the future.”

Mark McCarthy, Boat Crew Member with Schull Coast Guard Unit:

“As volunteers, we rely on our boats whenever we answer a call out for assistance in challenging weather and sea conditions. The design for the new generation of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and Inshore Rescue Boats incorporates the experience of Irish Coast Guard units around the country. These new vessels will help ensure we can continue to respond safely and effectively when people need our assistance most.”

The new vessels will enter operational service on a phased basis, supported by comprehensive testing, training and implementation programmes. According to the announcement, this approach will maintain operational readiness and the uninterrupted delivery of search and rescue services around Ireland’s coastline.