The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to Piriou shipyards for the acquisition of 16 new-generation pusher tugs (RP30NG), with a bollard pull of 30 tonnes. These 370-tonne tugs are intended for the Port Support Services (SMP) of naval bases in mainland France and its overseas territories. They are expected to arrive at their respective naval bases by 2028.
The RP30NGs are deployable up to 200 nautical miles from the coast for several days, are 26 meters long and have a displacement of 370 tons fully loaded, thus meeting the operational needs of the French Navy:
- Port maneuvers, particularly for submarines such as nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and first-rank surface vessels;
- Port easement (firefighting, pollution control, port access protection barrier);
- Maritime surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ);
- Support for State action at sea (AEM), particularly for fisheries control and assistance.
They adopted the design of the civilian range of Piriou tugboats but adapted to the very specific military maneuvering of nuclear submarines. This approach allows for mass production and reduces delivery times.
The contract provides for a firm order for the first four ships to be built in Concarneau (29) and optional orders for the following 12 as well as maintenance in operational condition.
This order is part of the ongoing renewal of the French Navy’s tugboat fleet. It follows an initial contract, signed in 2020, which led to the delivery of four RP30 tugs.
