The Future of Fuel Efficiency: France’s Innovative Offshore Patrol Vessel

Government-owned vessels, especially those involved in law enforcement, are often overlooked when it comes to fuel efficiency. However, in late 2024, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) in France took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by commissioning the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium to design and build an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) that incorporates hybrid propulsion and wind sails, among other energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies.

The decision to invest in this innovative vessel is part of a strategic approach to modernize the fleet dedicated to the control and surveillance system (DCS) while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The OPV will feature a wind-assisted propulsion system, diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, and IMO TIER III compliant engines, making it a pioneering vessel in the maritime ecological transition. In addition to these technologies, the vessel will have a hull design optimized through computational fluid dynamics, enhanced insulation with optimized energy management, photovoltaic panels, and an active trim control system.

The 54m OPV is designed for extended 12-day missions with a crew of 20. It will be equipped with launch and recovery systems for 6.5m fast semi-rigid inflatable boats capable of intercepting at speeds up to 35 knots. The vessel’s steel hull and aluminum superstructure prioritize seakeeping and crew comfort, with an anti-roll stabilization system that ensures optimal operability in all sea states. With a maximum speed of 17 knots and a range exceeding 3,600 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots, the OPV is set to deliver both performance and efficiency.

Construction of the vessel will take place at Socarenam’s shipyard in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2027. Socarenam, with over 250 employees, has a long history of building ships, having constructed more than 350 vessels since 1961. MAURIC, part of the Exail Group, brings expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering to the project.

54m OPV Main Particulars

• Crew: 16 persons
• Duration: 12 days, up to 200 days at sea per year
• Length: 53.7 m
• Construction: Steel hull, aluminum superstructure
• Propulsion: Diesel-electric hybrid system with wind-assisted propulsion
• Maximum speed: 17 knots
• Endurance: 3,600 nm at 12 knots
• Nautical equipment: 2 semi-rigid boats of 6.50m (speed: 35 knots)

Main Missions

The innovative design and technologies incorporated into France’s new offshore patrol vessel demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency and effectiveness in maritime law enforcement and surveillance.