French supply ship takes shape in record time
Jacques Chevallier under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique. (Photo: Chantiers de l'Atlantique)
France’s new BRF ships will replace the ageing Durance-class command and supply ships.
French Shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique has laid the final block of the future French Navy Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force (BRF) supply ship Jacques Chevallier.
The Saint-Nazaire shipyard said the assembly of Jacques Chevallier was completed in a record 50 days from the arrival of the first section on December 15, 2021.
Jacques Chevallier is one of four BRF destined for the French Navy. The design of the vessel is derived from the Italian Vulcano-class supply ship.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the French BRF is larger than the Italian Vulcano-class, owing to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle’s larger air wing than Italy’s Cavour.
The BRF can carry 13,000m³ of fuel.
In December 2021, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) awarded a Fincantieri-led consortium a contract to construct a second Vulcano-class ship for the Italian Navy.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
BRF - Logistic Support Ships (1-4) [France]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
