Construction has officially begun on France’s new-generation Maritime Affairs Patrol Vessel (PAM), following the steel-cutting ceremony held on 18 September 2025 at the Socarenam shipyard in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The project, awarded in late 2024 and announced in early 2025, represents a significant step in France’s push toward environmentally advanced naval platforms.
Developed by naval architecture firm MAURIC, the vessel incorporates diesel-electric hybrid propulsion enhanced by wind-assisted technology. Its hull design, optimized through computational fluid dynamics, ensures both energy efficiency and reduced emissions. The ship is expected to achieve cruising speeds of 10 knots and exceed 18 knots at maximum power.
Measuring 53.7 meters with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the patrol vessel is configured for 16 crew members, four special forces personnel, and 12 days of autonomy at sea. It will operate primarily in the Bay of Biscay but is also designed for extended offshore missions, supporting surveillance, fisheries enforcement, pollution monitoring, and search and rescue.
The construction schedule, divided into eight modular blocks, is set to keep the project on track for delivery in the second half of 2027. Once completed, the vessel will strengthen France’s maritime security while showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainable naval innovation.
