France’s New Patrol Vessel Combines Hybrid Power and Wind Assistance.

According to a PR published by Mauric on January 10, 2025, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) has commissioned the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium to design and build an innovative offshore patrol vessel.
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Artist rendering of the future patrol vessel. (Picture source: Mauric)

The vessel’s most distinctive feature is its wind-assisted propulsion system, a forward-thinking solution aimed at substantially lowering fuel consumption and emissions. This innovation, paired with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and engines compliant with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III standards, places the vessel at the forefront of maritime ecological advancements. Complementary innovations include a hull optimized through computational fluid dynamics, enhanced insulation for energy efficiency, photovoltaic panels, and an active trim control system, all contributing to its reduced environmental impact.

Designed for extended offshore missions, the 54-meter vessel offers a range of over 3,600 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots, with a maximum speed of 17 knots. Accommodating a crew of 20, it is equipped for 12-day deployments and features advanced stabilization systems to ensure optimal performance and comfort in challenging sea conditions. It also includes high-speed semi-rigid inflatable boats capable of intercepting targets at speeds up to 35 knots.

Operating primarily in the Bay of Biscay with capabilities for extended offshore missions, the vessel is designed to safeguard national interests, enforce fisheries regulations, monitor pollution, and provide maritime assistance. It embodies a balance between operational efficiency and ecological responsibility, serving as a model for future maritime innovations.

Directorate general for Maritime affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture

The fleet of the French Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) holds a critical role in managing France's vast maritime zones. It enforces regulations, ensures maritime safety, and contributes to protecting marine environments. The fleet is equipped to perform diverse tasks, such as monitoring fishing activities, conducting ship inspections, and supporting efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.

The DGAMPA fleet's key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with international maritime safety standards and preventing marine pollution through ship surveys and inspections. These operations are managed by Ship Safety Centers, which operate along France’s coastline and in its overseas territories. The fleet also plays a vital role in fisheries management, working to preserve marine resources by monitoring fishing practices, enforcing quotas, and addressing illegal or unregulated activities.

Beyond its regulatory duties, the fleet supports environmental monitoring and pollution response, including addressing oil spills and other ecological emergencies. It also contributes to maritime training and research, collaborating with institutions like Ifremer to advance marine science and education. Additionally, the fleet participates in search and rescue operations, often in coordination with the French Navy and other maritime authorities.