French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has launched the first of four vessels of the country navy’s new logistic support Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force (BRF) ships to replace the obsolete Durance-class for its navy.
The ship, Jacques Chevallier, has been developed to provide supplies to naval ships far from the mainland and logistic support to frigates, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships.
Managing Director of Chantiers de l’Atlantique Laurent Castaing said that the assembly of the vessel was completed in a record 50 days.
In January 2019, Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Naval Group received a contract for the construction of the ships as part of the Flotte Logistique program. Naval Group is acting as the program’s main contractor.
The development of the first ship started in May 2020, while delivery is scheduled for the end of this year. The delivery of the successive ships will be completed by 2029.
Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force Ships
Jacques Chevallier’s design is derived from the Italian Vulcano-class supply ship, but the French ship is considered to be larger in size.
The BRF ships can carry 13,000 cubic meters (459,090 cubic feet) of fuel while it has a crew capacity of 190 people.
The BRF is 194 meters (636 feet) long, has a beam measuring 27 meters (90 feet), and a draught of 9 meters (30 feet).