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
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
