Revenue Launches New Customs Cutter 'Cosaint' in Kinsale

Revenue has commissioned a new state-of-the-art customs vessel to patrol Ireland's coastline, replacing a cutter that has been in service for more than two decades.

The new customs cutter 'Cosaint' was formally named and commissioned during a ceremony in Kinsale, Co. Cork, yesterday (16 October 2025). The 35-metre vessel, which arrived in Ireland in August, will join Revenue's Maritime Unit in patrolling the country's 3,173 kilometres of coastline.

Revenue commissioned the new cutter in 2023 and worked with Spanish shipbuilders Armon Group to deliver the vessel on budget and ahead of schedule. The Maritime Unit has spent the past eight weeks conducting sea trials and familiarisation exercises, and 'Cosaint' will move into full operational service over the next few weeks.

The new vessel will replace R.C.C. 'Suirbhéir', which has been in active service since 2004 and will be retired in the coming weeks. 'Cosaint' will join R.C.C. 'Faire' as part of the Revenue fleet. The name 'Cosaint' means 'Protection' in Irish, whilst 'Faire' was named after the former Customs grade of 'Watcher'.

Niall Cody, Revenue Chairman:

"Our enforcement teams have achieved exceptional results in recent years. Since January 2023 they have made more than 35,000 seizures of illegal drugs, amounting to 110 tonnes, and with an estimated value of over €650 million. The procurement of this new Customs Cutter is a clear demonstration of Revenue, and the Irish State's, ongoing commitment to targeting illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime in the maritime domain."

The vessel has been specifically designed to support complex maritime enforcement operations. With a gross tonnage of 204 tonnes, it has a range of more than 750 nautical miles and a top speed of 18 knots. The highly manoeuvrable cutter will significantly enhance the Maritime Unit's ability to undertake effective patrol duties and combat smuggling, protecting the customs territory and external borders of the European Union.

Maura Kiely, Revenue Commissioner:

"The record breaking results our enforcement teams have achieved are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Today we acknowledge their skills and courage, particularly that of our Maritime Unit who crew the Cutters and operate in challenging and difficult environments. The strategic working relationships our teams have with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including our Joint Task Force partners, is another key element in the successes we have achieved in our fight against drug trafficking."

Ricardo Garcia, Commercial Director of Armon Group:

"Yesterday's event marked the culmination of several years of rigorous planning, construction and sea trials. We are proud to have worked with Revenue to deliver 'Cosaint' on budget and ahead of schedule. 'Cosaint' is equipped with highly sophisticated navigational and surveillance systems, which will greatly enhance Revenue's capacity to carry out effective interventions. This next generation of Cutter will also enable Revenue to carry out its essential frontier controls in an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable manner."

The cost of the cutter was €8.75 million (plus VAT), funded by the Exchequer and a grant from OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) from the EU Anti-Fraud Programme.