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NATO Naval Vessels from EU Member States On Visit to Dublin Port Following Calls to UK and France

27th October 2023
NATO nation members from the Dutch and Polish navies arrived to Dublin Port today as the HNLMS Zierikzee (M862) and ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki (511) berthed as above close to the Tom Clark (East-Link) Toll Bridge. The mine-countermeasure and logistical supplies support vessels will remain in the capital over the weekend, while currently operating off Scotland is ‘Exercise Joint Warrior’ involving NATO and partner nations’.
NATO nation members from the Dutch and Polish navies arrived to Dublin Port today as the HNLMS Zierikzee (M862) and ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki (511) berthed as above close to the Tom Clark (East-Link) Toll Bridge. The mine-countermeasure and logistical supplies support vessels will remain in the capital over the weekend, while currently operating off Scotland is ‘Exercise Joint Warrior’ involving NATO and partner nations’. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

NATO naval vessels visiting Dublin Port from two participating EU member states arrived today and will remain in the capital for crew rest and recreation until the Bank Holiday Monday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

At dawn two vessels from the navies of The Netherlands and Poland arrived in Dublin to berth alongside the North Quay Wall Extension close to the Tom Clarke (East-Link) Toll Bridge. The vessels having anchored overnight in Dublin Bay when offshore of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

HNLMS Zierikzee (M862), an Alkmaar class mine-hunter of the Royal Netherlands Navy had anchored south of the Dublin Bay Buoy. Whereas ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki, a mine countermeasure forces command vessel with the Polish Navy, was closer to the East Pier of Dun Laoghaire.

The Dutch mine-hunter displacing 510 tonnes is based from the design of the Tripartite class which was developed as a collaborative project between the neighbouring nations of the Netherlands, Belgium and France. HNLMS Zierikzee was built by Van der Giessen-De Noord, Amsterdam and was commissioned in 1987.

Since the 15 strong series were introduced from the mid-1980's they have formed part of NATO flotilla operations, noting a major gathering of naval vessels departed the Clyde (Glasgow) is currently operating 'Exercise Joint Warrior' (22 October- 2 November). The exercises involves warships, submarines and aircraft from NATO and partner nations'.

ORP Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki (511) is designed as a logistical support vessel, to transport troops and supplies for NATO forces. The vessel can carry 136 troops with vehicles and conduct offensive landing operations using landing craft (launched from the stern), helicopters and armoured personnel carriers.

In addition the 'Czernicki' can transport containers, food supplies, fresh water and has the ability to operate as a repair ship and command whilst at sea. With a displacement of 2,390 tonnes, the vessel is the largest to be built for the Polish Navy in a Polish shipyard, at the Northern Shipyard in Gdańsk and was commissioned in 2001.

Prior to arriving in Irish waters, the naval vessels has been in Cardigan Bay, Pembrokeshire south Wales and the last port of call was Cardiff at Britannia Quay. On the visit to the Welsh capital last weekend, there had been a third NATO vessel, FGS Bad Bevensen (M1063), a minesweeper of the German Navy.

Likewise of the call to the Irish capital, the naval crews had rest and recreation time ashore and to load provision of supplies following a passage across the English Channel from St Malo, Brittany, France.

Published in Naval Visits
Jehan Ashmore

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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Naval Visits focuses on forthcoming courtesy visits by foreign navies from our nearest neighbours, to navies from European Union and perhaps even those navies from far-flung distant shores.

In covering these Naval Visits, the range of nationality arising from these vessels can also be broad in terms of the variety of ships docking in our ports.

The list of naval ship types is long and they perform many tasks. These naval ships can include coastal patrol vessels, mine-sweepers, mine-hunters, frigates, destroyers, amphibious dock-landing vessels, helicopter-carriers, submarine support ships and the rarer sighting of submarines.

When Naval Visits are made, it is those that are open to the public to come on board, provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate up close and personal, what these look like and what they can do and a chance to discuss with the crew.

It can make even more interesting for visitors when a flotilla arrives, particularly comprising an international fleet, adding to the sense of curiosity and adding a greater mix to the type of vessels boarded.

All of this makes Naval Visits a fascinating and intriguing insight into the role of navies from abroad, as they spend time in our ports, mostly for a weekend-long call, having completed exercises at sea.

These naval exercises can involve joint co-operation between other naval fleets off Ireland, in the approaches of the Atlantic, and way offshore of the coasts of western European countries.

In certain circumstances, Naval Visits involve vessels which are making repositioning voyages over long distances between continents, having completed a tour of duty in zones of conflict.

Joint naval fleet exercises bring an increased integration of navies within Europe and beyond. These exercises improve greater co-operation at EU level but also internationally, not just on a political front, but these exercises enable shared training skills in carrying out naval skills and also knowledge.

Naval Visits are also reciprocal, in that the Irish Naval Service, has over the decades, visited major gatherings overseas, while also carrying out specific operations on many fronts.

Ireland can, therefore, be represented through these ships that also act as floating ambassadorial platforms, supporting our national interests.

These interests are not exclusively political in terms of foreign policy, through humanitarian commitments, but are also to assist existing trade and tourism links and also develop further.

Equally important is our relationship with the Irish diaspora, and to share this sense of identity with the rest of the World.