Dublin Port Company’s new Tolka pilot boat is christened

THE Dublin Port Company has officially christened its new pilot boat, the DPC Tolka, in a short ceremony held at Poolbeg Yacht Club.

The state-of-the art vessel arrived in Dublin Port in December. 

Fr Ivan Tonge of Ringsend Parish and Reverend William Black, Port Chaplin from the Mission to Seafarers, blessed the 17.1 metre vessel.

Then, the boat’s ‘godmother’, Eileen Murray, carried out the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle on its bow.

Eileen, a local of Ringsend, is the Vice Commodore of Poolbeg Yacht Club and her father was one of its founding members. 

DPC Tolka is the newest addition to the port’s fleet of working vessels, which includes tug boats Shackleton and Beaufort, multi-purpose workboat the Rosbeg, and pilot boats Liffey and Camac.

She replaces the port’s oldest pilot boat, Dodder, which was retired from service after 23 years. 

DPC Tolka represents a vital upgrade in the provision of pilotage services at the port.

Pilots have been training on the new vessel since her arrival.

Designed by French Naval Architect Pantocarene for both fuel efficiency and performance in challenging weather conditions, DPC Tolka features the latest navigational and safety equipment on board, including a dedicated Pilot workstation in the wheelhouse and hydraulic Man Overboard Recovery Platform at the stern. 

With shipping companies increasingly deploying longer, deeper ships capable of carrying more cargo, DPC Tolka will allow Dublin Port’s team of highly skilled marine pilots to reach and board these ships in all weather conditions from a greater distance out into Dublin Bay.

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “The christening of a new vessel is a longstanding tradition.

“I cannot think of a more suitable godmother to the Tolka than Vice Commodore Murray, whose family are steeped in Poolbeg Yacht Club’s history.”

“I thank Eileen and the club for hosting this event today and Dublin Port Company looks forward to working closely with both the local community and the various sailing organisations in the future.”