Based on PIRIOU’s established civilian tug designs, the RP30NG has been adapted to meet the specialist operational requirements of the French Navy
PIRIOU Shipyards has secured a contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for the construction of 16 next-generation RP30NG tug-pushers, each offering a bollard pull of 30 tonnes, as part of the French Navy’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.
The 370-tonne vessels will support port operations at French naval bases across mainland France and the French Overseas Territories, with the first deliveries expected from 2028.
Measuring 26 metres in length and with a full-load displacement of 370 tonnes, the RP30NG vessels will be capable of operating up to 200 nautical miles offshore for several days. They are designed to undertake a range of operational tasks, including harbour manoeuvre involving nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and major surface combatants.
Additional duties will include harbour support operations such as firefighting, anti-pollution response and the deployment of protective barriers at port entrances. The vessels will also undertake maritime surveillance within France’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), alongside wider State Action at Sea responsibilities, including fisheries enforcement and assistance operations.
Based on PIRIOU’s established civilian tug designs, the RP30NG has been adapted to meet the specific operational requirements of the French Navy, particularly the demanding manoeuvring requirements associated with nuclear-powered submarines. By drawing on an existing commercial design platform, the programme is intended to support series production and reduce construction and delivery times.
The contract includes a firm order for the first four vessels, which will be built at PIRIOU’s shipyard in Concarneau, Brittany. Options cover a further 12 tug-pushers, alongside provision for maintenance and continued operational support.
The programme continues the French Navy’s wider fleet renewal initiative and follows an initial contract signed in 2020, which resulted in the delivery of four RP30 tug-pushers.
