Less than two years after construction began, the Gowind offshore patrol vessel L’Adroit, has been made available to the French Navy.
Built by DCNS under a self-funded programme, the ship incorporates a number of major technological innovations and will now have a chance to demonstrate its operational value on French Navy missions all over the world.
The L’Adroit was officially made available to the French Navy on October 21 at a ceremony attended by Bernard Huet, executive vice president and deputy managing director of DCNS, and Vice Admiral Xavier Magne, commander of France’s naval action force (FAN).
With two French Navy crews rotating every four months, L’Adroit will offer a high level of at-sea availability, spending 220 days a year on operational missions.
With a length of 87 metres, OPV L’Adroit offers three weeks’ blue-water endurance, a range of 8,000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots and a helicopter/UAV flight deck.
The design also features full provision for reduced crewing by a complement of 30 and space for 30 passengers.