DCNS, PIRIOU JV Selected For 4 French Offshore Patrol Vessels Program

The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has selected a joint venture from PIRIOU and DCNS, KERSHIP to supply four Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Navy’s offshore support and assistance program.

The French Navy’s Bâtiments de Soutien et d’Assistance Hauturiers (BSAH) or offshore support and assistance program also includes associated maintenance.

PIRIOU will provide design and construction of vessels and DCNS will provide on-board communication systems and will be taking care of maintenance over a period of 5 years. KERSHIP, the JV created by the two naval partners, will act as prime contractor for this program which includes two firm vessels and two optional.

"Our offer is an industrial solution based on a production to take place 100 per cent in France. Our collaboration with DCNS will help us concentrate the specific expertise required for winning future export orders such as B2M and BSAH,"Pascal Piriou, CEO of PIRIOU group said.

"Through its KERSHIP joint venture, DCNS proposes a complete portfolio of entry and mid-range ships backed by French references, from OPVs to specialized support vessel (B2M multi-mission vessels and BSAH). KERSHIP can also draw on the experience of the original OPV L'Adroit developed by DCNS on its own funds and made available to the French Navy for four years now,"Pierre Legros, director of DCNS Programs, said.

The BSAH contract covers the design and construction of ships of 70 meters in length with a full load displacement of about 2,600 tons. Two units of the firm tranche are scheduled for delivery in 2018 while the tranche 2 vessel are expected to be delivered in 2019.