PIRIOU delivers Hydro-oceanographic and Multi-Missions vessel to Royal Moroccan Navy.

PIRIOU delivered the 72 meters hydro-oceanographic and multimissions vessel (BHO2M) ‘DAR AL BEIDA’ to the Moroccan Royal Navy on October 26th at its shipyard in Concarneau, France.

 PIRIOU delivered the 72 meters hydro-oceanographic and multimissions vessel (BHO2M) ‘DAR AL BEIDA’ to the Moroccan Royal Navy. Picture: Piriou.

This contract is the third the Moroccan Royal Navy (MRM) entrusts PIRIOU with - following the contract for the building of a 50 m Landing Craft Tank and the refit of offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 64 ‘Rais Bargach’.

The BHO2M is a last generation scientific vessel equipped with systems matching the topographic studies answering the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards. She was designed from the Multi-Missions vessel (B2M) presently under construction in Concarneau for the French Navy.

This contract is the outcome of the significant work of a tight team comprising:
- PIRIOU who ensures the vessel design, studies and building,
- The SHOM (French Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department) for the scientific part of the vessel and the training of the technicians of the Hydrography, Oceanography and Cartography Division (DHOC) of the MRM,
- KERSHIP for the expertise in military systems and contract management.

 The BHO2M is able to fulfil long lasting operations, mainly hydrographic and oceanographic missions. Picture: Piriou

The BHO2M is able to fulfil long lasting operations, mainly hydrographic and oceanographic missions such as the completion of topographic studies, data acquisition and process, scientific sampling and the related analyses. She is fitted with an appendix where the acoustic bases of the scientific equipment -including the two multibeam echo sounders- are located. As the most performing vessel of her generation regarding acoustics, the BHO2M will be able to achieve these missions at high speed while in a rough sea.

She will also be able to answer the operational requirements of the authorities regarding patrol, humanitarian assistance, Special Forces or divers deployment, search and rescue and environment protection.

She features:
- Built to European standards
- The most recent scientific integrated equipment matching the works and answering the IHO standards
- Endurance, seakeeping behaviour and high performances for long lasting deep sea missions
- Versatility enabling a large range of specific missions thanks to:
o a wide rear deck to store containers or other equipment o handling means to load and operate special equipment
o two VERTREP areas - Dedicated facilities: sickbay, divers fittings, conveniences for scientists.