HMS Grimsby is the first Royal Navy vessel to visit an Irish port since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The minehunter sailed overnight from Scotland to Dublin.

HMS Grimsby is a Mine Counter Measures Vessel (MCMV). The ROyal Navy say on their website that she maintains freedom of navigation on the high seas – vital to the UK international trade – by keeping international shipping lanes open.

“She has a crew of 38, the majority of whom have done multiple deployments to the Middle East and Europe to work alongside NATO Allies. Over the past five years she has had seven different crews and visited over 18 different countries, working tirelessly to maintains freedom of navigation on the high seas by keeping international shipping lanes open.”

HMS Grimsby will now engage on a weekend of engagements.

Accoring to local media here:

“The Royal Navy Minehunter HMS Grimsby, is home to the First Mine Countermeasures Squadron Crew 2 and the call by the Sandown class minehunter to the Irish capital, will enable a weekend of engagements. In addition an opportunity for the Ship’s company to experience their first Covid-Safe overseas run ashore in quite some time.

Less than a fortnight ago was the notable visit by the Royal Netherlands Navy which marked the first foreign navy to call to Ireland with visits taking place in Dublin and Cobh, Cork Harbour. On arrival to Dublin Bay this morning, a pilot boarded HMS Grimsby with the vessel heading up the River Liffey to berth at the North Wall Quay Extension next to the Tom Clarke (East-Link) bridge.”

George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison

24 COMMENTS

  1. Slightly off topic , but a very interesting story from Helensburgh
    Waheed Totakhyl: ‘Taliban sympathiser told to leave’ Aldonaig Farm in Rhu
    AN ALLEGED “Taliban sympathiser” who has been renting land in Rhu has reportedly been asked to leave after security concerns were raised.
    Waheed Totakhyl has been renting the 75-acre Aldonaig Farm in the hills above the village, overlooking Royal Navy personnel housing on Smugglers Way and the Gareloch, where nuclear submarines and other vessels enter and exit Faslane naval base – which is only two miles away.
    A leading member of the Scottish Afghan Society, Mr Totakhyl is said to have a brother currently serving as a military commander with the Taliban in Kabul.
    https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/19638970.waheed-totakhyl-taliban-supporter-told-leave-aldonaig-farm-rhu/

  2. She was in Belfast a couple of weeks ago for the maritime festival. Brilliant to see her docked from where I work . Although one of the security guards I was speaking to, tried to crack she was a frigate lol

  3. Sort of on subject-Heading up the River Liffey..I have headed down the River Liffey in the annual Liffey Descent Canoe Race. The River is often barely flowing due to the numerous weirs and water drawn off it for local consumption. During the race they release water making the approximately 8 or so weirs paddlable for the event. It has been won by Saffer paddlers on a number of occassions. Here in SA the sport is popular and we have some magnificent and big rapid events.
    A good example of the secondary role played by the minehunters. They will leave a gap that the unmanned vessels cannot fill!

  4. “HMS Grimsby will now engage on a weekend of engagements.”

    I am sure it will be duty of the sailors on board to undertake consuming some of Dublin’s finest, Guinness.

    Enjoy

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