On May 22nd, the Channel and North Sea Mine Clearance Diving Group took delivery of the diving support vessel (VSP) Petunia . This is the fifth vessel of the Ophrys class. This vessel will strengthen the mine warfare capabilities of the Channel and North Sea maritime district.
On this occasion, the maritime zone commander boarded the patrol boat. Eventually, the VSPs will replace the mine clearance diver intervention vessels (VIPDs) Acanthe and Magnolia after 30 years of faithful service.
The 26-meter-long and 7-meter-wide VSP (Vehicles for Search and Rescue) can accommodate around twenty mine clearance divers with their warfare diving equipment (CRABE MARK II). It offers the possibility of deploying an underwater work team, including commercial divers. The Petunia carries a 40 hp rigid inflatable boat. On board is a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber, enabling comprehensive medical support for deep dives. For research purposes, the Petunia also offers the option of using a towed sonar.
The propulsion system is particularly quiet thanks to the presence of electric motors, which allows the VSP to navigate discreetly in a mine warfare context where acoustic discretion is a determining factor.
During the second half of 2026, GPD Manche will receive its second VPS: the Azalea.