An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2025 www.military.ie/magazine www.military NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE FLEET REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME REACHES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE In September last year, the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) took delivery of the first of four new custom-built motor launches that will significantly enhance their role in the delivery of Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four state-of-the-art vessels will replace the four Motor Launches (MLs) that served the NSR for many years. WHY YP? Yard Patrol or 'YP' is the official ships prefix for these new vessels. This internationally recognised designation has its origins in World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbour, the United States Navy leased a large number of small craft to conduct inshore security patrols of harbours, estuaries and other coastal infrastructure. The boats were predominantly crewed by experienced fishermen who fulfilled a wide variety of roles essential to the territorial defence of the US. Since WWII, the US Navy has maintained a large fleet of YP's to support its operations and training. The US YP fleet also supports research operations undertaken by the US Navy and other Government Departments. OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT The project, which commenced in Q4 2021 is a collaboration between the Naval Service (NS) and the Kerry based boat builder FM Marine Services Ltd. Based in the picturesque Valentia Island in County Kerry, FM Marine Services Ltd has a long tradition of designing and building boats for use in the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean. Over three decades, its owner Fionán Murphy has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and reliability. Specialising in the design and construction of advanced and robust workboats and modern fishing vessels, the company has a commitment to quality and technology integration. A CYGNUS hull design has been used which is known for their speed, stability, and exceptional performance in a broad range of environmental conditions. The in-house experience of FM Marine Services Ltd and the use of a tried and tested hull form has provided an optimum solution for the achievement of the operational requirements of the boats. The new YP's have been developed in close cooperation with the NSR and represent the culmination of several years of research and development to deliver a bespoke design for deployment in each of the four home ports of the NSR, namely Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. The YP build Project Manager is also a member of the First Line Reserve and brings significant engineering experience to the project. The vessels will be predominantly deployed in the training role to deliver advanced seamanship and navigation training. However, their utility goes far beyond a training vessel. They will provide a platform for a range of enhanced operational capabilities for deployment in the maritime domain. ARTICLE BY CDR PHIL DICKER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CDR PHIL DICKER Operationalising Ambitions

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