3 New Navy Vessels for Irish Naval Service

I agree re the p20s at the end of their service, didn't think the p50s were anywhere near that state yet but you'd know better than I!

I wouldn't say the RN ships crumbled, their AA defences were just exposed as being not fit for purpose. The use of some man-made materials internally also contributed greatly to crew injuries when ships did come under attack, particularly in the Type 21 class. Retro-fitting CIWS to major warships, and removal of formica as internal compartment liner solved both issues.

I wouldn't see the point of that. We already saw a situation where there was 11 ships in various states of commission, without crew for the 3 being decommissioned, the 2 new arrivals, or even 3 of the six commissioned vessels.

If you wait until you have crew to replace ships you may end up without ships. It takes a far shorter time to recruit and train crew than it does to order, design and build new ships.

I don't mean this disrespectfully but I find the need to reply,,these ships are rarely enough at sea in very bad weather for sustained periods,, little point if they can't operate in the conditions for fishery patrols etc, they seek shelter in several different bays up to weeks at times when on patrol,it makes sense.

Given the crew issues time at sea has been cut to the minimum, presumably lifespan would be based on running hours so would increase,would you have any idea of the running hours of example the eithne? Presuming not re engined at any time, compared to these vessels?

Your last paragraph I think is the nuts and bolts, the rest is window dressing,, the vessels aren't suitable for our needs for one reason or another, probably a very valid point.

I was using engine hours to measure time at sea, which isn't the best way as many hours may be idling in harbour for one reason or another, but an indication,I presume that is recorded in other ways also , either way whatever the projected lifespan I am guessing the newer vessels have been more " lightly used" than previous,,hull " age" obviously cannot be measured by years alone when you could have sisterships where one is at sea heavily laden at sea in storms while the other is in port for a decade being minded, they aren't going to have the same stress.

None to date.