The first sail-powered maritime patrol vessel
France
The first sail-powered marine patrol vessel, ordered by the French Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture, is already under construction and will be delivered next year.
The vessel has been specifically designed for the installation of a 170m² sail, which could be in use nearly 90% of the time once it is operational in the Bay of Biscay maritime region. It also includes a system that can switch from diesel to electric propulsion very quickly. This system also saves hours of diesel use at very low speeds, thus cutting fuel consumption and associated emissions, as well as reducing wear and tear on the vessel.
According to the models and the predicted operational use of the vessel, this technology could allow an estimated six-tonne fuel reduction per year and an estimated carbon emissions reduction by 23 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The vessel, which replaces one that entered into service in 1988, measures 54 meters in length and is designed to carry out 12-day missions with a crew of 20 on board. It will carry out missions like surveillance, including surveillance of the marine environment, and fisheries control.
Construction began in September 2025, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2027 by the SOCARENAM shipyard, located in the North of France (Boulogne-sur-Mer). Feedback on this new patrol vessel will benefit the entire sailing propulsion sector and the shipbuilding industry.