Revenue launch new Customs cutter
On 16/10/2025, Revenue launched its new Customs cutter ‘Cosaint’ during a formal naming and commissioning ceremony in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Revenue commissioned the new cutter in 2023 and took delivery of ‘Cosaint’ in August 2025.
‘Cosaint’ will be operated by Revenue’s specialised Maritime Unit, which is responsible for monitoring and patrolling Ireland’s 3,173 kilometres of coastline. The Maritime Unit have spent the past eight weeks conducting sea trials and familiarisation manoeuvres, and have conducted a number of active patrol exercises onboard. ‘Cosaint’ will move into full operational service over the next few weeks.
‘Cosaint’ will replace R.C.C. ‘Suirbhéir’, which has been in service since 2004 and will be retired from active duty in the coming weeks, Cosaint’ will join R.C.C. ‘Faire’ as part of the Revenue fleet. ‘Cosaint’ means ‘Protection’, whilst ‘Faire’ was named after the former Customs grade of ‘Watcher’. These names reflect the important role Revenue’s enforcement teams play in protecting communities from illicit goods and criminal activity.
Speaking at yesterday’s event, Chairman Niall Cody, said:
Our enforcement teams have achieved exceptional results in recent years. Since January 2023 they have made more than 35,000 seizures of illegal drugs, amounting to 110 tonnes, and with an estimated value of over €650 million.
The procurement of this new Customs Cutter is a clear demonstration of Revenue, and the Irish State’s, ongoing commitment to targeting illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime in the maritime domain.
In recognising the essential work Revenue enforcement teams do to disrupt and dismantle the core supply chains of those involved in criminal activity, Commissioner Maura Kiely added:
The record breaking results our enforcement teams have achieved are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Today, we acknowledge their skills and courage, particularly that of our Maritime Unit who crew the cutters, and operate in challenging and difficult environments.
The strategic working relationships our teams have with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including our Joint Task Force partners, is another key element in the successes we have achieved in our fight against drug trafficking.
‘Cosaint’ has been specifically designed to support complex maritime enforcement operations. It is 35 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 204 tonnes. It has a range of more than 750 nautical miles and a top speed of 18 knots. The cutter is highly manoeuvrable, and will significantly enhance the ability of Revenue’s Maritime Unit to undertake effective patrol duties and combat smuggling, thereby protecting the customs territory and external borders of the European Union.
Revenue is pleased to have worked with Armon Group in Spain, who have a proven track record in designing and building state-of-the-art vessels for international law enforcement, to deliver the new Cutter.
Commenting on the delivery of ‘Cosaint’ to Revenue, Ricardo Garcia, Commercial Director of Armon Group, remarked:
Yesterday’s event marked the culmination of several years of rigorous planning, construction and sea trials. We are proud to have worked with Revenue to deliver ‘Cosaint’ on budget and ahead of schedule.
‘Cosaint’ is equipped with highly sophisticated navigational and surveillance systems which will greatly enhance Revenue’s capacity to carry out effective interventions. This next generation of cutter will also enable Revenue to carry out its essential frontier controls in an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable manner.
The cost of the cutter was €8.75m (plus VAT), which was funded by the Exchequer and a grant from OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) from the EU Anti-Fraud Programme.
[ENDS 17/10/2025]