The Government is to send a Naval Service patrol ship on a 25,000 mile mission to Asia next month, in an attempt to boost Irish trade in the region, writes Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent.
The Department of Defence confirmed yesterday that the LE Niamh will set sail from Haulbowline in Cork in early February, under the command of its captain, Lieut-Cmmdr Gerry O'Flynn. Enterprise Ireland has a key role in the project, which will be used as a showcase for over 60 Irish companies.
The ship - the latest to join the fleet - is expected to berth in up to a dozen ports en route, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Singapore, Japan and possibly the Philippines. The ship will also bring supplies to the Irish UN mission in Eritrea.
The route is still subject to final confirmation but the nature of the project makes it the largest trade mission carried out by this State.
The ship will sail through the Mediterranean and Suez canals on passage to Eritrea. Japan is expected to be the final port of call.
It is expected that a formal announcement will be made next week, when the President, Mrs McAleese, is due to visit the Naval Service and when the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, is in China.
Up to 120 key dignitaries in the region will be invited on board the ship at various stages.