Ireland’s investment in 38 new search and rescue vessels is creating a stronger equipment base for maritime emergency response, while demonstrating how specialist public procurement can translate operational requirements into long-term safety improvements. The Irish Coast Guard has awarded two contracts to French manufacturer Zodiac Milpro as part of a €14 million fleet renewal programme, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.

The programme will provide 21 rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and 17 inshore rescue boats (IRBs) to Coast Guard units nationwide. As Boote Magazin reports, the vessels will be introduced in stages through to 2031, giving the service a structured transition to a new generation of rescue equipment. The investment is intended to strengthen operational capability and reliability for crews responding to emergencies around Ireland’s coastline.

A key feature of the award is the role played by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). Its Spot Buying Team supported the Coast Guard through the development of operational requirements and technical specifications, procurement strategy, competitive tendering, evaluation and final contract award. This collaboration demonstrates the value of specialist procurement support when public bodies are sourcing technically complex, safety-critical equipment. Afloat.ie reported that the process brought together procurement expertise and the practical knowledge of Coast Guard personnel.

Frontline consultation was central to defining what the new fleet needs to deliver. Coast Guard staff and volunteers helped shape the vessel requirements, drawing on their experience of operating in challenging weather and sea conditions. Mark McCarthy of Schull Coast Guard Unit said the designs incorporate the experience of units around the country, helping ensure the boats reflect the demands crews face during call-outs. This approach gives end users a meaningful role in procurement decisions, connecting technical specifications with the realities of operational use.

The phased introduction will also be supported by testing, training and implementation programmes, helping maintain operational readiness as vessels enter service. For public-sector buyers, the programme offers a practical example of how long-term asset renewal can combine structured procurement, user consultation and planned implementation to support essential services. The Southern Star highlighted the investment’s importance for Coast Guard operations and coastal communities, including West Cork.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: effective procurement of safety-critical assets is about more than securing equipment. By combining specialist purchasing expertise with frontline input and a phased delivery plan, Ireland is investing in the people, vessels and operational capability needed to protect lives along its coastline.

Source: Boote Magazin / Afloat.ie / The Southern Star / The Clare Herald