Sir, – Commissioned in Ireland, designed in Norway and built in Spain, the commissioning of the nation’s new research vessel in Dingle, close to the homeplace of the man it honours is a cause for widespread celebration (“RV Tom Crean, commissioned at ceremony in Dingle, expected to put Ireland at forefront of marine science”, News, October 6th).
The notion of a ship as a feminine entity prompts many to refer to RV Tom Crean as “she”. Lloyd’s List, which has been reporting on shipping matters for almost 300 years, now refers to vessels as “it”.
Perhaps the Marine Institute might like to provide guidance in relation to its latest acquisition. – Yours, etc,
PAUL REARDON,
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Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.