PIRIOU & DCNS awarded B2M programme contract

PIRIOU and DCNS will design and construct three multi-mission ocean-going vessels for the French DGA under a new contract announced on 9 January. The vessels will be delivered under the B2M multi-mission ship programme.

As lead contractor, PIRIOU is responsible for the design and the construction of the ships; while DCNS will cover the military aspects of the design studies and the supply of the onboard communications systems (SITIP), and will also be responsible for in-service support (ISS) of each ship for up to 6 years.

Each vessel will be 65 metres long with a displacement of around 1500 tons. They will have a top speed of 12 to 15 knots, and a long endurance of approximately 30 days of operation without replenishment. They will carry a work boat about 8 metres long and semi-rigid boats, and will have a crane for loading and unloading containers. They will also be capable of deploying divers and carrying weapons and munitions.

Pascal Piriou, chairman and CEO, PIRIOU, said: ‘This order was fundamental for us. First in practical terms, as we needed it to avoid a dip in workload in 2014, but also of course in strategic terms, since it gives substance to our collaboration with DCNS, which is boosted into orbit with excellent prospects for the future, particularly for export. I am extremely happy that our collaboration is bearing fruit so rapidly, thanks to a perfect understanding between our teams.’

Bernard Planchais, executive vice-president, DCNS, added: ‘This mark of confidence by the DGA demonstrates the joint capacity of DCNS and PIRIOU to put forward competitive inclusive proposals for the design, construction and maintenance of low- and medium-tonnage ships. This joint success between our two groups strengthens our alliance with PIRIOU and enhances our partnership.’

The joint proposal by PIRIOU and DCNS was submitted before the establishment of KERSHIP, the joint venture set up in the spring by the two companies, but KERSHIP may be given the responsibility of fulfilling the contract.

The vessels will be delivered in 2015 and 2016. The contract includes an option for a fourth ship.