German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) has revealed the delivery of four engines bound for new logistic support ships (LSS) built for the French Navy.
According to the company, four MAN 32/44CR engines will be installed on the first vessel in naval series. In January 2019, the French defense procurement agency “Direction Générale de l’Armement” (DGA) officially ordered the four Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Force (BRF) – replenishment vessels.
Until January 2019, the program was known as Flotte logistique (FLOTLOG). The ships will be built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Naval Group in cooperation with Fincantieri which will provide technical assistance and deliver some parts of the hull.
Under the terms of the contract, MAN ES will supply all BRF engines to Chantiers de l’Atlantique by 2029. Each vessel will feature a diesel-electric propulsion system with two shaft lines and propellers.
Construction of the first replenishment ship started in 2019. With a capacity of 13,000 cbm, the newbuilds will provide logistical support to the combat vessels of the French Navy. They carry fuel, ammunition, spare parts, as well as food for the vessels.
The new ships will feature a length of 194 meters and a width of 27.6 meters. They will be able to accommodate 190 people, including 130 crew members and 60 passengers. The LSSs will replace the French Navy’s single-hulled Durance-class replenishment ships which entered service in the 1970s and 80s, according to the officials.
Compliant with international standards, their characteristics are adapted to their specific missions of support to the aviation group constituted around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the flagship of the naval air force group.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery in the period from late 2022 to 2029.