French Navy commissions second Logistic Support Ship Jacques Stosskopf in Saint-Nazaire.

According to information published by Chantiers de l'Atlantique on September 13, 2024, stakeholders in the construction of the second logistic support ship (BRF) under the "Flotte Logistique" (FLOTLOG) program gathered in Saint-Nazaire to mark the official commissioning and float-out of the BRF Jacques Stosskopf. This event followed the vessel's float-out on August 19.
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Logistic Support Ship Jacques Stosskopf. (Picture source: French government)

The Jacques Stosskopf is the second in a series of four BRFs being built for the French Navy, a contract awarded in January 2019 to the consortium formed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Naval Group, under the supervision of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). The FLOTLOG program is part of a Franco-Italian collaboration aimed at enhancing naval logistical capabilities under the broader Logistic Support Ship (LSS) initiative, overseen by OCCAR for the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and its Italian counterpart, NAVARM.

The September 13 ceremony saw the ship officially placed under the command of Captain Sébastien Fajon, with prominent attendees including Emmanuel Chiva, France's Defense Procurement Chief, OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker, Inspector General of the Navy François Moreau, Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique Director General Laurent Castaing.

During the event, Laurent Castaing praised the efficiency of the assembly process, highlighting the rapid five-month construction timeline from keel-laying in March to float-out in August. He also emphasized the strong synergy between Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Naval Group in delivering this European project. Echoing this sentiment, Pierre Éric Pommellet underscored the success of the industrial cooperation, noting the complementary expertise of both companies in providing top-tier capabilities for the French Navy.

Sea trials for the Jacques Stosskopf are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025, with delivery expected by the end of the same year. Meanwhile, construction of the third BRF, Emile Bertin, is already underway, with delivery planned for 2027. The first ship in the series, Jacques Chevallier, was delivered to the French Navy in July 2023.

These vessels are designed to provide long-term logistical support to French naval forces, offering significantly greater fuel and cargo capacity than their predecessors, the Durance-class tankers. With the ability to carry 13,000 m³ of fuel and various supplies, they are essential for sustaining naval operations over extended periods, enabling distant and long-duration deployments.