PIRIOU is responsible
for the design and the construction of the ships. DCNS is co-contractor
with PIRIOU for the military aspects of the design studies and the
supply of the onboard communications systems (SITIP), and will be
responsible for in-service support (ISS) of each ship for up to 6
years.
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.
Pascal PIRIOU, Chairman and CEO of the group, declared: “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, DCNS Executive Vice-President, declared: “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 new ships will have a top speed of 12 to 15 knots. They will have
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.
Update: According to the French Procurement Agency (DGA), these
vessels:
- have the ability to project 20 personnel (joint, police or gendarmerie)
with two 4x4 vehicles along with their weapons and ammunition.
- will ensure the evacuation of citizens and have the ability to deploy
and support divers and equipment (including drones) to conduct underwater
interventions.
- Under the state action at sea, they will provide fisheries police
missions, and contribute to the fight against illegal immigration,
drug trafficking and piracy.
- They will assist ships in distress and participate in safeguarding
people and property, through their firefighting means and towing capacity
of up to 30 tons
