The *Unión*, a renowned training ship of the Peruvian Navy, arrived at Dublin Port on September 6, 2024, and opened its decks to the public for a limited number of visits. The ship’s presence marks a meaningful cultural exchange and provides a rare opportunity for the Irish public to experience a piece of maritime history.

According to Afloat Magazine, the ship’s visit is part of a larger training voyage for midshipmen from the Peruvian Naval academy. The *Unión* serves as a floating classroom, providing practical experience in navigation, seamanship, and international relations.

About the *Unión*

The *Unión* (BE-1) is a three-masted barque, originally built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1956. wikipedia details its history, noting it was gifted to Peru by the Spanish government. It has since become a symbol of the Peruvian Navy and a frequent participant in international naval reviews and tall ship races.The ship is 90.6 meters (297 ft) long and has a crew of approximately 300, including officers, midshipmen, and civilian personnel.

The *Unión*’s primary mission is to provide practical training to future officers of the Peruvian Navy. During its voyages, midshipmen learn essential skills in navigation, meteorology, seamanship, and ship handling. The ship also serves as a floating ambassador for Peru,fostering goodwill and strengthening relationships wiht other nations.

Dublin port Visit Details

Public tours of the *Unión* in Dublin Port were scheduled for September 6th and 7th, 2024. Access was managed by the Peruvian Embassy in Ireland and Dublin Port Company. The visit provided a unique opportunity for the public to explore the ship’s decks, learn about its history, and interact with the Peruvian naval personnel.

The Dublin Port Company highlighted the event as a demonstration of the port’s commitment to fostering international relations and supporting cultural exchange. The *Unión*’s visit also provided a boost to local tourism, attracting visitors to the port area.