The Samuel Beckett class followed the Róisín generation as Ireland's larger and more capable OPV design.
The Samuel Beckett class was ordered by the Irish Naval Service after the Róisín-class experience, with UK shipbuilding support from Babcock Marine. The class reflected Ireland's need for more capable offshore patrol ships able to handle modern fisheries enforcement, maritime security, and long patrols in Atlantic conditions.
The class improves endurance, seakeeping, and mission support while retaining a constabulary patrol focus.
Samuel Beckett-class vessels are offshore patrol ships with modern navigation, communications, boat-handling, and surveillance capabilities. They are armed for patrol and warning tasks rather than fleet combat. The design provides more endurance and operational flexibility than earlier Irish OPVs, supporting inspections, boarding operations, search support, and maritime-domain awareness.
The ships conduct fisheries protection, maritime-security patrols, and international support missions.
Operationally, the Samuel Beckett class forms a major part of Ireland's active patrol fleet. The ships enforce fisheries rules, support customs and security tasks, and provide a national naval presence at sea. The class has also supported humanitarian and international operations, demonstrating how OPVs can be adapted beyond domestic patrol work.
| Name | Country | Status | Service Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LÉ William Butler Yeats (P63) | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | ACTIVE | 2016 – Present | — |
LÉ James Joyce (P62) | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | ACTIVE | 2015 – Present | — |
LÉ Samuel Beckett (P61) | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | ACTIVE | 2014 – Present | — |
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