No timeline for disposal of drugs ship MV Matthew that has cost State €13.6m

The MV Matthew, seized with €157m worth of cocaine off Cork in 2023, has now cost the State over €13.6m and remains in harbour

The MV Matthew berthed at Marino Point, Cobh, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins 

The drug trafficking vessel lying in Cork harbour since September 2023 has now cost the State over €13.6m with no timeline yet for its disposal.

In response to a parliamentary question from Cork South Central TD Seamus McGrath, Tánaiste and defence minister Simon Harris said it is intended to have the MV Matthew eventually removed to a “recycling yard”.

The ship was seized after being boarded by the elite army ranger wing off the Cork coast on September 26, 2023. 

Last July, eight men were sentenced to a total of 129 years in prison for their role in a botched drug-smuggling attempt. 

Some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine was found on board the MV Matthew, worth about €157m.

Although the vessel was released for potential sale in a court order in December 2024, it remains in Cork harbour.

Since then, the accumulation of costs includes €3.3m for berthing, €5.7m for maintenance, and €4.6m for crewing. 

The ship has a crew of 13 present on board at all times in order to maintain function.

Mr Harris said Revenue received confirmation in December that it had successfully completed all registration of title requirements from Panama.

He added: “At this juncture, it is the intention of Revenue to apply for a single voyage exemption and to have the vessel towed to an appropriate recycling yard.” 

However, a survey of the vessel must be conducted “to advance the certification and clearance processes necessary to facilitate the departure of the vessel”, the Tanaiste said.

A classification company has been engaged by Revenue to carry out a survey and report, which is required to obtain the necessary certification for the departure of the vessel from Cork. 

The survey will also establish what remedial works need to be carried out on the ship so that it can “safely exit the Port of Cork”.

Last December, chairman of Revenue, Niall Cody, told the Public Accounts Committee it was hoped the vessel would be disposed of within the next six months, by which point it could potentially have cost the State more than €20m.

Mr McGrath said he is concerned about the ongoing costs to the State.

 “It is incredulous that there is still no clear timeline for its disposal. I acknowledge that Revenue came before the Public Accounts Committee and was very forthcoming about the challenges they face with this process. 

"However, the cost to the State for maintaining and storing this vessel is enormous. 

"It is critical that lessons are learned going forward to ensure that a more efficient approach is adopted in future and one that does not cost the State as much public funds.”