Revenue prioritises removal of MV Matthew from Cork Harbour after €13.6m cost

Revenue says remedial works on the seized cargo ship are expected to conclude within weeks before departure plans progress

The MV Matthew: 

Revenue has said completing work to facilitate the removal of the MV Matthew from Cork Harbour is a “key priority” as the State’s tax authority published its 2025 annual report.

The MV Matthew was seized by elite Army Rangers off the Cork coast in September 2023, with €157m worth of cocaine on board. It has cost the State more than €13.6m while it remains in the harbour, including €3.3m for berthing, €5.7m for maintenance, and €4.6m for crewing.