Waterways Ireland has recently taken delivery of the Inis Muilinn, an 11.4-meter steel tug/workboat specifically designed for the Shannon waterway system. This highly maneuverable vessel, built by Mooney Boats Ltd and designed by Marine Design International, features a low draught of just 1.12 meters at maximum load, reducible to 0.95 meters for accessing certain stretches. The hull shape allows easy maneuvering in confined spaces, and the vessel holds a P4 passenger license after being surveyed by the local Marine Survey Office in Ballyshannon.
| Vessel Specifications | |
| Year Built | 2010 |
| Yard No | B35 |
| Length overall | 11.60m |
| Breadth | 3.90m |
| Draught | 1.72m |
| Cruising Speed | 7 Knots |
| Number of crew | 2 |
| Main Engine | Caterpillar C7 |
| Gearbox | Twin Disc MGX5075 |
| Stern Gear | Conventional shaft drive |
| Hull Material | Society Approved Grade A Steel |
| Flag | Irish Flag – P4 Licence |
| Classification Society | N/A |
The Inis Muilinn is powered by a Caterpillar C7 engine, providing 234 kW at 2400 rpm, with a bollard pull of around 2.5 tonnes and an operating speed of 8 knots. The engine room includes a Cummins Onan 13.5 kW Genset, an ABAC air compressor, and a hydraulic pump for all hydraulic operations on board. Heavy-duty deck equipment includes a centrally mounted Guerra MC40.55 A2 deck crane with a 6-meter reach, a 2-ton Rotzler TITAN deck winch, and a Seacatch 3.17 SWL quick-release towing hook, making the vessel suitable for various construction work support activities.
Designed with practicality and environmental considerations in mind, the Inis Muilinn features a deck-accessed WC for improved helm visibility, a fully equipped wheelhouse galley, and seating for the crew. Navigation equipment includes advanced systems like a Furuno GPS plotter and radar. The vessel’s paint and cathodic protection systems ensure durability, while the zero discharge specification includes Klima box coolers and biodegradable oil usage to minimize environmental impact. Delivered to Portumna, Co Galway, the Inis Muilinn is now operational, providing a high-quality solution for maintaining the Shannon waterway system.
