The controversial Dutch vessel equipped to carry out on board abortions today docked in Dublin's river Liffey to be met by a scrum of the world's media.
The 100ft converted fishing trawler Aurorawas accompanied on its arrival by a police launch but there was no sign of the anticipated pro-life protests.
Having completed the four-day voyage from Holland, it is expected to dispense contraceptives and family planning advice in Dublin before also visiting Cork during its 10-day stay in Ireland.
The Amsterdam-based Women On Waves Foundation, which organised the vessel, refused to comment on whether staff on board would be carrying out abortions, illegal in the Republic apart from in exceptional circumstances.
The vessel, registered in the Dutch port of Scheveningen, carries an operating theatre within a converted container attached to its deck.
While the group has said it does not intend carrying out surgical abortions, it is understood it may administer the abortion pill to pregnant Irish women under Dutch law while 12 miles offshore in international waters.
Ms Lizet Kraal, one of the Dutch organisers of the trip, said she was "not anxious but excited" about their arrival and explained security would be provided by women serving in the Irish army.
Mr John Smyth, spokesman for the Irish Pro Life campaign, described the exercise as a "publicity stunt" and said it was not going to help women in crisis pregnancies in any way.
He said: "There is already a debate under way in Ireland on the issue, there has been for a number of years, and we see Woman on Waves as a distraction from that - any debate is helpful but raising hysteria is not."
He said his organisation had not planned direct protest or do to anything to add to the publicity.
"But we cannot guarantee that individuals won't come down and ignore our calls and engage in militant action," he said.
Earlier in the week, Human Life International (Ireland) vowed to launch a rival boat offering a Pro Life alternative.
The vessel, of which no sign was seen tonight, would offer advice and spiritual guidance, while the group would also mount a prayer vigil both at the dock and around the country.
PA