Four support vessels for French Navy
A team led by ship-building group Piriou, along with Kership and DCNS has been awarded a contract for the supply of four ocean-going support vessels for the French Navy, the French Ministry of Defence announced on 4 September.
Under the contract, the team will deliver the first two vessels in 2018. The second and third vessels are expected to be delivered in 2019, pending order confirmation in 2016. The new vessels will be used both for public safety and military missions and will replace five vessels of three types that are currently in service in the navy.
The contract covers the construction of the ships, on-board integration of equipment and trials in Brittany.
The 70m vessels, known as BSAH, will have a displacement of 2,665 tonnes and propulsion power of 5,200kW. Each will accommodate a crew of 17 and up to 12 additional people.
The vessels will be used for naval and civil support roles, including towing antennas and targets, and providing assistance to surface ships and submarines as required. They will also be used for missions including sea rescue and providing assistance to ships in distress, as well as environmental protection.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031]()
A closer look at the US Navy’s $268 billion investment in shipbuilding by 2031
The recently released USN 2026 Shipbuilding Plan anticipates the procurement of 185 crewed and uncrewed platforms in the next five years.
-
![STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent]()
STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent
Turkish defence and engineering company STM is attempting to challenge Europe’s established naval primes by winning contracts from Portugal to Pakistan – with a business model built on working in any shipyard in the world.
-
![First Canadian River-class destroyer to have its keel laid in June]()
First Canadian River-class destroyer to have its keel laid in June
Currently at the block fabrication and construction stage, the HMCS Fraser’s keel-laying ceremony is scheduled to take place next month as a step towards increasing the Royal Canadian Navy's anti-submarine and air defence capabilities.
