The Irish Coast Guard has awarded two contracts to Zodiac Milpro for the design, construction and delivery of 38 new search and rescue vessels as part of a major fleet renewal under the Irish Coast Guard’s Stewardship – Leading Together Transformation Programme.
This significant investment will strengthen Ireland’s maritime search and rescue capability and support Coast Guard operations around the coastline for years to come.
The contracts will provide 21 new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and 17 Inshore Rescue Boats (IRBs) to Irish Coast Guard units nationwide, equipping volunteer boat crew with a new generation of purpose-designed rescue vessels capable of meeting the demanding requirements of modern maritime search and rescue operations.
The new vessels will enhance operational capability and reliability across the service, providing Coast Guard units with modern rescue assets designed to operate effectively in challenging maritime environments. The first vessels are anticipated to be delivered in 2027, with subsequent deliveries scheduled on a phased basis through to 2031.
Representing an investment of approximately €14 million, the Fleet Renewal Programme marks a significant commitment by the Irish Coast Guard to strengthening Ireland’s maritime search and rescue capability, providing Coast Guard units with modern, purpose designed rescue vessels to support lifesaving operations in some of the most challenging maritime environments.
Irish Coast Guard end users were instrumental in shaping the requirements for the new fleet, drawing on their extensive frontline experience to inform the design and operational capabilities of the vessels. Their contribution has been central to developing a solution that reflects the practical demands of maritime search and rescue operations and the needs of those who will operate the vessels.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), through its Spot Buying Team, played a key role in supporting the Irish Coast Guard throughout this significant and technically complex procurement project. Working in close partnership from the early development of operational requirements and detailed technical specifications through to the procurement strategy, competitive tendering process, comprehensive evaluation and final contract award, the OGP provided specialist procurement expertise and guidance at every stage.
This collaboration brought together the OGP’s procurement expertise and the specialist operational knowledge and frontline experience of Irish Coast Guard personnel, contributing to the successful award of two contracts under this major fleet renewal programme.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard Seán Canney TD, said: “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, said: “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.”
Guillaume Laurin, President of Zodiac Milpro, said: “Behind every rescue mission are dedicated people working to protect lives, often in the most challenging conditions. We have great respect for the commitment of the Irish Coast Guard crews and the vital role they play in keeping people safe along Ireland’s coastline. Through this partnership, Zodiac Milpro is pleased to bring its expertise to their service, providing high-performance vessels designed to support their crews when it matters most.”
The new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and Inshore Rescue Boats will enter operational service on a phased basis, supported by comprehensive testing, training and implementation programmes. This phased approach will ensure a smooth transition to the new fleet while maintaining operational readiness and the uninterrupted delivery of lifesaving search and rescue services around Ireland’s coastline.
