French Navy turns to domestic shipbuilder for 16-vessel tug order

France's DGA has awarded Piriou a contract for four firm RP30NG harbour and coastal tugs, with options for 12 additional vessels and associated in-service support. The 26-metre design displaces 370 tonnes fully loaded and provides 30 tonnes of bollard pull for handling nuclear submarines and major surface combatants. The first four will be built at Concarneau, with arrivals at French naval bases expected from 2028. Adapted from Piriou's civilian tug range, the vessels will also support firefighting, pollution response and maritime-assistance missions up to 200 nautical miles offshore for several days.