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.